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How Was Your Monday?
Hi there, come on in. Thanks for stopping by a bit earlier tonight than usual. It's been another long and active day - frankly, I'm tired. As usual, though, friends will rejuvinate me and make me laugh. You know how much I love a good laugh! Bless your heart for that, you didn't need to ... you're right, watermelon is my favorite. Some of my best childhood memories involve sitting cross-legged on the floor with a half of a fresh watermelon in my lap and a really big spoon. Do you like salt with yours? I do, for some totally insane reason. Salt with watermelon, what a wierd concept! Now I just need to find room in the frig. While I'm at it can I get you anything? Of course, grab a seat. I'll be right back.
Monday. The subject of so many songs and so many curses. I've found, (much to my chagrin), that any day of the week can be a Monday. But when you have a real Monday on the day actually named for it it can suck. Mine did, now I wonder what Tuesday will bring. Glad tidings from a stranger? An unexpected smile on a face that never cracks? Perhaps a breeze to stir my hair when I need it most or the chance to watch a bird take a bath. Maybe the sun will shine through the clouds or will take the day off and watch from afar. There's a very good chance that tomorrow will be filled with joy. I think I'll hold that thought tightly as the day begins and look for opportunities to make it true. So I now let go of a crappy Monday and turn my thoughts toward good friends, conversation, laughter and soothing music. And a wonderful Tuesday to come.
Sorry I took so long, here you go. Wow! A spot on the sofa for me? I've gotten kinda used to the floor and a pillow. Better not get up - move it and lose it, 'ya know. Here's Sox, right on time for a hug. Oh good grief, her breath is horrible. But her eyes ... So!
How was your Monday?
Comments (61)
Salt on cantaloupe, not watermelon, but that sounds good.
July 28, 2008 10:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting, my Mom adores canteloupe but I don't think she's ever used salt. Nor have I. But am willing to give it a shot!
July 28, 2008 10:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
We had a healthy salad and a short walk. My daughter commandeered the DSL to watch anime. I caught the Ahmadinejad interview on NBC, dozed through several vapid shows, but awoke in time to watch The Speckled Band.
Ahmadinejad made the interesting argument that nuclear bombs were the weapon of the 20th century, and that having nuclear missiles had not done the Soviet Union much good in the long run, nor had they helped the US in Afghanistan or Iraq.
July 28, 2008 10:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
My oldest stepson has been an avid anime fan for years. He's also a talented artist who has created some beautiful pieces in that vien.
Your latter point? They've not done much good because thankfully unused. But who is to decide their future "good", and what constitutes "the long run"?
July 28, 2008 10:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just re-read the thread and see that I missed this reference to your stepson, Melissa. Tell us about him and his art talent. How old is he? Never heard of anime - what or who is it?
July 29, 2008 12:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's hard to explain, but a kind of Japanese animation. Actually, Scientific's avatar is a useful example, I think. Gosh, I hope I get the name right without going back to check.
He's 24, his brother is 22. I'm not with their Dad as I once was, it's confusing. But they will always mean the world to me.
July 29, 2008 12:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, if you're sorry, that their Dad is not part of your picture. But kudos to you, Melissa, for keeping the ties with the children, or I guess I should say grown children. It really, really matters. Divorces, separations, etc. are so hard on the children. So that family ties, extended family ties, friendships, stepmothers and fathers all become so much more important to them.
I think, in fact, that is true for all of us. It's much, much better when we can make peace with those with whom we've fought; the new relationship then seems to be more solid, as if the choice to heal the rift, then somehow binds people together in new and healthier ways. And it can have comical results: I have maintained a close friendship with my college sweetheart through the years and have dinner with him -- and whichever wife is currently in the picture -- a few times a year, here or there. I have actually stayed at my first husband's house, at the invitation of his French wife, who is very wise in these things. And with her help, my son -- an only child - is finally getting the experience of siblings, by getting to know her children. They, like your stepsons, are all ready grown, but the sense of family has grown, too, although it can seem odd to outsiders. We have even discussed going, together, on a sailing vacation. But there are complications. Husband #1 doesn't like husband #2, so we'll see.
About your stepson's art. I'm glad you are encouraging him. I wish we could post photos so we could see his work... and Sox.
July 29, 2008 1:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
How to reply to your thoughtful message. I agree with you, who could not? It's been just over two years of confusion, and I still wonder. While life in general makes more sense, there are moments that create unexpected angst.
Not with the boys, I hope. They are grown and growing men, with a strong relationship with their father. A blessing for all three.
Me? Still navigating the waters of life. The tide always changes and the wind always shifts. But with each day that passes I find the place for my individual footprint easier to find. And easier to fulfill.
July 29, 2008 1:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Anime is essentially Japanese animated cartoons. My kids have watched Pokemon, Sailor Moon, Dragonball, Tenchi Muyo, Gundam Wing, Inuyasha, Rurouni Kenshin, Case Closed, Bleach and Blood+ to name a few.
I believe Scientific's avatar is Huey from an American newspaper cartoon, The Boondocks. There is an animated version.
July 29, 2008 7:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ahmadinejad was arguing that Iran had no interest in nuclear weapons, and that they hadn't been very useful. I think he was ignoring their importance as a bargaining chip, but I thought it was interesting that he would bother to make the argument..
July 29, 2008 7:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Morning, Donal. That's for a much better explanation of anime than my attempt. And OOPS regarding Scientific's avatar. Just popped into my head as an example, but not a good one.
Iran with no interest in nuclear weapons? An intersting thought, that. Wish it true, bargaining chip or otherwise.
July 29, 2008 8:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hi, Melissa.
I thought I'd drop off this video to you for a laugh or a smile today.
It will help you with Sox. Or help Sox with you depending on whose's in charge of the relationship.
These guys are masters at their craft no doubt.
You can pass it along if you like.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4
July 28, 2008 10:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for dropping by, quasar. I'm in the dinosaur age of dial-up, so sadly can't watch videos without a huge amount of time and patience. Guess that's why I so value conversation. I find it far more worth the aforementioned patience.
By the way, Sox is a 70 lb. Boxer, of the dog variety. ;)
July 28, 2008 11:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol!
never mind!
July 28, 2008 11:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know about you but laughing at my embarrassment shoulda did the trick.
July 28, 2008 11:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Quaser, if its any comfort that bit about Sox caught me too! All along I was thinking "black cat with white mittens".
July 28, 2008 11:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, to the both of you: Wonderful laughs!! Can't thank you enough, the least intended funnies are indeed the best.
July 28, 2008 11:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks everybody.
No...don't get up.
I'll let myself out.
Goodnight.
July 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
'Night, hope to see you again soon.
July 28, 2008 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry, Quasar. Everone thinks Sox is a cat, at first, probably because we all associate the name with the Clinton's cat when they were in the White House. I do have cats -- so thanks for the show.
July 28, 2008 11:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks.
July 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep, add me to Quaser & Lux on the list. A DOG?? Heck, our 1st dog on the farm was a 70 pound boxer. Never once came inside the house. Tough as nails. Called "Old Mike." Now you're tellin' me that they're relatives. That's really gonna mess me up - Old Mike & Sox living side-by-side in my imagination. Live & learn I guess....
July 28, 2008 11:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
So what kind of breath did Old Mike have? Sox has a strange obsession about these things. Don't ask me ... I just translate.
July 28, 2008 11:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Funny. My main memories of Old Mike are of him "exploring" the ditch. A lot. Usually to the point where he was sortof grey coloured. Let's just say we didn't spend a lot of time nuzzling. ;-)
July 29, 2008 12:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Point taken. But great, now I'm wondering what she does when she goes outside ... serious need to change the skew of thought. She lives inside because she's spoiled rotten. Sort of adopted her after Hurricane Floyd when she was barely a year old and diagnosed with heartworms due to many factors. Not the least of which being ignored by her "owner" while in a flooded area. Floods breed mosquitoes, mosquitoes breed heartworms. She is nine years old now and healthy. Unless you count the fact that she's too fat, according to the Vet who continues to fuss at me. But she's really happy, so I can live with the breath. Working on the fat.
July 29, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Floor for me tonight, I need to stretch out my legs!
My wife is sending a card to our nephew, age 9, with a lot of corny jokes on it. I bring this one as a gift, instead of the marionberries:
"What kind of suit does a duck wear to a birthday party?"
drumroll.....
"A Duck-sedo!"
Har!
July 28, 2008 11:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
My first laugh out loud of the night! I love silly. But do we have to give up the marionberries?
July 28, 2008 11:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
well no, but Phyllis and I aren't going out there again until this coming Saturday. :-(
Here's another joke from the same card:
"What did the judge say when the skunk walked into the courtroom?"
drumroll.....
"Odor in the Court!!"
And this one from MY childhood:
"What did the Mayonaise Jar say to the Refrigerator?"
ready for this?
"Shut the door....I'm Dressing!"
Got any of that Zin left?
July 28, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
No salt. And give me a Crane melon, please.
And -man!- talk about doggie breath!
July 28, 2008 11:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
No salt? 'Ya sure? Alright, I'll give you the purity of flavor. Forgive the ignorance, but what the heck is a Crane melon?
And I'm pretty sure Sox is insulted. Even I don't say it to her face!
July 28, 2008 11:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hi Coralsea!
That's not Sox, that's my socks! Probably should put my shoes back on!
Here, done.
July 28, 2008 11:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Always plenty of Zin for you, and Phyllis. Looking forward to those berries next weekend.
"Shut the door ... I'm Dressing" - my favorite so far.
July 28, 2008 11:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, Melissa,
Love the idea of you starting earlier, Melissa.
Did you start that last night? What was your topic last night?
Monday is complicated, isn't it? In principle, it ought to be a great day. Refreshed from the weekend, with the brain cobwebs that build up during the week swept away for a fresh start. And yet. So often it seems hard to concentrate. And people are frequently snappish. Puzzling, that, but so frequently true.
Didn't I read somewhere that, in 1950, it was predicted that by 2000, we would have a four-day work week? Would we be less productive? Maybe we should lose Monday, since it's such a loss anyway.
Do tell Quasar's the cat video was great, except for the cat-in-spinning chair part... which made me, as well as the poor cat, dizzy.
What's on your mind tonight?
July 28, 2008 11:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Last night? Soft rain. Appreciating just one moment. Sweet replies, as always.
Tonight, just what I said. Good friends and relaxation after an annoying day. Shouldn't have let it be, though, keep forgetting that the choice is mine.
Wonderful to see you, as always.
July 28, 2008 11:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ark of Taste
Saving Cherished Slow Foods, One Product at a Time
Crane Melon
Cucumis melo
Richard Hope Crane arrived in California from Missouri for the Gold Rush in 1849. He had been a farmer his whole life, like all of his forefathers. He mined gold for several years before arriving in Sonoma County in 1852. Oliver Crane, the son of Richard H. Crane, developed the Crane Melon in the early 1900s by crossing several varieties of melons, including a Japanese melon, a white melon, a Persian melon and an ambrosia melon among others.
The Crane melon averages 4-7 pounds, is round like a soccer ball, and has a light orange flesh that is highly aromatic. The fruit is exceptionally sweet and juicy. As Jennifer Crane -- the sixth generation to own and operate the Crane Ranch and grow the Crane melon-- explains, "The Crane melon's flavor is due to its terroir. The melon was developed to be grown on the land that's been in the Crane family for nearly 160 years --in a particular soil, within a specific climate zone, farmed in a certain style."
The Crane Melon is almost never found in conventional stores. The melons do not have the shelf life for shipping because they are vine ripened. At the Crane Ranch they are picked ripe daily when in season from September 1 to October 31 (on an average year).
http://www.cranemelon.com/
July 28, 2008 11:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK, that's good for an answer. Now use your voice to describe a Crane melon.
July 28, 2008 11:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Delicious, sinful sex;
glorious, moist lovemaking
with partner so-joined at the hip
and the heart.
Better than all that.
Nectar of sweetness beyond words'
ability to convey;
Can only resort to touch
and kiss
and embrace.
And even then
I fear
shall be breathlessly
incomplete.
It. Is. That. F'n. Good.
And. That. Fleeting.
July 29, 2008 12:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Jeez, Coral Sea. That must be some kind of melon. The only fruit thing I've tasted that comes close to evoking that kind of description is blood orange mixed with fig and avocado, dribbled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. And that response may have been as much about the surroundings as it was the food itself, as I discovered the mix and had some on the spot at a street bar on a glorious Spring day in Rome. So maybe the surroundings have to be just right, too? Or, no, the Crane melon is just that good, all by itself? If so, sign me up for a cheap flight soon.
July 29, 2008 12:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
blood orange mixed with fig and avocado, dribbled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
That is almost precisely a breakfast dish I enjoyed in a heave-to in Napoli back in the day, wws. OMG, to describe such as delicious is to do disservice.
*sigh* Am so wasted from long day; insufficient sleep; jet-lag; early call menana. Should properly sign-off hereabouts.
But, oh my...... a thread on-topic so dear to my heart! ;-)
Pax, All.
And for those fortunate to have one: hug & hold them close. You don't know how lucky you are.
-Michael
July 29, 2008 12:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
'Night, Michael. I'm so glad you're home safe and sound.
July 29, 2008 12:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Home??
Hardly.
Am on the road, doing the Obama thing.
MUST turn off my phone, however;
and close my laptop.
TPM=Crack.
;-)
July 29, 2008 12:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Fine, then. Be that way.
;)
July 29, 2008 1:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
I expected nothing less.
July 29, 2008 12:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Crane melon sounds wonderful. Thanks for the history and description, Coralsea. Sorry I missed sampling them. While living in San Francisco, we made a lot of Sonoma excursions, but I guess we were so busy looking at the beauty of the land, and basking in that orange-tinted light that the local food products didn't attract our attention. Oh, or maybe it was all that sampling of wine.
July 29, 2008 12:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
heh.. more than welcome, wws; am happy that your life-journeys saw fit to have you traipse through god's country.
and, quite so: blame it on the wine. ;-)
July 29, 2008 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Coralsea,
Sounds terrific!
Someone ought nip on down to that farm and get one of those for tomorrow night's get together! I'll go in half! I'd do it, but I'm up in Oregon!
Melissa,
Don't let those Monday blues get to you...best cure I know of is exercise or reading good poetry!
Here's a Mary Oliver poem you might like:
"Why I Wake Early
Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who make the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety---
best preacher there ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light---
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness."
July 29, 2008 12:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
Only problem with your (admittedly lovely) suggestion, Lux, is that the very nature of Crane melons precludes travelling; they're simply too damn fragile to survive intact.
Sucks, to be sure. But -damn!- they are so indescribably worth the special handling required.
July 29, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for that poem, LuxUmbraDei, which sums up why I love the morning -- my favorite time of day. (And speaking of "day," would it be impertinent for me to call you "Dei," or Lux, if you prefer, as it is shorter to type?)
July 29, 2008 12:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
"Call me anything, but don't call me late for dinner!"
That's an oldie.
"What's your name?" "Puddin-tame! Ask me again and I'll tell you the same!"
That's even older!
Seriously WW, you can call me Lux. "Dei" just wouldn't do!!
"Hey you" works too!
July 29, 2008 12:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, Lux. Phyllis is such a lucky woman.
Thank you for that. It's absolutely, positively without a doubt perfect.
July 29, 2008 12:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
[smile]
Hard to beat Mary O.!
And you've got it reversed, its me who's the lucky one!
Well, its getting late for me now, so I'm a signing off, but one more fragment from a Mary Oliver poem:
"For years and years I struggled
just to love my life. And then
the butterfly
rose, weightless, in the wind.
'Don't love your life
too much,' it said,
and vanished
into the world."
July 29, 2008 12:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
'Night, Lux. Thank you, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night. Hopeful, anyway!
July 29, 2008 12:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry, wwstaebler.
That part of the film was sped up. I think the cat rather enjoyed it. Seemed to be it's thing.
Besides, there was a written disclaimer at the end:
"None of the kitties, humans, or engineers were mistreated during the making of this film. They were however slightly annoyed."
July 28, 2008 11:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Another laugh, and I didn't even see the show. Cool!
July 29, 2008 12:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
I didn't get fired, which I thought was a real possibility when I went into work. I even almost sorta saved a deal, so nothing wrong there, either.
The person with whom I most like to talk -- the person I most like period -- is out of contact for the next few days, leaving me a bit blue. So all in all, pretty much a Monday.
What's funny about that to me is that I work weekends so Monday is really Wednesday to me. And yet it still feels like Monday. Must honestly be something in the air, maybe the collective regret of the end of the weekend that makes the day feel the way it does.
July 29, 2008 12:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
well hang in there until that person is back in touch..
The weekday/weekend rhythms stay with for a long time even after we've retired so I'm told!
G,nite!
July 29, 2008 12:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm really glad your day at work was better than you expected.
I'm also sorry to hear that you're blue, but it's understood. It happens that way, sometimes.
I work weekends, too, so the days do get mixed up. But when a Monday is REALLY a Monday? Awful. But no less than any other day of the week if it's bad.
But remember the good days when you smile. Surely they are not too seldom?
July 29, 2008 12:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Being that way.
As if I have alternative.....
Just for S,G,&G...
I had remained open
last night's thread.
And have responded therein.
But must now rest.
Pax.
July 29, 2008 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
"...But with each day that passes I find the place for my individual footprint easier to find."
Powerful imagery, Melissa. Beautiful thought.
July 29, 2008 2:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Kind of you to say. Thanks for being here.
July 29, 2008 2:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
'Night all who stopped by, I hope your sleep is peaceful. And hope to see your voices again later tonight. 'Til then, have a wonderful Tuesday!
July 29, 2008 2:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
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