A visit to the WALL

I walk along the path and see the bronze statute for Three Servicemen
with the American flag that flies 24 hours a day. I am struck by the
sadness of this place. The day is sunny but the air is so still,
like the world is holding its' breath. They are the guardians -
watching over their brethern in death, as in life. A salute to these
brave souls.

I start the walk down into a somber place, black granite panels lists
the names of the soldiers, sailors, marines who gave their lives.
Down I slowly walk, the impact of all these lives washing over me. I
start to cry. I cry for myself, I cry for mothers and fathers,
sisters and brothers, lovers and friends. Such a tremendous loss to
them and to the world. Who knows what difference their lives could
have made?

I look for names of those I knew.

John Robert Bragg
Michael William Downing
John Lee Croy
Gregory Scott Fennimore

I remember Michael, John and Gregory only as passing memories but I
grew up with Johnny Bob - a gentle, kind soul in a mohawk. Here's a
flower, Johnny Bob, brought just for you.

More memories take me back to the Pensacola Naval Air Station where I
worked in Personnel in 1967. Name after name coming across the desk
with assignments, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam. Then a lucky one,
Cuba.

At the center of the memorial surrounded by all these names and walls
the color of death - I wonder if the world will ever know peace.

Rest in peace, brave soldier. You have not been forgotten.

Red

I recently took one of those surveys that friends send around - the getting to know you kind. The survey asks innocous questions like what kind of cereal do you like, scary movies vs happy endings, etc. The most interesting question was: "If you were a crayon, what color would you be?" The majority of the people that responded said they would be red. That's it, red.

I thought it interesting that the word "red" was used. Now the word "red" is supposed to conjure up a range of seemingly conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. It is supposed to draw attention to an item, hence the "red" carpet at movie premieres, or even the lowly stop sign. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure.

But just using the word "red" does not conjure up anything for me except boredom, blandness and a great big sigh. Why not use a color that is attention-grabbing, mysterious, friendly, sophisticated, or mentally stimulating. Such as: Wild watermelon, scarlet, radical red, or razzmatazz. Some color name that brings to mind an image of what you are trying to portray.

Razzmatazz - a go getter

Watermelon - light-hearted doer

Scarlet - loose woman

Radical Red - champion of causes

Think about it, if you were a crayon, what color would you be?

FYI - I am Purple Pizzazz - a deep thinking, feeling doer.

My time to quit, NOT

I hate this commercial.

Listen up, the announcer says:

I have a cigarette when I get up - let's say 6am
I have a cigarette on my way to work - let's say 8am
I have a cigarette on my break - let's say 10am
I have a cigarette after lunch - ok, let's say 12

Any one reading this have a clue of what really pisses me off?

No?? Ok, let's compare:

I have a cigarette when I get up - let's say 6am; 6:30; 7:00; 7:30 and in-between
I have a cigarette (or two or three) on my way to work
I have a cigarette (two if I have time) on my break
I have a cigarette (or two or three) after lunch and shop by the Quickie Express to buy another pack.

Now, this woman says she is a smoker. What do you think?

Give me SLEEVES

When did the fashion designers decide that we don't need full sleeves on our blouses, shirts, etc.?? Is it the cost of that little bit of fabric that they decided to save by reducing the length of a sleeve and cutting it down to 1/2 inch?? How much could that save? Or is it just a fashion thing? The one they use on models that weigh maybe 98 pounds soaking wet??

Have any idea what I'm talking about?? No?? Ok, let me fill you in.

Ladies - have any of you over the age of 40 gone out to buy a blouse lately? A t-shirt? Fashion top? Have you noticed that the underarm portion of a sleeve has gone from 3-4 inches to a mere 1/2 inch? Have you tried to cover your fat, flabby arms with this? Have you gone to the Fitting Room only to leave totally disgusted because it does NOT cover your arms? No?? Then let me know where you shop!!

I was in JC Penney and Dillard's the other day looking for new tops. I tried them all - Juniors, Ladies, Misses and Big Fat Women. Not a single top had any sleeve longer than 1/2" underarm. Tried pulling the sleeves down to cover the flab and it was impossible. The underpart of the sleeve keeps sticking in my armpit and leaves the flab hanging out for the world to see.

I'm telling you, that is NOT HAPPENING!! I walked out of both stores totally digusted and I will tell you now that I will NOT buy a new top until they give me back a full sleeve.

LISTEN UP FASHION GUYS - THIS IS A REVOLT!

A hair up my ass

Ok, I can't stand it anymore. I have the proverbial "hair up my ass" and I just have to complain. No more Ms Nice Lady!