§ Silent, Broken, yet....Finding Inner Strengths

Monday morning, early.  DENSE FOG.  I'm not going anywhere for now, so at the computer I sit...



All these sketches I share today are drawn from memory...or what was on my mind at the time. No photo guides on either....

This first one, is a copied one of the original...our daughter, Irene, has the pencil sketch from my work...I sketched on the back of a magazine during our grandson's open heart surgery.  He was born with Downs and at 5 months of age he went through a multiple hour operation to repair his defective heart.  I also wrote a poem during the waiting period.   There will be more on this sketch below all drawings shared... The 2nd sketch is of my parents...circa late 1970s-early 1980s.

This first one was a work of what I was feeling when I found out [1969] that my high school sweetheart had been KIA in Viet Nam [it's a conglomeration of many...a map of Viet Nam, a tearful friend, a  soldier, a flag of each country, helicopter, tank, military foot garb - and the brick wall is to depict that when I found out it was like being hit with a ton of bricks!!].  I was truly war-torn at the loss of a sweet guy...He was 21.  The 2nd one I titled Crown of Thorns.

This last one was during the Obama Inauguration Ceremony...When the TV camera panned through the crowd, this lady was so calm, yet the lone tear falling from her cheek hit my heart strings.  I had to try and draw her from memory.  I still, to this day, can see her face...it was a day of history that will live on forever.  With this woman and her in mind,  I titled this one "Thank God Almighty..."


* * *

Coming back to my sketch of Clint, my grandson...
first, this is a screen shot [70%] of a blog post from long ago:



...and the poem I composed during his operation:


[this was written in the hospital waiting room, on a magazine cover, during our grandson's open heart surgery - at 5 months of age. And the image above is my own graphic. The face in the clouds is actually Clint! Superimposed from a pencil sketch of mine of him.]

...and the poetry written that day:


CLINT'S SKY
© Hootin' Anni

I think the sky ends in your heart
so you've captured mine.
With twilight's purples, pinks, and gold...
The knowledge now that which I cast
what tokens I hold.

As the sun, you're glowing, alive and fresh.
Stars, you sparkle and shine.
Like the moon, you're stately, powerful, bright.
Clouds, you're tender and fine.
Your dark storms' furies: Natural passion is God's will.

The mystical horizon, the inner light...our existences entwine.
I think the sky ends in your heart Clint,
And so, you've captured mine.


One more note: After the successful operation was over, the pediatricians and surgery specialists gave Irene, and us...a 5 year life span expectancy for Clint. He is now 31 years of age, in May.

*The NEWEST Halloween Treat is now on my side bar--------


As for any given Monday...this is my usual way of blogging for now. No memes, just thoughts, happenings, life...and today it's POLITICS that come across strongly [I really enjoyed reading all the comments left for me this past Friday regarding his winning the Nobel Peace Prize too!!!] . I've worked on my blog entry for a few days. I've typed, edited, condensed and worked long hours on how to come across without being derogatory; at least after condensing it. I'm appalled by our country's citizens mainly, and this is my RANT! [my post is long!]---------


Regarding the Political Scene. First and foremost, I'm sorely wrung out and tired with our own citizens. Years ago, I predicted that our lives would become a huge upheaval because of our capitalistic lifestyle --for too many years we Americans have lived a distinctive, yet degrading way of living. We've carried ourselves to this point, and I knew it would come to this eventually. Yet, I still don't like what I see, what I know, what I have witnessed recently.

Now, everyone that frequents my blog knows I voted the Democratic ticket this past November [2008]. Thing is, I have to remember that during the eight years past, our newly elected president has inherited a huge MESS. We shouldn't allow ourselves to deface him for the fact this is not good, diplomatically. I ask of myself, just how does this look to the world as a whole? Our hatred towards our own kind? HE IS our LEADER. We should be respectful. Even in Congress we aren't seeing that. The news these days that is televised world wide seems to be on the verge of a tabloid bearing. It's downright shameful!! "He shouted this", "That is a lie", "The Republican Seats want all of the sick to die!" I mean, really....this is showing the world just how candy-ass, infantile a country we have become! I don't like it one bit. Then, there are the 'hate mongers' on Fox News....again, this is broadcast world wide people. We should NOT side with this kind of inexcusable behavior!!! And even the sponsors on FOX News have stopped being on their station...several!! And that's telling us something, isn't it? That a company would drop sponsorship [they'd rather 'lose' money than to be part of such a 'team'] because of the station's hate campaigns? Our President was elected, we should work WITH him, not AGAINST him. If Obama hadn't won the election, I WOULD be behind the decisions and actions of McCain...why? because he was elected by the people, plain and simple. The promises of our president's 'CHANGE' slogan was all to get elected of course, to raise hopes...but the reality of ANY campaign promise has to go through Congress first, for approval. And this is where the bickering is the thickest!! Which in turn makes the conservatives leery and hateful. Not to mention the cynical conservative Democrats. Again, tho, with the hope of a new leader ---no matter WHO is sworn into office, we, as a people, need to back our own country with support of our leader. I would like to see us as a 'whole' country...not so sided! Right now, I see it as a weakened power. The spark is leaving because of the distrust and hate among our own kind. And the real...the number ONE reason I'm posting all this is because of a certain political cartoon that really took my breath away; made me shudder. Bile in the pit of my stomach formed as I read it [can be enlarged for reading it yourself - opening in a new window]----------

Normally, I get a chuckle out of the political editorial cartoons in our newspaper, but when I saw this one, I was quite disturbed by it, and realized my personal view of the cartoon itself was most disturbing because it was very true today; what I see, hear and read recently. The two most popular cable stations [one considered right while the other left] that cover world news tend to over saturate their 'staged' views of the political world, both enhancing hatred on camera. It 'bloggles' my mind. Now, obviously, I've been flabbergasted with with all the innuendos that our leader is not American, that he is black and distrusting, comparing him to Hitler...talking of the health care plan and the Holocaust. I get truly rattled at all the negatives when we should all, as one, concentrate on making our home country a better place to live for generations to come, in a peaceful manner. It's NOT about 'who has all the toys is the winner in the end' type game. Even Senator McCain realizes the Republican Party [which I've voted a time or two] is hurting...they've become such a bickering [even among themselves], malevolent group. The Senator knows it needs to get revamped or a lot of them will lose out, and lose out soon. And I'm talking on both parties this way- hear me out....some of the Democrats are just as woeful...they call names, they think they're a perfect union....yet, nobody's perfect. But we DO NEED to take trust in the man elected, and give him a chance. We have struggled with many-a-presidents in the past, we've also grown stronger with others, by gracefully showing our support and backing.

With this commentary political cartoon so negative [hateful] in its thinking... If everyone believes all the B.S. in the TV Tabloids...then, I feel sorry for them AND I think that it puts us ALL on the same level as those who have fought amongst themselves for centuries in the Old World Countries!!! We've now stooped to their ranks. I see it this way...the person [be they man OR woman] elected top office of our country is putting the lives of themselves and their family 'on the line'------all for us!

Another happenstance was that "Chicago lost out for the Olympic bid". Or "Obama lost out". What does that mean? To me...it was AMERICA lost out!!! Why blame Obama at all? Truthfully, my gut feeling on us losing the bid was because South America has NEVER hosted before in history...it was THEIR turn. But my point is...it's not the world's dislike for Obama alone...it's America and our alter-egos!!

Blogging about politics is a good venue. I've read a lot. I've read the dislikes and the distrusts and also the respect and trust....we're all about ranting sometimes as we blog. But again, even if I slip and fall sometimes on the political bandwagon in disagreement or may it be so, disheartened, still.....I am American! And I will stand proud with ANY President!!


One more thought that comes to mind also. The economy? We can't blame anyone but ourselves!!!! We have put ourselves in the situation ---by buying on credit, or on paper...paying the exorbitant prices for homes, cars, clothes, fun and games that continue to be 'upgraded' each year, luxury vacations with VISA/Mastercard. Parents these days have long lived through their children by buying them everything under the sun. Not to mention college education....where is there in the laws that state we parents have to buy them cars and a college education? I ask, can these 18-25 year old youngsters WORK for their education? We've over extended ourselves in such a way, we are now NOT pleased with what we've done and we tend to blame everyone but ourselves!!! My son, Erik, sent me a clipping of an article that he was sent by email, and it clearly states what I'm trying to convey...here is an excerpt from the email:

Among the many national and global challenges today's 20-somethings face, "we are the first generation likely to be less better off than our parents." As a member of this generation myself, I can't help but feel ashamed that this is what we've come to. You know what? Tough noogies, kid. Our parents may have wanted us to be better off than they were, but it was never a foregone conclusion. And in the end, we may actually be better off for wanting less than our parents did and being happier with what we have."

See? Kids don't need the material things given to them...they should learn to WORK for it. The article goes on about there are jobs for them, but most kids are too lazy to apply themselves, a job like - crab trapping. I so vividly remember when we lived in Tucson years ago, we had on our local news a segment of a young man on the street median panhandling...with a cardboard sign stating on it "I'll work for food or money". The local news station stopped and offered him a job at minimum wage and also offered him a place to live until he got back on his feet....the man refused!!! It would've 'bloggled' my mind had I been blogging back then...oh how I remember that news segment!! Tho...If the 20 somethings want a better education - work for it! Don't expect a scholarship will get you through, if the government comes through with their promises, the kids will get a better education IF THEY DO COMMUNITY SERVICE..too strenuous? Sure.




On Friday evening - October 9th, I received this email [I'm a member of the Democratic Committee for Texans & receive emails from the Oval Office and DNC since October of 2008]

A call to action
...
Friday, October 9, 2009 5:19:41 PM
From:
President Barack Obama <* * * * *@barackobama.com>
...
To: Anni <** ** **@yahoo.com>



Anni --


This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

I ask: How can you not respect the man? I'm not saying you have to LIKE him...it's an American right, but showing the cartoon shows the violent nature to some Americans, and it's stooping at a lowest of low levels. This email may be quite political, but it can also show a bit of humbleness...a concern for our country! [the copied and pasted email here has been edited for privacy]








I step down from my soap box...
On to a lighter side of Hootin' Anni....


- - -<><><>- - -


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Mary!!! She finally caught up with me. rofl [and Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Friends!!]



BASEBALL:
Yankees win the play off series? YAY!
Red Sox lose the play off series? Yay!
Colorado Rockies? What's with this team...they get so far advanced in the season, AND LOSE Again? I swear, they could lose against a nursing home team [<--kidding!]. Come ON Rockies...you gotta win the NEXT game...today!!!! Let's BEEF it up.

FOOTBALL:
The Denver Broncos won again. What a game [we got to see the last 15 minute overtime]...wow, wow, WOW!!!









POSTED: Monday, October 12th, 2009
4:20 A.M.

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
6:28 A.M.

Join -Wordful Wednesday



- - -

Okay, so on with "Wordful Wednesday". The photos and write up for the photos....

On Martin Luther King Holiday, Bud and I took a little trip to the Texas State Aquarium on the other side of Corpus Christi. We drove over the Harbor Bridge and winded around the beach roads and spent a couple of hours walking around inside the aquarium

I snapped the photos through my cellphone to take y'all on the tour with us. Each photo has mouseover captions....








<><><>


I don't know about everyone else, but I'm exhausted still from all the televised hoopla from yesterday. I had the television on from 9a.m. yesterday until I saw Michelle's choice of her inaugural ball gown!! All that walking and talking and luncheons and motorcade and parade watching and dancing....Phew!! I'm "bushed" out!!! [pun intended!!]

Be that as it may, I was sorely disappointed with the gown. Tho a beautiful creation in itself, it was not so becoming as I had dreamed it would be to our first lady; at least from the bodice downward. My opinion of course. It failed to show off her beautiful figure...it was so 'sacky-like' it drew away from her bright lovely face. I found myself looking at the dress instead of the 'whole package'. To me it made her seem like a misplaced snowman on the ballroom floor. Barack's white tie was more adorning. But then again, throughout history, MOST gowns from all the previous first ladies have been gorgeous in their own right, as Michelle's was, but very unflattering when worn. What made it all worth the wait was watching Barack's eyes when he looked at his wife...he's soooo IN L♥VE!!!!!

From Fashion Designer:

"the one-shoulder dress showed off her physique, but it wasn't an overall sexy look, as many had hoped. People had anticipated clean lines that would show off her curves, so the flounced gown was disappointing to some."

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
12:01 A.M.
INAUGURATION DAY -USA
LOTS O' STUFF TODAY




Join Here
FEET/FEAT

To quote a "Negro"* Slave Preacher...


“Lord, we ain’t what we want to be;
we ain’t what we ought to be;
we ain’t what we gonna be;
but thank God we ain’t what we was.”
*The term Negro is used in quotations from MLK's historical I have a Dream Speech






part of a collection of memorabilia I have saved
over the last few months
and framed; hanging on the computer room wall
Inside the frame:
TOP LEFT: San Antoino's Day after Election Copy - Corpus Christi newspaper to the right
BOTTOM LEFT: Time Magazine Nov. 17th Commemorative Issue - The Rally Sign I held in my hand during the February 2008 Rally in town - Time Magazine "Person of the Year" issue; Dec. 29th
Photo on the far right: closeup of headlines day after election



One feat was mastered by a certain lady y'all know and love [insert giggles here], and of course how can I pass up this day without mentioning the 'feat' of a politician who was not well known a few years back, an author of two books, a man of home-town upbringing, a Christian, one of strong family values, to become a Senator from Illinois --only having a dream to make the United States a better place for his two daughters...

* *The first section of my 'feat' blog would be about yours truly. You see, I attended both Hillary's Democratic Rally back in 2008 when she arrived here in south Texas. Only to be quite disappointed and very disgruntled with her and both Bud and I left early; disheartened. A couple of days later, Mr. Barack Obama set foot on our land to rally the Democrats...we also attended. [some of my campaign photos here] Thing is, if you open the link provided, you will notice me in a red jacket on the podium/stage with Obama...far left, with glasses. I'm holding a book. One particular book. Dreams from my Father, written by Barack Obama. When his rally was finished, we all got to shake the man's hand...the hand of our next upcoming president! But, I went one step further. Me. Little, quiet, shy, me. I waited for all the hub-bub to clear out and they had escorted him through the back stage. I walked up quickly to a man in black. Yes, indeed! I walked up to him and asked him if I could possibly get the book autographed by the author. Me. I walked up to a Secret Service Man and boldly [I honestly can't tell you where my courage came from since normally I can be quite introverted. I surprise myself sometimes.] asked if Mr. Obama could sign his book I bought and read. Okay. So, then I was escorted and directed to where to get the book signed. My heart still pounds away at the thought. I have a book signed by the President of the United States. [Oh, by the way, I was then escorted to the exit afterwards by the men & Security Guards!! Me!! Little ol' me!!] I have a shadowbox frame for the book, which I intend to place the book in it and ship it off to my grandsons. They deserve the gift for which I so diligently worked to get, and will have a special piece of historical value. I know Irene will take it for them for their later years to pass down to another generation!!

* * the photo shows the sign I held at the rally AND the book I asked to have autographed, sitting on our kitchen counter when we got home that night.

---
Another section for today:

I'm going with a feat of phenomenal distinction. Our 44th President, sworn in at 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time [USA]. But first, there is a very interesting piece of trivia I wanted to share. We all know that Barack Obama is number 44 in succession to our presidency. But during the inauguration of him being 44th, there is also a known fact that this will be the 56th American Inauguration!! Right? Yes, it is. I read the inauguration's scheduled events on Yahoo News this week, and realized the very fact. Now you wonder. Just how does that come about and where do we get the answer to the burning question, Obama, the 44th yet the 56th president to be sworn into office. Okay, so here is the math. You may want to share this knowledge with your family and friends:

The question is how do you get to 56?

43 Presidents [prior to Obama that is]
add
15 elected to a second term [do not count Cleveland as he is in the above count and was the 22nd and 24th President]
add another 2 for Franklin Roosevelt [because Roosevelt FDR was elected to a third and fourth term]
subtract
5 Vice Presidents who became President but were never elected to the office
which equals
55
Barack's inauguration will make 56.

Get your calculators out if you don't believe me. It took some math on my part, but this is how I came up with the conclusion.

STATS ON OBAMA:
Born Aug. 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Father: domestic servant to the British
Mother: Student in Hawaii while married to Obama Sr. --who became a PhD

Barack: Also known as Barry
--attended Occidental College in L.A.
--graduated from Columbia University, degree in Political Science
--attended Harvard becoming the 1st African-American Editor
--graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in 1991
--Civil Rights lawyer
--teacher at University of Chicago law school
--1992 Married Michelle Robinson
--1995 Published his autobiography
--1998 became a father -daughter Malia
--2001 became a father 2nd time - daughter Sasha
--2004 became Senator/sworn in in 2005
--2006 authored his 2nd book
--2007 announced his run for office
--2008 Nominated and elected for the top office of USA
--TODAY, January 20th, 2009 PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
God Be with him!! His Family, and our country!!!


<><><>

If you're still with me on this historic day. I wanted to share this thank you note that came to me in the snail mail. It was a thrill to receive it. A thank you note from the Obama's, thanking me for volunteering to get the word out for votes in our neighborhood and for my monetary donations to the campaign. I know it's no doubt a form letter, but hey....it's from the President & the 1st lady, and a couple of times in the paragraphs there IS my name; so cool!!! I had it framed. The letter can be enlarged to read it. It should open in a new window for you.

<><><>

Last but not least...LOL...there is a question of fashion feat for today. We all know, those of us who watch the news or read the newspaper/online news that Barack broke down and bought himself a new tuxedo. The first in 15 years according to Michelle. But the fashion question that is on people's lips is "What Inaugural Gown will Michelle wear?" Will it be yellow? Tradtional blue? Red? Flowered? Exotic-off the-shoulder gold? What, pray tell? Aren't you the least bit curious? Some of the first ladies' inaugural gowns are on display...some simple and elegant, some gaudy and tasteless. The question remains to be answered. The fashion feat for Michelle will be disclosed tonight. I'm putting my money of something soft, silky and flowing to accent her lovely figure. Perhaps in the color of soft green or pale aqua. Maybe something as elegant as this black number!!!!---

- - -






My Champagne Victory Breakfast

November 5th 2008

Obama Rocks the World

with

a Landslide Victory!!







[enlarge it]

Join Here

Tuesday's Heads or Tails prompt is "GUARD". November 4th, being America's election day, I stand on a tall podium and am voicing my right to opinions and freedom of speech, GUARDing my thoughts and ideals ---GUARDing my inalieanble rights to freedom of the land on which I live, on freedom of living the American Dream.

It's a LONG, very long, winded speech as I stand proud and clear minded. It all follows. Be prepared to stay a while, or tho I feel saddened that you're leaving because of my political stand, rest assured I feel that my words in MY BLOG are worthy of my personal views. I don't expect anyone to agree with my point of view, nor am I trying to have a heated debate issue. I'm not after anything of the sort. If you disagree, fine....and I'll state right here, right now -- refrain from leaving hate remarks in the comments...I WILL DELETE!!! My post is MY post...my point, my GUARDed opinion and very personal.....

!!!I'm in BLUE ---for everything Tuesday!!!
The Blue party ---The American Democrats

My favorite Quote from the Campaign Trail:
"What the naysayers don't understand is that this election has never been about me. It's been about you."
~~Senator Obama

Well, Tuesday is the day of a new dawn....and praying a new beginning for a stronger USofA!! There has been a 'meme' going on around the blog land of ours. I happen to see it at RJFlamingo's the other day and I wanted to say, along with her and many others, it's not a state of sadness. On the contrary!!! Not in this country. Blue is the color of PRIDE! Being blue is of the Democratic party. If you're American, and you haven't voted yet...Go out. Stand in line ---your vote is worth it. Vote for a CHANGE. Get the Republicans out of the White House. Vote for the new commander in chief...Barack Obama!!! That is my strong opinion!! Ever since the beginning! I've gone to campaign rallies for months and I feel an urgent need to get this country back on its feet with a stronger foundation than what we've had for nearly a decade. A decline in the confidence and stability of a great nation. There is a need to rebuild our shattered country that the Republican Party is leaving behind for us as their legacy. One that we need to vote OUT of office by choosing the right man....The Honorable Barack Obama!! Facts and statements I've heard during the campaigns: I've heard so many times, over and over again around our area that people actually think that Barack Obama is NOT an American born citizen....Here's his birth certificate. Also, the stipulation of Obama NOT being baptized. Ummmmmm, people! Religion is NOT an issue here for me, it's who is BEST for making our country a stronger nation and once again respected as it was before, across the world ---the hate and distrust I've seen since 9/11 in 'our own backyard' is disheartening --lack of respect for our OWN people, who cares if one neighbor is black, or white, or Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or doesn't practice ANY religion...people are good, not matter WHAT they believe...there are people who are NOT so good in ANY religious sect also....believe it or not there HAVE been atheists running our country as Commander in Chief throughout our history. Jefferson for one. In the ancient times and modern times of the world, religion has been a factor over so many deaths...a crucifix comes to mind. Now, look at the death tolls from wars vs. religion...I could go on and on on this subject, but it's not the case in point today. Then, there is the fact of the "Not wearing a USA flag pin on a lapel!" Get real!!! Is that truly an issue here? Does this actually account for being a PATRIOT? Have you all noticed that McCain doesn't wear one? Either man, without a lapel pin of the flag....does this make either one less of a patriot? So many, MANY issues I've seen and heard; so many darned trivial issues, it makes my gut ache!! The thing to do is DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. - - - McCain. 1] I lived in Arizona for a dozen years. I didn't like him as a politician then, and I still don't. My best word to describe the man as a Senator --then, and now, would be 'wishy-washy'! 2] He so many times has come across as weak in willpower, yet he has an unknown temper [for many people across the world] that I fear. Many many times in Washington he as thrown 'tantrums' and even the majority of Washington in Congress doesn't like him. Not because he's a maverick as he likes to call himself, it's for the fact he makes poor choices for most. Does that say something to you? He wants America to continue with the war in Iraq. Why? Is there a purpose that we need to be there? At the cost of BILLIONS of dollars that we have doled out as taxpayers, to keep the troops there? Does this sound familiar to Viet Nam? Not to mention the lives that were wasted and are wasted, daily? Is it because of the mess that was started in Bush's administration? Or perhaps he wants to continue with the exorbitant actions to save face? Save face for what? To show the world just how insipid and wasteful we are as a government? For nearly a decade I've seen the fall and decline of our government in the view of other foreign countries. What were our allies at the beginning of the Republican [NOT just Bush or McCain, but Republican in general] government, and today?...now look...so many around the world hate us instead of revere us as a powerful country. We've weakened in the eyes of many of our own citizens, not to mention world wide countries. During the campaigning the last several months, many-a-time I've heard the question arise from the Republicans: "Obama is not experienced". Ummmmm, in my humble opinion, NO ONE is experienced to be commander in chief if they've never been. That is like comparing apples to oranges. You don't have the experience at a new job until you've worked there for a while! Give me a break! [Not to mention Sarah Palin! She has proven HERSELF that she would not know diddly squat on how to run the American government without being prompted with a script! She's just, as she stated, a hockey mom. Nothing else. It's been brought up that she has 'ripped' into abusing her authority in the state of Alaska, the RNC has allowed a budget for clothing and her CHILDREN? Ummmmm, is this fair? While so many Americans can barely afford food on the table at night? Is this what the RNC does with the registered Republicans' donations to the GOP? I think that stinks! Truly stinks!! Unfair to the taxpayers and the Republican Party. What would she do to our citizens if, by chance that McCain would die in office? And SHE would be our commander in chief? Scary thought for me. Very scary to even visualize. It chills my bones. During her rallies, she is quoted as saying "It's nice to be among REAL Americans." Just what are all those that are not at the rallies? Democrats, mind you? Are we FALSE Americans? And, another thing lately that is bothering me about this man, McCain...he claims that he's NOT Bush [which he isn't] but yet his speeches and his policies mimic the same thing that we Americans have suffered through the seven years of this last eight-year administration! AND! Voted nine times out of ten FOR Bush's policies? Thinking of this new homeland security lie ---I don't feel it. I feel we are no more safe today than we were in 2001. Still, Bush has breached our privacy....AND McCain proclaims to continue. McCain's promises lately are: "I will WIN the war, I know how to win, my friends, I've been there." I say: Firstly, is war the only just means of making our country safe? Have you looked around the cities Mr. McCain? Do you even comprehend the state of being of your own neighborhood, the cities in which comprise America? Just because you're a war hero doesn't make you fit for presidency. Another of his speeches' stand is tax cuts....they seem to me the same as the Bush administration. Granted I don't have to worry on this, but the issue is in every Republican presidency, the rich get richer and the poor or middle class go deeper in debt, because of the capitalistic Republican party --does deregulation ring a bell? Not to overlook the economy of our country and what the effect of the markets around the world are in now, because of it. I LOVE the fact that Obama continues to say "WE" not "I" like McCain -being the 'we' are the WHOLE country, and 'I' is John! Obama also says "Main Street"...being that USA is all American. McCain stated in one debate, referring to the plumber..."You're rich, congratulations". He's probably said that to all his Republican co-horts on Capitol Hill also. The middle class or the poor, be damned. Have y'all read what McCain's military LIES record was like? 3] Headlines show: "McCain Flew on the Edge in the Navy". [1960] Believe it or not, his FIRST crash [among MANY] was in Corpus Christi! He wrote in his autobiography that the engine quit....Navy investigations show differently. He wasn't paying attention and used a power setting too low. Crashing into the Gulf. Navy Officials repeatedly shows they questioned his flying skills and judgment. His 'most serious lapse' was over Southern Spain. McCain was 'clowning around' in a Skyraider flying into electrical wires. Causing a blackout over Spain. [1961] In 1965 he crashed a T-2 Trainer in Virginia. Other 'accidents' are on the United States Naval Records. Yet, he never brings this up when questioned...it's always his 5 1/2 years in Viet Nam. In the '60s, actions that he showed then would NOT be tolerated in today's Navy. His lapse in judgment would end his career as a Navy pilot. Perhaps McCain, being a grandson and son of Naval Admirals swayed exemption of reprimanding him? I don't know...thing is, the GOP campaign refused to divulge any of this information to the public. Yet, it IS public record...look it up...do research. Others, of the same era, and some of the same squadron dubbed McCain 'flat-hatter' meaning in civil terms "showoff". In 1965, a crash where he supposedly tells in his autobiography that -'flying to Philadelphia', but he reported, in the record, that he was flying to Virginia!! He flew a USN plane to see an Army-Navy game...and crashed...taxpayers expense once again. Yet, of the same mentioned crash, his report and the Navy's investigation, show so differently...USN's investigation showed nothing wrong with the plane...yet, as he stated 'the engine quit' in his records. In Viet Nam his plane was equipped with SAM alarms which means that the pilot can maneuver, avoiding missiles. Hmmmmm. On the other hand, he may again be a 'war hero'...but his prior judgment and actions -during his Navy stint AND now, today- along with his infamous maverick attitude in Congress does not make him qualify as a leader or a nation in my opinion. - - - URBAN LEGEND PROOF Found online about what David Letterman wrote [it's a proven hoax, people!!] this past month... and tho it's interesting, it brings up other questions. Questions about why so many people agree to disagree on certain subjects of why America is 'great in the minds of its citizens and those wanting to come to our country'. There was one statement he [FALSELY] wrote, and only one, that I would totally agree with, tho it's still from an online 'urban legend' and that is "Don't rely on the media for news!" Sure, it helps put doubts and questions in your mind...but!!! I say, check out the records...they're public records and you can do RESEARCH before making an all important decision such as voting!!! Now, anyone that watches the David Letterman show would KNOW this is falsely written to begin with, but it still brings to mind some rebuttal issues: He supposedly wrote: Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week? --I say: What about the homeless? Or the ones that have been laid off work because of the Republican economy? Do they have electricity? Or food? Or shelter? It's not because of those that have no desire to work and panhandle on the streets...it's about those who no longer have jobs because of the state of economy!! Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? I say: Not ALL people have these luxuries! Look around. Listen to the people, write editorials, talk to the poor who have nothing because of the state in which our 'rich' country treats its own people! If you HAVE the privilege of summer cooling and winter heating --a great majority couldn't afford to have it repaired if it stopped working! Learn how many die in the summer heat or the winter cold for reasons such as not having a job/money/income/assistance. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? I say: Is their job and income efficient and enough to pay the exorbitant cost of living? While the government spends our money on the wrong war? Or feeds the rich with higher wages or corruption in corporate offices [remember the trillion dollar bail-out?]. Refer to those who have to have two jobs with BOTH parents working to make ends meet!! Do foreclosures come to mind? Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state. I say: Have you traveled by car from one state line to the next? On the interstate when I've traveled, how many 'in state' autos are pulled over by patrol cars? They're mostly from 'out of state'. Also, I've seen and witnessed plain ordinary citizens of this country that are of minorities being pulled over and beaten for no reason, other than they're different!!! Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I say: Give me a break! The ones that the minority can afford for shelter are NOT clean, nor are they safe!! Ones that ARE safe and clean are above the travel budgets for many!! The ones that are more 'affordable' are crack houses and prostitute hang-outs. It's safer sleeping under the stars!! Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. I say: Ummmmm, I've had emergency services before...many times. Our grandson has also...One in particular was a helicopter to the Children's hospital to save his life when his heart failed and our daughter brought him back with CPR....the cost? Let me just say, nearly ONE MILLION dollars before it was over. Insurance coverage? Some...but the CEOs decided differently. Complaining? Yes. Still today. Remember Katrina? Ike? Dolly? Even farther in history...Andrew, Carol, and other national emergencies? FEMA come to mind? Oh and by the way, if you DO have a wreck...the insurance premiums go up to the point you either have to do away with most of your coverage, just to afford it again. It's all about 'big bucks' and profits with the Republican Party. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. I say: For the last year or more it's become almost impossible to HANG ON To YOUR Possession!! Foreclosures, banks going under...bankruptcy filings to an all time high!! That 70% may be the privileged ones, but my estimation is HALF of that 70% is struggling to pay the mortgage or heat their home, or make necessary repairs! Go to the 'poor side of your town' and take a sad look at the disrepair of their one and only possession. Or look at your neighbor who just lost their jobs because of the Bush Administration and deregulation...their homes will be having a 'for sale' sign, or will be repossessed by a loan company. Or sadly they'll just LEAVE and not come back. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. I say: I'm laughing, period! I have a right to bear arms! If the intruder comes to my home...I'll shoot on sight! We DO have an alarm system in our home. Yes, I'm one of those guys, if you look at it from that perspective. But wait....we DID have a break in. And the alarm went off! The call from the alarm company didn't come 'til after 15 minutes!!! WE ended up calling the police! The patrol car showed up late!! Ummmm, scary to think our tax dollars protect us in time of need?!! It depends on how 'lucky or unlucky you are'. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? I say: Issues like pro-life/pro-choice, Muslim, anti-American candidates? Not to mention "paling around with terrorists" slogan used by Ms. Palin against Obama? Ya...WE DO have these freedoms, and they should not be in rallies. Rallies should consist of what the candidate will do for the American people...not incite riotous actions of the followers...that is NOT leading a country!! Oh and by the way? If, as stated in the constitution, the government should not control religious freedoms and social freedoms...why then is there an issue with abortion rights and religion in the schools and government offices? If we should be so bold to say this to our countrymen who 'lead' us ---IF! there is a stipulation that we should not be controlled by religious beliefs then....why not have Congress open year 'round? OR! ---Christmas should not be considered a holiday with government closed?!!! Religion and abortion should be a FREEDOM, and individual choice, not governed. He also was falsely accused of stating: Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here. And it's the media's fault. I say: I've heard and read enough to realize that we are NOT the best country to others, that they're happy where they are! This false urban legend statement makes it sound like EVERYONE wants to be Americans!! I don't think so. Look at how many left our country? Because they found out that it isn't all honey and gold. Sure, don't WATCH TV or listen to news or read paper/magazines...just get out and drive around your town or city...you can witness crimes/thefts/poor neighborhoods!! And lastly the legend states that he asked: So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans? I say: We, as citizens, have been manipulated too long by a corrupt government, the Republican Party. We need to be discontent and disconnect ourselves; for a change in economics. Yes, I'm one privileged fellow citizen that doesn't have to struggle. YET!! Times have been rough and money has been tight throughout our marriage. But we still have comforts. We've not bought things [BIG expenses that is] on a whim, ever. We still live under a roof. Cost of living goes up tho...and yet instead of 'giving to those in need'...the government spends trillions of dollars for a bail-out, and then the CEOs of those companies party to the price tag of thousands upon thousands of those very dollars? We, as a majority, ARE pissed! [My sister is Republican, and she's wholly P O'd with the bail out also, it's not just Democrats...it's Republicans and Independents also on this issue.] We have been treated unfairly! We have been blindsided by corruption. We have been mistreated by our own government. Sure we have the two cars...or the home...or the boat....or the expensive trips....or a filled refrigerator. But we [Bud and I] worked for over 45 years, combined, for that privilege. We also see strife with two parents working to make ends meet. We also see parents saddened because they have to dip into their savings of a child's dream of a better education in years to come ---only because the costs go up and up. Losing jobs, losing homes, trying to pay mortgages, trying to keep food on the table. Trying to replenish costly fuel for their vehicles to even GET to work for their wages. Sure we don't need a lot of luxuries, but we DO NEED the essentials and it's getting harder to come by...we as citizens of a whole nation HAVE [in general...I don't use credit cards ---I don't believe in credit...if you can't pay for it ===in my opinion===, don't buy it!!] seen the American dream go down the drain in recent months...tho it's been building to the climax for nearly a decade. It's a domino effect people.....we have a RIGHT to complain and seem self-centered or spoiled. America. The land of that freedom!!! - - - Socialism vs. Capitalism Many of us, I think, don't realize just what socialism is by the basis of fear shouted to us in recent days, by the Republican Party and what is being chanted against Obama. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production. Under capitalism, individuals, companies or corporations invest in, own, and share in profits (or losses) of the entities that produce goods, distribute products or provide services. Here again, it's like all the big oil companies & insurance big whigs naming a few, Exxon and AIG, not to mention large banks and other insurance companies that were just bailed out...their means of capitalizing on HUGE profits...greed. Based on the now capitalistic white house administration's deregulation bill and much more. While on the other hand, a social system [socialism] is one which favors collective ownership of the means of economic production and distribution....sharing profits such as Obama has stated regarding the bail-out if he were elected...giving BACK to the people who's tax money is being spent to save the economy and the greediness of CEOs and the like that Republicans deregulated and multi-billion dollar profits soared! Capitalism is self-centered, individualistic - where socialism is for the people. Has John McCain said anything of the sort? NO!! Oh and by the way, I still say that "Joe the Plumber" was a set up job by the RNC. It's mind boggling that he is now on the podium with McCain and Palin; isn't it? Not often does the microphone follow Obama [or McCain for that matter] AFTER their rally speeches. Hmmmmmmm. Amazing how one camera and microphone happened to be there at the right time when Joe the Plumber asked Obama to explain his tax breaks! AND to top it all off, the Mr. Joe Q. Plumber isn't even a LICENSED plumber and owes back taxes!! The American Dream is to be a citizen and share in the wealth. NOT steal from the poor and give to the rich. We've been ripped off by the GOP...it's time for a change--- - - - I've been waiting until February of this year to show these special bottles!! They're special in a way that they're Bud's and they're copyrighted!!! No, he didn't copyright them himself, they're copyrighted by JIM BEAM Whiskey. ©1964!! The one photo shows the bottom of the whiskey bottles [by the way they are empty...been emptied for years! LOL] that they are NOT to be sold or reused under Federal Law Protection. Under James Beam Distilling Company, 1964. These bottles are of American Political Parties, the Donkey [Democrats] and the Elephant [Republicans]. Decorating our home for the day. One more little cutie for the Election Day---isn't this cute? It's a Pez Dispenser. Donkey, of course!!! I have him opened now, and sitting out of the package, on the hutch. - - - Texas Hootin' Anni VOTED Early - Obama FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM ! ! VOTE BARACK OBAMA ! !

Live Blog on election day found HERE

Join Here


I'm going to get a little carried away with the posting for a few reasons. Not only my two show n tells, but how I came about getting them...a little side trip outside of town, and ebay.





I will start off with my new china nesting cup set. I just got it yesterday. You see, we've been having our carpeting cleaned all week. The ones we had come out to do it, will not move any furniture. Which is understandable to me for many purposes, mainly for insurance for the company. For that, I've asked them to come out several days this week to give us a chance to take out some furniture for each room. And early Bud and I moved stuff out of the rooms that wasn't too heavy, then they shampooed. When they were done, we left to keep from tracking around on the wet carpets. Yesterday was the last room...the dining room; and the smaller hallway. When they were done, we had ourselves ready to leave as soon as they left. We ended up taking a short trip outside the city, up north about 40 or so miles along the coast. To Rockport. It's a favorite of mine. It's very quaint...it's a fishing village more or less. There is a maritime museum there. We stopped there and spent an hour or two. [got a few photos which I'll share at another time] Then, went to lunch. Afterwhich, we ended up back in the car and driving just a bit further up the highway to Fulton, Texas. There is an historical mansion there that has tours on some days of the week. [also some photos of this mansion will come at a later date]

When we got there, it was locked, but the tour would start in just about 15 minutes from our arrival. So, we ventured out and around the historic gardens and the carriage house, etc. When the tour was completed; about an hour...I stopped in to look at the 'toys' they had for us. Souvenirs. I spied this beautiful nesting cup set [above photo]. Hadda have it!!

- - -

Now my e bay winning bid!





No where in town can you find anything that is of any particular political party. We did get a 'hand sign' when we attended the Obama Rally in February. I had the privilege of shaking Senator Obama's hand. I was fortunate to have him sign my book of his. But the only time I saw any political T-shirts was back in February at the rally. And being that we attended the rally with thousands of people in one auditorium, I took no cash with me. I was kicking myself. Well, not really. The simple white t-shirts with his slogan was going for $25; some higher in price. That's not for me. Oh, I suppose if I had the cash on me, I probably would have got one. But I didn't. Then, after the rally...as I said, no where in town were they selling. The online store at his website has them...but again, they really weren't what I would have liked. I was determined to find something tho. So, I went out on e bay. A woman had one that was 'shiny'. No sparkly as in glitter, but shiny. I loved it. Not only did she have them in the size I needed [they're new with the tags on them], I got it for under $20!! AND!----the shirt is 3/4 length sleeves. Now, I really liked that. Different! I love different. I'm now a proud owner of a really cool Obama shirt!