A Dark and Gloomy Saturday Morning Sky

I can't imagine what has happened to the sun this morning, maybe it's still napping because it doesn't feel like morning yet. The rain does not help the situation--I don't mind the rain though, I just miss the sun. Oh well, now there is no excuse not to get my chores done, pick up my mail, yada, yada. Right now it feels like a soup day--maybe I can find corn chowder while I am out. This soup seems to be my new favorite.

While I checking my news sites. I saw that Jada Pinkett Smith's children's book, Girls Hold Up This World,  is # 5 on the NYT Bestseller list. Go Jada!  I am happy to see that  Nighttime is My Time, by Mary Higgins Clark is #2 at NYT. I enjoyed that book so much.

My Wine Comments Picked Up by Wine for Spice of UK

 I was delighted to see that my comments in my column Hot & Spicy at BellaOnline.com concerning wine and hot and spicy foods was picked up by Wine For Spice, a wine company in the UK.  as a positive review. That's a nice thumbs up for me and for BellaOnline.  

My site http://hotandspicy.bellaonline.com  Wine for Spice http://dc3.co.uk/wfs/reviews.htm 

 

Spyway, Adware and Other Unwelcome Guests

Spyware and adware comes quietly and uninvited to your e-mail. It is such an invasion of privacy and in general just annoying. If you are not aware that is on your computer, it stays (and stays),  like an unwelcome guest who noses around in your closets and medicine cabinet. I think the worst are the pop-ups that don't allow you to read information until you click them away. Of course that's what they expect you to do--enter Mrs. Spyware and Mr. Adware.

I just read today  that NY AG, Eliot Spitzer has filed suit against Intermix Media, Inc. for alleged use of spyware and adware.  In turn, Intermix Media, Inc. has issued a statement concerning the suit. The item below appeared in MarketWatch. 

Market Pulse: Intermix Media says it doesn't promote, condone spyware
Thursday April 28, 11:54 am ET
By Carolyn Pritchard

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Intermix Media Inc. on Thursday responded to being sued by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for allegedly being the source of "spyware" and "adware" that has been secretly installed on millions of home computers by saying that it does not promote or condone spyware. "Many of the practices being challenged were instituted under prior leadership," the Los Angeles-based company said in a statement, and it has been "voluntarily and proactively improving these applications and related consumer disclosure and functionality for some time." Intermix ceased distribution of the applications at issue earlier this month, it said. The company said it expects to continue its discussions with the Attorney General's Office and still hopes to reach an appropriate and amicable resolution.

We will have to keep an eye on this issue since it affects all of us who use our computers daily.

Sun Sign and Chinese Zodiac

I am just now really reading the horoscope information I placed here earlier. I must say that both are pretty much on target. I was also re-reading my astral portrait ordered many years ago, I won't say how long--those who know me will make an accurate guess and strangers won't care. The thing is I continue to find little observations that make me go "Wow". Last week I found another one. I can't remember the page and did not place a clip, but the gist is that I do not like working a 9 to 5 job, but will do well regardless. I have to laugh because that is so true. I must find that paragraph, I suspect I wrote a bold NO!! next to it. I don't think I would have admitted that when I was in my 20's, perhaps I not even aware of my feelings. 

Busy Times

I can't believe how busy I am. Now that I am writing and reviewing in ernest I will have to put some sort of schedule together for myself. I just finished reading WAKE UP OR BREAK UP by Leonard Felder, PhD. A really informative book for couples.  I also completed  Lois P. Frankel's (also a PhD) book NICE GIRLS DON'T GET RICH, what I want to know is where was Frankel when I was in my 20's?  Mercy, I would hate to think she was not born yet. :-(  Anyway, I have one more book to read and review for May. It's title is ORGANIZE YOUR FAMILY'S SCHEDULE...IN NO TIME. I continue to get lucky--this is another book that has come to me 'right on time'. 

Been spending more time in Amazon and B&N adding to my reviews, etc. I can't believe how much work I have to do to catch up. But no on is to blame except moi. 

A Riddle

Question: What happens when an elephant steps on a grape?

Answer: The grapes give a little whine.

I love a kiddie type riddle that needs an adults sense of humor. I found it in a mystery novel titled FOOTPRINTS IN THE BUTTER by Denise Dietz. This is the first book I have read by Dietz, not sure if I like her writing but I keep on reading because I have to find out whodunit. I swear that books hold me hostage.   

Pisces - Sun Sign

This reminds me so much of one of my lovely nieces. Is she a true Pisces? Indeed she is, just like her Auntie. I can see all the good and all the bad. It's like looking in a mirror.    

Pisces - Feb. 19 - Mar. 20

Element: Water- you tend to see the world through feeling.

Stone: White, Opal, Jade, Pearl, Amethyst Colors: Mauve, purple, aquamarine

Attractions: Aquarius, Cancer, Scorpio

Motto: I believe

Personality:

Pisces are more concerned with the big picture. The sign of Pisces symbolizes the merging of the soul with the cosmos.  Pisces people can be described as dreamy,spiritual, and deeply emotional. They can be extremely sensitive. They lead a deep and complex emotional life. They also harbor a need to be alone a great deal of the time. They usually have excellent memories. They can be very devotional. They are also generous. They are empathic and sensitive to the difficulties of others. People born under this sign must beware that others do not impose on them unduly or take advantage of them.

Notable people born under the sign of Pisces:

Michelangelo, Anais Nin, Glen Close, Elizabeth Taylor; Mikhail Gorbachev, Liza Minelli

My Chinese Zodiac Horoscope - The Snake

The Snake

Snakes are romantic and charming. They are deep thinkers and always mysterious. Snakes are graceful and soft spoken. They love a good book and appreciate all of the arts. They lean towards all of the finer things in life. Snakes trust themselves above all others and are seldom wrong; but behind a sophisticated front,Snakes are very superstitious!

Snakes are good with money and don't have to worry about finances. Somehow, when money is needed, it appears. In spite of their good luck with money, Snakes should never gamble. They could suffer big losses if they did, but Snakes learn fast. Once they have made a mistake,they never repeat it. They also never forgive you if you break a promise. By nature they are skeptical beings but keep their suspicions to themselves. They are very private and not concerned with the business of others. Idle gossip is not for them.

Snakes can be possessive in their relationships with others.They are passionate but jealous lovers. You can never tell how far Snakes will go to achieve their aims. They are relentless and their computer-like brains never stop plotting.When you anger them, you feel their icy hostility instead of hearing any sharp words. They will bide their time for revenge, so watch out! Snakes are elegant dressers, well-mannered, and always discrete. They always appear quiet and docile, but watch out, they never betray their true feelings. Their moves are planned out well in advance and they will hold their position to the bitter end. They can be evasive, and just when you think you have them, they slip away.

Snakes make good politicians since they can negotiate just about anything. Snakes also have a great sense of humor, and even in a crisis situation, they can lighten the atmosphere. They never lose their spark even when weighed down by trouble themselves. Being pillars of strength,they always maintain their presence of mind during confusion or crisis.

Snakes have beautiful skin. They possess a cool and classic air about them. They love expensive things,too. Snakes save for the real thing rather than buy an imitation. Snakes admire power and surround themselves with successful people. Their many talents and natural abilities make them sought-after as leaders. People admire and support Snakes even if they don't understand them.

Whatever happens, Snakes always strike out for themselves. They know how to use people and situationsto their advantage. They are destined for fame and fortune.

I Can't Get Moving This Morning (Groan!)

Oh whine!! It's puzzling--I just can't seem to get moving this morning. I had hoped to be out and about by this time. I guess it is not a complete waste of time. I did check my biz e-mails and I finished two articles. But now my schedule is out of wack. I think part of this is because I don't have a firm hand with my schedule. Goodness knows, I get up early enough. However, I small bursts of energy, maybe I need to work with that. All last week and the week before I was doing laundry by 7:45 a.m. I had trash out by 5:30 or 6:00 a.m. It felt good. Now that I am retired I have made a pledge to get rid of old books and size 6 and 8 clothing I will never wear again, etc. Yep--I started like a house on fire but then something happened. What a puzzlement. I know that it's not television. Reading which is often a problem is not reason this time. As I type this, I am thinking  that reading online my newspapers may be part of my problem. Not sure how to fix this. Maybe I will just skim and read what is really is important. I can't stop working on articles in the early a.m.--I have to write when my head says to write. I wonder if that can be channeled?  I think I read where some people have a writing schedule. MMmmmm.  They must be very disciplined.

Michael Jackson: What Happened to that Sweet Little Boy?

 Perhaps I am not as generous as I think I am. Maybe I am wrong to think that it is wrong, plain and simple, for a grown man to sleep with little boys. As far as I am concerned it is criminal. Parents are told that they should not allow their children to sleep with them after a certain age because it is harmful to the child's development. Why would it be less harmful if a wealthy stranger, who claims there is no touching, does the same thing. It seems to me that a lot of people have sold themselves and their children who really have no say in this matter for money. I understand that Jackson's accusers mother may be called to the stand. I wonder what she will say or can say to justify that she allowed her child, her young son, to sleep with a grown man. I wonder how Jackson's parents can sleep at night knowing that they are a part of this sickness? Has anyone in the Jackson family ever thought how this will play out years from now--they are father, grandparents, aunts and uncles to Michael Jackson's own children. Which relative will answer when they are asked if it is true that daddy used to sleep with boys?  'Did you know what daddy did grandma?' If this were simply an issue concerning sexual preference and consenting adults we would not have this circus. It is said that 'money talks', but what is it saying in this case? 

Is this behavior any different from clergymen who violate those they are supposed to love and give guidance? Are these parents any different from church leaders who allow these clergymen to go to the next place of worship to prey on young boys just to satisfy their own selfish needs. I don't think so. What have we come to?

What R U Reading? NIGHTTIME IS MY TIME

It's been a long time since I read anything written by Mary Higgins Clark. While away I read NIGHTTIME IS MY TIME. I enjoyed this book so much. I read it in two days. It truly kept me guessing. This was one of those "page turner" books that you sneak out to read as you are waiting to be served or standing in that long line to the ladies room. I would love to discuss this with someone. I think I will suggest it for April/May for my Work and Family forum members.

SETH (A Fable)

 My previous post concerning Marilyn Monroe's spirit reminded me of a short story I wrote almost one year ago.

                                                                 SETH

                                             (Romance by any means necessary)

She thought she was long past the age of wanting romance, of needing romance so she was surprised by her longings. She was a proud and independent woman. She wasn't lonely. Or was she?

He came to her each night in her dreams. Tall. Handsome. Bold.

She couldn't pinpoint the time he started to visit her. He just did. Like clockwork he appeared every night unbidden or sometimes when sleep escaped her and the night seemed endless, bidden. She told her best friend everything, but how could she tell her this? What would she say? What could she say? Too old for this madness. Too old.

Maggie's days became preludes to her dreams. If she had a bad day she knew that he would be there to comfort her. Late, late when the house was quiet and only the ticking of the old-fashioned clock on the mantle could be heard. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock.

Wake up, wake up. Do you see him? Can you see him? His presence grew in direct proportion to Maggie's discomfort as she struggled to find an answer to the reason for this apparition, this dream standing Tall. Handsome. Bold.

Already bold. He grew bolder yet. She could now feel him approach the foot of her bed. She looked forward to his visits and was able to communicate with him without saying a word. Was she mad? Was she insane? She had heard the old folks talk about 'crazy Aunt Kate' who dressed only in lavender, wore an odd fading shawl fastened with a large peacock pin and talked to imaginary friends.

Maggie's memory of Aunt Kate was hazy. She did remember a tall quiet woman who smelled of honeysuckle and mint. She remembered that her Aunt told the best stories. They would sit for hours, Kate talking, little Maggie listening. Maggie's favorite story was of a handsome bloke who would appear on Aunt Kate's dark unhappy days. She said he would make her smile and forget her troubles, for a while anyway.

Who people are and who they become is often dictated by how they are seen through someone else's eyes. As far back as Maggie could remember Aunt Kate was always 'Crazy Aunt Kate.' For the longest time she thought that her aunt's name was Crazy Kate Ryans as she was Maggie Ryans.

Once when everyone was out of the house except Aunt Kate and Maggie they had a tea party. Kate set the table for three. A place for her, a place for Maggie and a place for Him. Maggie could see the years roll away from Aunt Kate's face as she held a conversation with her imaginary friend. Her voice changed to a higher girlish pitch, her laughter became a wonderful tinkling sound. Her eyes became so bright they sparkled. This was a different Kate. She was beautiful and animated. She blushed as she said "Oh Seth, you tease me." Yes, that was his name Seth. Funny how it just came to Maggie after all of these years.

Late, late when the house was quiet and only the ticking of the old-fashioned clock on the mantle could be heard. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. He came to her each night in her dreams. Tall. Handsome. Bold.

Hello Maggie. Hello Seth.

She was a proud and independent woman. She wasn't lonely. Or was she?

Copyright  April 14, 2004 Vanette (Vannie) Ryanes

Windy AC Weekend With Turbulence

 It was beautiful but windy down the shore this past weekend. As fate would have it, Sunday turned out to be simply gorgeous. Of course, I was heading home that day. I arrived home around 5:00 P. M and it was sunny, warm and I could smell grass.

AC is always good for me--it is my safe harbor. However, this time my safe harbor space was not calm spiritually. Pisces children are such vibe-receptive little ducks, if negatively lurks, they will find it or perhaps better stated, it will find them. Late one afternoon after such a day, my head started to ache and would not stop. At first I thought, 'oh my', even my beloved ocean did not save me from a vicious headache. Then I realized that it probably had, it could have been worse. I have to laugh, the minute I popped the pills to give me some relief, I realized that maybe a nice martini in a quiet corner would have helped. As always, the image of  Marilyn Monroe came to me; it does whenever I think 'other people take aspirin, etc. and still have a drink', but that image of a dead Marilyn stays so clear in my mind, that I settle for anything other than alcohol. I was in bed before 8:00 P.M that night. I can count the times on one hand that I have done that as an adult.  When I am in AC I leave the floor to ceiling windows bare at night. When I fall asleep I see the remains of the setting sun; I awaken to the sound of the ocean and see the rising sun.

The next morning my head was pain free and clear. I drank flat ginger ale, ate stale nachos and watched the water pound the jettys. There is nothing like concentrating on the movement of the ocean to center you. The tide was high and from a distance the waves hitting the beach looked like sleek white dolphins rushing to reach the sand. As Martha Stewart says It's a good thing.

Digressing--MM was a Gemini. I wonder if that is a water sign. I will have to check that. It's interesting which spirits are sent to watch over you. 

Counting My Blessings

 I am feeling really good this morning and counting my blessings!

Lots of good news in my biz e-mail over the weekend. Plus last week I was asked to review four books for Time Warner. You go girl!. My book reviews are becoming well respected. Who says networking and reaching does not reap rewards. I will be especially delighted to read and review NICE GIRLS DON'T GET RICH for my Work & Family at BellaOnline column.  I understand that it will be released in May.

Earlier I reviewed  Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers by Dr. Lois P. Frankel for W&F.  I saw myself and my mistakes time after time, so much so that I wondered if this writer had walked 2 steps behind me during my career. By coincidence about one month after I wrote the review, I attended a brown bag breakfast in New York sponsored by NAFE. It was nice to meet the woman behind such an insightful book.  

Late last month I received an e-mail from Viveca Stone, the owner of one of my groups. She said that she had been thinking of me. I absolutely love when I hear that when it comes from someone like Viveca. Why? Because the name of her group is titled Get Ready For Love and she means it in every sense of the word. She understands that love encompasses many things. Viveca has a Internet  Radio Talk Show titled, you guessed it, Get Ready For Love. She has asked me to be a book reviewer for her community site. Of course I answered with a resounding yes. I will review books that come under finance/career and be listed as a contributor. This pleases me very much (1) I will have a chance to work with Stone. I have great respect for her. (2) This will give me much needed exposure. All reviews will be posted monthly in her (our) tribe, included in the GRFL monthly eZine and in a newly added book review section on the GRFL website.

Last Year Robert Kiyosaki, author of RICH DAD, POOR DAD was a guest on GRFL. He gave Stone some personal advice. I share a portion with you. "...  money affects everything important in our lives ...".  That is something to remember. I knowthat money can help to make or break a relationship that's why I am so excited to be a part of her organization.

Work & Family atBellaOnline column 

Review of  Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers

 

Heading Down the Shore For the Weekend

Well, I am leaving for Atlantic City tomorrow morning for a long weekend. I am so looking forward to watching the sun rise over the ocean Friday morning. I just picked my order from Watkins, my home biz company. I had forgotten that I had placed a pesonal order also, I will be able to take a tin of Watkins Chai Latte with me. Yum!! I had already decided to take a loaf of sour dough bread and pick up butter along the way. This is sounding pretty good.   

This month may be the last fairly quiet AC month for a while.  In May (Labor Day) the City will explode with people.

You know it does not matter how much advance time I have to pack, I always end packing the morning I leave. This time I have already packed and so proud of myself. It was so easy, why haven't I done this is the past? I wonder if it has something to do with being retired? Nah! probably not, but we shall see next month.

I remembered to pack my camera--I can't believe it. Maybe I will get some shots good enough to become puzzles.

Books. They Keep Calling My Name

    Yesterday after I took care of personal business. I stopped in a store call 'Lot Less' (I think that's the name) to look for clothes hangers. I found the molded plastic hangers but passed them by - I like wood or heavy duty plastic hangers with clips. As I was walking out of the store, I saw a small shelf of books. What could I do, I had to take a look. It turns that there was a full section of "remainder" books. Remainders are sort of leftover books that have run their selling course. You can buy $40 books for $5 or less. I have to tell you that I was in book heaven. I started gathering cook books, novels, etc. I saw one beauty written by the two brothers who appraise antiques on PBS channels. The book was just gorgeous. The pages were as smooth as silk, the photography was flawless. Those who love books will surely understand what I was feeling. So anyway, I have all of these books in my arms. I don't have enough money with me but what the heck, I can charge them. Then, I took a deep breath, looked at these lovely books and reminded myself that I am presently cleaning out my bookcases and getting rid of old hardcover books with obsolete facts and paperbacks I should have given away years ago. I left store empty-handed.

Even as I type this entry, I am sitting among boxes and books. However, I figure if I can get them packed between today and tomorrow, I can run out Monday, and buy all of those delicious books I had to leave yesterday. What is my rationale for this going in circles behavior? Like me, many of my friends are readers, there are birthdays coming, anniversaries, and special times that may require a good book to feel better. Of course Christmas is just around the corner. LOL

Yep. I will definately return to Lot Less for sure. I need those books.

   

Me retired? Getting a Pension? WOW!

  It is still hard for me to believe that I am actually retired and getting a, dare I say it, pension. Old people get pensions not me. Not someone who still feels as young as Spring (most times anyway) and still busy juggling a long list of things-to-do. Friday, I had to go to my old benefits office to finish up some final paperwork. God bless my wonderful cousin she happened to come by and took me to the office door. That meant that it was unlikely that I would run into former co-workers. It's not that I don't want to see them, but how many ways can you answer what do you do with your time? Who can understand that I am involved with so many things that I love, that my job had become secondary. I was recently online and one person said she was enjoying herself so much and had so many things to do, she did not know how she ever had time to work. It was amusing and I totally understood what she meant.  

I have always been an early riser, I continue to be so. I still wake up and get up to first look outside to check on the weather and ponder what kind of day it will be. Then sit down at my lap top to check my e-mails, etc. I must be honest, when you arise at 5 or 5:30 a.m. it is often hard to guess how the weather will be later in the day, unless it is snowing. Usually, the sun is just waking up at 5:00 a.m. It can be raining at 5:30 and by 8:30 the ground is dry. You get to work and say "Boy, did you see that rain?", you may be asked, "What rain?". When I was working outside of my home, arising early gave me two extra Vannie hours that belonged only to me. The difference now is that I do not have to watch the clock because I don't have tight time constraints.

Me retired? I am retired from my 9 to 5 workplace, not from life. And, I just love getting a monthly pension check.