I will repeat myself.
We must all pay our fair share of taxes.
Why should the rich get by with less. They have more loop holes than Swiss cheese. They have more deductions. So much of their income is from investments--how much is tax free municipal bonds. Think about Mitt Romney's taxes--14%.
Sorry but the elderly need to pay their fair share of medicare and social security benefits should be taken from those earning through dividends, IRAs, retirement accounts over $100,000.
I am so tired of the Republicans blaming welfare moms instead of looking in the mirror.
The tax cliff returns us to Bill Clinton's tax rates, when our budget was balanced. So going back to those rates is not a bad thing.
You can sell your home and make a $250,000 profit if you are single, tax free. If you are married, the profit that is tax free is $500,000. This is ludicrous.
If you leave an estate of $5,000,000, it is tax free. This is insane.
How can people keep endorsing taking away from the poor in favor of these tax breaks, loop holes, etc. for the rich or the upper middle class? I do not understand the thinking.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
GIVE MY KID A GUN!!
I am tired of the "conversation" about gun control.
What a royal waste of time.
State governments must make the changes. Their laws override the Federal government according to the cable news channels.
300,000,000 guns in this country. We are turning into a Middle Eastern Country. It seems that gun fanatics want to turn our homes, schools, communities into armed prisons to keep the bad guys out.
Why is there a discussion?
Executive Privilege--Obama should stop the sale of all assault rifles, hand guns, clips, and bullets for such guns. The courts can suspend the sell of these horrible weapons! Then our society can hash out the particulars!
Conversing means the sales of guns are off the charts. And if we will not go into homes and forcibly remove these weapons of mass destruction, nothing will change!
What a royal waste of time.
State governments must make the changes. Their laws override the Federal government according to the cable news channels.
300,000,000 guns in this country. We are turning into a Middle Eastern Country. It seems that gun fanatics want to turn our homes, schools, communities into armed prisons to keep the bad guys out.
Why is there a discussion?
Executive Privilege--Obama should stop the sale of all assault rifles, hand guns, clips, and bullets for such guns. The courts can suspend the sell of these horrible weapons! Then our society can hash out the particulars!
Conversing means the sales of guns are off the charts. And if we will not go into homes and forcibly remove these weapons of mass destruction, nothing will change!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Lake Charles
Dusk after viewing the Mardi Gras Parade in Lake Charles, February, 2012.
Lake Charles has a beautiful downtown area, historic, with a downtown courthouse that is gorgeous.
ENTITLEMENTS-social security and medicare
Once again, I tell you our country is bankrupt.
Republicans want entitlement reform--however most think this means "welfare" to inner city blacks.
Most do not understand that the largest group of people receiving entitlements are those receiving Social Security and Medicare.
Medicare costs $400 per month per person. Yet, no matter the income of the recipient, the elderly pays $100 a month. Was this program set up to be used by those who can afford their own insurance? Should we as taxpayers provide another benefit to the top 2%?
Social Security was not set up to support the rich. Yet, I know millionaires who are receiving social secruity checks. I know that many out live any amount they ever paid in.
I have known people who have transferred all assets out of their parents' names, waited the alloted time, and then placed them in nursing homes at the taxpayers' expense.
Yet we continue to blame the black cracked up welfare moms for the bankrupt economy in this country.
In addition, I must return to taking care of the poor.
We like going to fast food places. We like going to restaurants. We like having cashiers check us out quickly and accurately at stores where we choose to shop. Yet none of these people receive a livable wage. They do not receive benefits. They do not have retirement accounts. And most do not have the IQ to go to college and become doctors, lawyers, Indian Chiefs.
These are the people Social Security was intended to cover. Not the entire population of the United States.
Disability Insurance. Who qualifies for disability? I have a friend who served in the military. He was not a foot soldier. He was not shot or bombed. He is on government disability for his knee. Yet he earns more than most teachers as someone who negotiates oil and gas leases.
(I did my research on the Internet. I know everything posted on the Internet is not true but I do try to research everything--newspapers, magazines, studies.)
Republicans want entitlement reform--however most think this means "welfare" to inner city blacks.
Most do not understand that the largest group of people receiving entitlements are those receiving Social Security and Medicare.
Medicare costs $400 per month per person. Yet, no matter the income of the recipient, the elderly pays $100 a month. Was this program set up to be used by those who can afford their own insurance? Should we as taxpayers provide another benefit to the top 2%?
Social Security was not set up to support the rich. Yet, I know millionaires who are receiving social secruity checks. I know that many out live any amount they ever paid in.
I have known people who have transferred all assets out of their parents' names, waited the alloted time, and then placed them in nursing homes at the taxpayers' expense.
Yet we continue to blame the black cracked up welfare moms for the bankrupt economy in this country.
In addition, I must return to taking care of the poor.
We like going to fast food places. We like going to restaurants. We like having cashiers check us out quickly and accurately at stores where we choose to shop. Yet none of these people receive a livable wage. They do not receive benefits. They do not have retirement accounts. And most do not have the IQ to go to college and become doctors, lawyers, Indian Chiefs.
These are the people Social Security was intended to cover. Not the entire population of the United States.
Disability Insurance. Who qualifies for disability? I have a friend who served in the military. He was not a foot soldier. He was not shot or bombed. He is on government disability for his knee. Yet he earns more than most teachers as someone who negotiates oil and gas leases.
(I did my research on the Internet. I know everything posted on the Internet is not true but I do try to research everything--newspapers, magazines, studies.)
GRANDPARENTS WANT VISITATION RIGHTS
Grandparents have worked through the courts and their elected officials to get visitation rights for their grandchildren.
As a grandmother, I think grandparents should pay a much bigger role!
Before a child under the age of 26 can apply for "welfare" for their children, grandparents should have their income checked. Whenever possible, they should provide financial support for their grandchildren.
As I stated in a previous post, we as taxpayers are providing medicaid, food stamps, housing allowance, childcare--to a "welfare" mom. Yet her parents are both tenured professors. They want the fun of being grandparents but not the financial responsibility for their child or grandchildren.
Should our responsibility for our children end just because they turn 18? Can you name an 18 year old who is capable of supporting financially themselves--pay for an apartment, clothing, food, transportation, medical care?
As a grandmother, I think grandparents should pay a much bigger role!
Before a child under the age of 26 can apply for "welfare" for their children, grandparents should have their income checked. Whenever possible, they should provide financial support for their grandchildren.
As I stated in a previous post, we as taxpayers are providing medicaid, food stamps, housing allowance, childcare--to a "welfare" mom. Yet her parents are both tenured professors. They want the fun of being grandparents but not the financial responsibility for their child or grandchildren.
Should our responsibility for our children end just because they turn 18? Can you name an 18 year old who is capable of supporting financially themselves--pay for an apartment, clothing, food, transportation, medical care?
ENTITLEMENTS-Welfare Moms
Once again, the prejudice racism of the Tea Party Republicans is rearing their ugly heads.
Entitlements to my Republican friends --welfare to black mammas.
Give me a break.
If you know of anyone abusing our welfare system, report them. It is your responsibility to stop the abuse.
However, don't judge by appearance. Either take the time to know the "group" you are condeming or shut up.
One complaint on face book was "welfare moms" having I- phones.
I taught in an inner city school, and my students carried phones on their belts. They were not connected to any phone service. It was just an accessory.
I used my I-Phone as a computer whereever there was free wifi. I did not have to pay any kind of fee to any one. I could not make phone calls but I could email, use the internet, use facebook and twitter, play words with friends.
My I-Phone cost $49. I was given it by my daughter. My MBA college professor friend gave both his parents cell phones and pays their cell phone bill.
All welfare moms are not black drug abusers, they are not even all black.
I went back to college this semester. I met a "welfare mom" who had two kids. Her parents were tenured college professors. Yet we paid for her pregnancies through medicaid. We pay for her college through grants. We pay for her food through food stamps. My question is why isn't her parents accepting financial responsibility for their child and grandchildren?
I met a young black woman who was very bright. She worked two jobs. She made good grades. She was obese; and by anyone's standards, she was very unattractive. How many of you look at appearance first when hiring, and ability second? I wonder if this beautiful on the inside, smart young lady will ever get hired once she graduates. I try to be optimistic.
I have also read posts on fb that "welfare moms" should get a job!
I agree. And all welfare moms I know have jobs.
You can not support a family working for minimum wage at McDonald's, Burger King, Kroger's, Walmart. For some, that is all the skills their IQ will allow. Should they be living on the streets because God did not give them a higher IQ? Do you not appreciate having dishwashers at restaurants, being able to run through a drive thru on your way home, being accurately checked out at the stores?
Some welfare moms were raped or became pregnant through incest. Can you look at a welfare mom and tell which is which? Should they wear a sign so that you know which ones to judge?
Some welfare moms are taking care of their husbands who returned from war in Iraq or Afghanistan--in pieces. Should they not have our support while their husbands, their families heal. Should they wear signs so that you don't misjudge them?
Some welfare moms have children with severe disabilities. Or they are taking care of family members with severe disabilities. Again, should they wear a sign so that you don't judge?
I worked with a welfare mom. She had one child. She worked as a teacher's aide and worked as a certified/licensed pharmacy aide. Her sister died in child birth. Her four children were taken in by my friend, their aunt. The infant was born deaf, blind, physically and mentally challenged. Does she not deserve all the help our socieity, our taxes can give her?
Strangely, I never read or hear anyone say, "where are the fathers?" Why is that. Why aren't they hounded and forced to help support their children?
Entitlements to my Republican friends --welfare to black mammas.
Give me a break.
If you know of anyone abusing our welfare system, report them. It is your responsibility to stop the abuse.
However, don't judge by appearance. Either take the time to know the "group" you are condeming or shut up.
One complaint on face book was "welfare moms" having I- phones.
I taught in an inner city school, and my students carried phones on their belts. They were not connected to any phone service. It was just an accessory.
I used my I-Phone as a computer whereever there was free wifi. I did not have to pay any kind of fee to any one. I could not make phone calls but I could email, use the internet, use facebook and twitter, play words with friends.
My I-Phone cost $49. I was given it by my daughter. My MBA college professor friend gave both his parents cell phones and pays their cell phone bill.
All welfare moms are not black drug abusers, they are not even all black.
I went back to college this semester. I met a "welfare mom" who had two kids. Her parents were tenured college professors. Yet we paid for her pregnancies through medicaid. We pay for her college through grants. We pay for her food through food stamps. My question is why isn't her parents accepting financial responsibility for their child and grandchildren?
I met a young black woman who was very bright. She worked two jobs. She made good grades. She was obese; and by anyone's standards, she was very unattractive. How many of you look at appearance first when hiring, and ability second? I wonder if this beautiful on the inside, smart young lady will ever get hired once she graduates. I try to be optimistic.
I have also read posts on fb that "welfare moms" should get a job!
I agree. And all welfare moms I know have jobs.
You can not support a family working for minimum wage at McDonald's, Burger King, Kroger's, Walmart. For some, that is all the skills their IQ will allow. Should they be living on the streets because God did not give them a higher IQ? Do you not appreciate having dishwashers at restaurants, being able to run through a drive thru on your way home, being accurately checked out at the stores?
Some welfare moms were raped or became pregnant through incest. Can you look at a welfare mom and tell which is which? Should they wear a sign so that you know which ones to judge?
Some welfare moms are taking care of their husbands who returned from war in Iraq or Afghanistan--in pieces. Should they not have our support while their husbands, their families heal. Should they wear signs so that you don't misjudge them?
Some welfare moms have children with severe disabilities. Or they are taking care of family members with severe disabilities. Again, should they wear a sign so that you don't judge?
I worked with a welfare mom. She had one child. She worked as a teacher's aide and worked as a certified/licensed pharmacy aide. Her sister died in child birth. Her four children were taken in by my friend, their aunt. The infant was born deaf, blind, physically and mentally challenged. Does she not deserve all the help our socieity, our taxes can give her?
Strangely, I never read or hear anyone say, "where are the fathers?" Why is that. Why aren't they hounded and forced to help support their children?
FEDERAL TAXES
Our country is bankrupt. We can fix it, but people have to be willing to make sacrifices--all of us, no matter how poor or rich!
1. Pay your fair share of taxes.
a. Report all of your tips!
b. Report all of your cash payments!
c. Give 1099's to all your help be it gardeners or housekeepers, construction workers or pool cleaners.
d. Ask for driver's licenses-stop paying illegal aliens cash.
e. Report those who cheat on their taxes.
f. Report those who do not file taxes.
2. Stop looking for loop holes!
3. Stop hiding money off shore!
4. Shop local. Shop mom and pops! Keep your tax dollars in your community.
a. I am giving a Christmas gift of Louisiana products to a Texan friend. Through my purchasing power I am supporting industry in my state and in my city and in my parish. I am supporting jobs in my city, in my state, in my community!
b. Look at labels. Find those items that are manufactured here in the United States. We do not need it if it is created in China or Japan! This will bring jobs home.
1. Pay your fair share of taxes.
a. Report all of your tips!
b. Report all of your cash payments!
c. Give 1099's to all your help be it gardeners or housekeepers, construction workers or pool cleaners.
d. Ask for driver's licenses-stop paying illegal aliens cash.
e. Report those who cheat on their taxes.
f. Report those who do not file taxes.
2. Stop looking for loop holes!
3. Stop hiding money off shore!
4. Shop local. Shop mom and pops! Keep your tax dollars in your community.
a. I am giving a Christmas gift of Louisiana products to a Texan friend. Through my purchasing power I am supporting industry in my state and in my city and in my parish. I am supporting jobs in my city, in my state, in my community!
b. Look at labels. Find those items that are manufactured here in the United States. We do not need it if it is created in China or Japan! This will bring jobs home.
SCHOOLS SHOULD SCREEN FOR ABUSE/MENTAL HEALTH
I have taught school for thirty years.
We require that all children have their shots before entering public schools.
We provide testing for eyes and ears for every public school child annually.
If a child is having learning problems, every public school system has a department that tests and tries to identify the specific learning problems and then provides special education services for those children.
Yet, we do nothing to test or screen for psychological problems, for child abuse problems.
We have certified, licensed school counselors on just about every campus of every school I have ever been affiliated with. Yet, most of their time is spent in scheduling classes for the students.
This needs to change. If we began screening early for abuse, behavior problems, mental health--we could provide services early for students and their families. Health insurance, the lack thereof, the exorbitant cost, would no longer be a factor. If we spent the same amount of money we spend on our sports programs on our children's mental health, so many problems could be identified and addressed early.
I can give you one important example of how our society abuses our children. We place children in foster care, until age 18. All services for these children end at age 18. They become homeless at age 18. I worked at a ranch where boys were placed, sometimes by parents, more often by the courts. At age 18, they were "kicked out". The boys were returned to their old neighborhoods, their families who did not want them as children or who were unable to care for them as children, or to families that abused them physically and sexually as children. And for you Southerners, there were as many white boys as black boys.
At age 18, these children, young adults, still needed assistance with acquiring housing, job skills, education. Even those smart enough for college had no way to attend college--no one to help with applications, no where to live, no food, no transportation, no job skills.
And for those who had low IQ's, nothing.
And when they get arrested, there is no compassion! As a society, no one shares in the blame for their failures.
I worked with a young girl - she was in one of my reading special education classes. She had a severe learning disability in math. She read on a college level. She had severe personality problems. She was bullied unmercifully.
She quit high school because of the bullying. She could not pass the No Child Left Behind math section.
I talked to her several times after she turned 18. Her mother was moving to Dallas and she was not allowed to go. Her mother was giving up her government housing. This 18 year old told me she had two choices--she could get pregnant and thus qualify for government housing. Or she could go to a shelter for abused women and lie about being abused by a boyfriend.
She found part-time work as a housekeeper at a local motel. She could not pay rent.
And our society blames her for her failures!
We require that all children have their shots before entering public schools.
We provide testing for eyes and ears for every public school child annually.
If a child is having learning problems, every public school system has a department that tests and tries to identify the specific learning problems and then provides special education services for those children.
Yet, we do nothing to test or screen for psychological problems, for child abuse problems.
We have certified, licensed school counselors on just about every campus of every school I have ever been affiliated with. Yet, most of their time is spent in scheduling classes for the students.
This needs to change. If we began screening early for abuse, behavior problems, mental health--we could provide services early for students and their families. Health insurance, the lack thereof, the exorbitant cost, would no longer be a factor. If we spent the same amount of money we spend on our sports programs on our children's mental health, so many problems could be identified and addressed early.
I can give you one important example of how our society abuses our children. We place children in foster care, until age 18. All services for these children end at age 18. They become homeless at age 18. I worked at a ranch where boys were placed, sometimes by parents, more often by the courts. At age 18, they were "kicked out". The boys were returned to their old neighborhoods, their families who did not want them as children or who were unable to care for them as children, or to families that abused them physically and sexually as children. And for you Southerners, there were as many white boys as black boys.
At age 18, these children, young adults, still needed assistance with acquiring housing, job skills, education. Even those smart enough for college had no way to attend college--no one to help with applications, no where to live, no food, no transportation, no job skills.
And for those who had low IQ's, nothing.
And when they get arrested, there is no compassion! As a society, no one shares in the blame for their failures.
I worked with a young girl - she was in one of my reading special education classes. She had a severe learning disability in math. She read on a college level. She had severe personality problems. She was bullied unmercifully.
She quit high school because of the bullying. She could not pass the No Child Left Behind math section.
I talked to her several times after she turned 18. Her mother was moving to Dallas and she was not allowed to go. Her mother was giving up her government housing. This 18 year old told me she had two choices--she could get pregnant and thus qualify for government housing. Or she could go to a shelter for abused women and lie about being abused by a boyfriend.
She found part-time work as a housekeeper at a local motel. She could not pay rent.
And our society blames her for her failures!
BAN VIOLENCE IN FILMS, GAMES, PRINT
I believe in the freedom of speech.
However, there needs to be a limit placed on access to that freedom.
People over 21 could purchase special "net flix" type programing that would allow adults to download and/or watch films, play games, read print that shows death, murder, horror, violence, and porn. Then those adults can be held accountable for allowing access to such violence and horror to anyone under age 21--just like we do with alcohol and tobacco.
Tax this type of media! Our country is bankrupt. Here is a second way to add income!
However, there needs to be a limit placed on access to that freedom.
People over 21 could purchase special "net flix" type programing that would allow adults to download and/or watch films, play games, read print that shows death, murder, horror, violence, and porn. Then those adults can be held accountable for allowing access to such violence and horror to anyone under age 21--just like we do with alcohol and tobacco.
Tax this type of media! Our country is bankrupt. Here is a second way to add income!
BAN GUNS, TAX AMMO
Alot has happened since July. I lost my way blogging. Hopefully, I will pick back up.
I dropped or deactivated facebook. I could not continue to read what I call idiocy of Republicans.
On Friday, December 14, 2012, a twenty year old went into an elementary school armed with three guns. One was a klock. One was a "hunting rifle" that included a clip which made it automatic. And on facebook, people came out immediately defending their gun rights. OMG!
I read on facebook where some recommended arming teachers. I do believe some gun advocates have gone insane and those posting such idiocy should be committed and I have their gun licenses revoked.
My response: do we want our homes and schools to be armed fortresses? Do we want to turn our schools and neighborhoods into prisons with 8 foot fences, razor wire, armed guards, just to keep the bad guys out?
I hate guns. Any gun that requires clips and can be automatic, should be banned from private ownership. Go door to door if necessary and collect the guns. We have 300,000 million guns in this country, 100,000 shootings each year, 30,000 deaths. Again I say, go door to door and collect the guns. Destroy them!
We are not a Middle Eastern country. Individuals do not need to be armed as if they were part of the Taliban in this country. I donot believe our founding forefathers had any concept of what weapons would morph into in two hundred years.
Tax bullets. The largest taxes we pay should be on alcohol and bullets. Limit the types and amount of ammunition a person can have.
It is child abuse to take children to a shooting range. Prosecute those parents who do so!!
Give drug and alcohol tests to those requesting gun licenses even for hunting rifles. Does this sound extreme. I know three people who are alcoholics who have requested a concealed weapon permit. OMG. Is this who we trust to protect our homes, families, communities?
Finally, if we can ban the selling of candy cigarettes, then why haven't we banned the selling of toy guns to children? We do not live in the Wild West. Children do not need to learn about cap guns, rifles, knives--beginning with their second Christmas.
I dropped or deactivated facebook. I could not continue to read what I call idiocy of Republicans.
On Friday, December 14, 2012, a twenty year old went into an elementary school armed with three guns. One was a klock. One was a "hunting rifle" that included a clip which made it automatic. And on facebook, people came out immediately defending their gun rights. OMG!
I read on facebook where some recommended arming teachers. I do believe some gun advocates have gone insane and those posting such idiocy should be committed and I have their gun licenses revoked.
My response: do we want our homes and schools to be armed fortresses? Do we want to turn our schools and neighborhoods into prisons with 8 foot fences, razor wire, armed guards, just to keep the bad guys out?
I hate guns. Any gun that requires clips and can be automatic, should be banned from private ownership. Go door to door if necessary and collect the guns. We have 300,000 million guns in this country, 100,000 shootings each year, 30,000 deaths. Again I say, go door to door and collect the guns. Destroy them!
We are not a Middle Eastern country. Individuals do not need to be armed as if they were part of the Taliban in this country. I donot believe our founding forefathers had any concept of what weapons would morph into in two hundred years.
Tax bullets. The largest taxes we pay should be on alcohol and bullets. Limit the types and amount of ammunition a person can have.
It is child abuse to take children to a shooting range. Prosecute those parents who do so!!
Give drug and alcohol tests to those requesting gun licenses even for hunting rifles. Does this sound extreme. I know three people who are alcoholics who have requested a concealed weapon permit. OMG. Is this who we trust to protect our homes, families, communities?
Finally, if we can ban the selling of candy cigarettes, then why haven't we banned the selling of toy guns to children? We do not live in the Wild West. Children do not need to learn about cap guns, rifles, knives--beginning with their second Christmas.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Opening Ceremony of Olympics
Pageantry and boredom.
I watched to see William, Kate and Harry.
Didn't see much of them.
The Queen comes off as an arrogant pompous ass.
The opening ceremony incorporated too much video. Boring!
The homage to children's literature was nice! But hard to follow on my small tv set! Not sure if my son's giant one would have been much better.
The pastoral scenes were too small, hard to see what was going on. Without Matt Lauer would not have know what was going on.
The change over to the industrial age was kind of cool. But I couldn't tell if skyscrapers appeared with the smokestacks. Once I thought so. Not sure.
I loved the ending where the leaves rose and became the torch. Didn't understand unknown kids--future Olympians at 19?--carrying the torch.
I think I would give it a 6 out of 10.
I watched to see William, Kate and Harry.
Didn't see much of them.
The Queen comes off as an arrogant pompous ass.
The opening ceremony incorporated too much video. Boring!
The homage to children's literature was nice! But hard to follow on my small tv set! Not sure if my son's giant one would have been much better.
The pastoral scenes were too small, hard to see what was going on. Without Matt Lauer would not have know what was going on.
The change over to the industrial age was kind of cool. But I couldn't tell if skyscrapers appeared with the smokestacks. Once I thought so. Not sure.
I loved the ending where the leaves rose and became the torch. Didn't understand unknown kids--future Olympians at 19?--carrying the torch.
I think I would give it a 6 out of 10.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
more politics
46% of the people like Obama
46% of the people like Romney
And the smart ones who don't like either--have no choices.
Politics is so tied into power plays and greed with bits and pieces of good for the American people happening by happenstance.
This means no matter who wins, there will be 4 years of working to make that president lose at every policy he tries to institute to help the economy or the American people. What is the alternative--a dictatorship--not for that either. But it sure slows the processes down for making positive changes in and for this country!
I decided this morning that countries in the Middle East are very smart. When they need an influx of money into their coffers, they start an uprising. If they can't take care of their masses, the US and other countries jump in with aid--food, water, money, etc. I am at the point where I believe if we leave them alone, they will work out their own problems. Keep our money and aid at home. Think about how many millions, trillions of dollars and supplies have been sent to help countries in the Middle East through the years--has anything really changed?
46% of the people like Romney
And the smart ones who don't like either--have no choices.
Politics is so tied into power plays and greed with bits and pieces of good for the American people happening by happenstance.
This means no matter who wins, there will be 4 years of working to make that president lose at every policy he tries to institute to help the economy or the American people. What is the alternative--a dictatorship--not for that either. But it sure slows the processes down for making positive changes in and for this country!
I decided this morning that countries in the Middle East are very smart. When they need an influx of money into their coffers, they start an uprising. If they can't take care of their masses, the US and other countries jump in with aid--food, water, money, etc. I am at the point where I believe if we leave them alone, they will work out their own problems. Keep our money and aid at home. Think about how many millions, trillions of dollars and supplies have been sent to help countries in the Middle East through the years--has anything really changed?
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
It's Tuesday!
Second day of sewing class for McNeese's kids college. Too fun. All ten year olds this week!
Two days of no rain! The heat is returning! There was a tornado in south Lake Charles Saturday night. Having lived through two major tornadoes in Bossier City, tornadoes terrify me!
Missing the beach and my sunrises. But actually saw stars last night. I do love the tall trees with the moon peaking through! And the chirping of crickets and frogs!
Getting tired of mobile facebook. Today all my statuses was a list of pages friends liked--no updates, no personal info, no personal photos. I tried to post. Typed my info. Hit post. And fb shut down. I hardly go on fb any more because it never works right. I definitely miss the way it was!
So for me, my blog will be my fb.
Back to school shopping has begun. School seems to start earlier and earlier in August.
Working on new ebook--Healthy cooking with kids. May have to divide into two books--having fun creating an Around the World section in the book. Thinking I could also focus on the 50 states. Thinking out loud I guess!
Making each day count!!
Two days of no rain! The heat is returning! There was a tornado in south Lake Charles Saturday night. Having lived through two major tornadoes in Bossier City, tornadoes terrify me!
Missing the beach and my sunrises. But actually saw stars last night. I do love the tall trees with the moon peaking through! And the chirping of crickets and frogs!
Getting tired of mobile facebook. Today all my statuses was a list of pages friends liked--no updates, no personal info, no personal photos. I tried to post. Typed my info. Hit post. And fb shut down. I hardly go on fb any more because it never works right. I definitely miss the way it was!
So for me, my blog will be my fb.
Back to school shopping has begun. School seems to start earlier and earlier in August.
Working on new ebook--Healthy cooking with kids. May have to divide into two books--having fun creating an Around the World section in the book. Thinking I could also focus on the 50 states. Thinking out loud I guess!
Making each day count!!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
up since 4
Up since 4 a.m.
Major rain storms last night, thunder and lightening!
Made a Walmart run. Needed coffee.
Caught up on Twitter. Love Project Runway! Too many twitter posts but, I agree that Christopher looks like a young Michael Costello.
No pending Words with Friends. Getting tired of the game. I beat Fred 3 out of 4 games at least. He gets frustrated with me!
Got 6 dresses cut out. Need to be sewing but avoiding the machine! Don't know why!
Blogging a lot. Writing a lot. Hoping to make lots of money on books and blogs.
Waiting for check from McNeese.
Registered for computer accounting and tax classes. Listening to Fred. Great part time work doing taxes for Block or Liberty or Jackson Hewitt.
Don't want to return to a classroom. I hate dealing with discipline even though I love teaching!!
Life is good in the hood!
Major rain storms last night, thunder and lightening!
Made a Walmart run. Needed coffee.
Caught up on Twitter. Love Project Runway! Too many twitter posts but, I agree that Christopher looks like a young Michael Costello.
No pending Words with Friends. Getting tired of the game. I beat Fred 3 out of 4 games at least. He gets frustrated with me!
Got 6 dresses cut out. Need to be sewing but avoiding the machine! Don't know why!
Blogging a lot. Writing a lot. Hoping to make lots of money on books and blogs.
Waiting for check from McNeese.
Registered for computer accounting and tax classes. Listening to Fred. Great part time work doing taxes for Block or Liberty or Jackson Hewitt.
Don't want to return to a classroom. I hate dealing with discipline even though I love teaching!!
Life is good in the hood!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Politics
Getting very frustrated with facebook and all the political postings.
Although I claim to be a Republican--my Republican friends are driving me crazy.
I hate guns except for hunting and target practice. I hate automatic weapons!!
I wish there were never a need for abortion, for any one. But, I think all medical decisions should be private--between the patient and the doctor. And I would bet there are few out there who would not turn to abortion if their child, mother, sister, friend, were brutally raped.
I hate religion fanatics--I am a Christian. I believe in Christ. However, I do not want religion shoved down my throat. If Christians can display their religion in government, then why not Muslims, Jews, Voo Doo people, etc. Where do you draw the line? I prefer that religion and government are kept separate! I remember during Bush's presidency, Republicans asking an elderly couple to leave their church of 50 years because they were not Republicans. Way too harsh!!
Entitlements---It seems to me that white middle class Americans thinks all the entitlements are going to black welfare moms who won't work and like having lots of kids. I have taught inner city most of my life--I didn't meet anyone who preferred welfare to working.
If people did their research, they would find that Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are the entitlements that are bankrupting our country. Baby boomers are living well beyond the money they paid into Social Security. Also, I have met many people who take the two years to remove every asset from a parent into their names just so taxpayers can foot the nursing home expenses and medical bills.
I can't tell you how many people I have met or know personally who cheat on their taxes. We need an attitude of paying our fair share!!
However, I have a dilemma. I don't like either candidate. Romney will not own up to the "Obamacare" he created for Massachusetts. I can't figure out why he has bank accounts in the Cayman Islands if it is not to avoid taxes.
I don't like Obama. He just doesn't have the experience to move this country out of this horrible recession.
where is the none of the above option?
Although I claim to be a Republican--my Republican friends are driving me crazy.
I hate guns except for hunting and target practice. I hate automatic weapons!!
I wish there were never a need for abortion, for any one. But, I think all medical decisions should be private--between the patient and the doctor. And I would bet there are few out there who would not turn to abortion if their child, mother, sister, friend, were brutally raped.
I hate religion fanatics--I am a Christian. I believe in Christ. However, I do not want religion shoved down my throat. If Christians can display their religion in government, then why not Muslims, Jews, Voo Doo people, etc. Where do you draw the line? I prefer that religion and government are kept separate! I remember during Bush's presidency, Republicans asking an elderly couple to leave their church of 50 years because they were not Republicans. Way too harsh!!
Entitlements---It seems to me that white middle class Americans thinks all the entitlements are going to black welfare moms who won't work and like having lots of kids. I have taught inner city most of my life--I didn't meet anyone who preferred welfare to working.
If people did their research, they would find that Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security are the entitlements that are bankrupting our country. Baby boomers are living well beyond the money they paid into Social Security. Also, I have met many people who take the two years to remove every asset from a parent into their names just so taxpayers can foot the nursing home expenses and medical bills.
I can't tell you how many people I have met or know personally who cheat on their taxes. We need an attitude of paying our fair share!!
However, I have a dilemma. I don't like either candidate. Romney will not own up to the "Obamacare" he created for Massachusetts. I can't figure out why he has bank accounts in the Cayman Islands if it is not to avoid taxes.
I don't like Obama. He just doesn't have the experience to move this country out of this horrible recession.
where is the none of the above option?
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Blogging
Wishing there were a check list on how to make money at blogging.
Would also like a check list on how to blog.
I would like to go down the line checking the little boxes so I know I have it right!!
In the meantime, I have started bunches of new blogs and added AdSense. I love writing and sharing. Hopefully, I can earn a bit of money too!!
If you are reading this and can send me a check list, thank you!!
Would also like a check list on how to blog.
I would like to go down the line checking the little boxes so I know I have it right!!
In the meantime, I have started bunches of new blogs and added AdSense. I love writing and sharing. Hopefully, I can earn a bit of money too!!
If you are reading this and can send me a check list, thank you!!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Galveston Art Walk
Galveston should be world famous for their art walk. It happens every six weeks. It still amazes me when I meet new people who live on the island who have never heard of or never participate.
Tonight, Brenda 2 and I introduced my next door neighbor Maryse to Art Walk.
Technically the hours are from 6-9 pm but we went around three in order to find a place to park. We met up with friends at MOD--only the best coffee house around bar none. We sat and plotted our route for the afternoon/evening. The cool thing about arriving early is that as we make our rounds, the artists have time to visit with us.
For those of you not bored yet, I plan to introdece you to the artists and art we met. I am doing this with an ulterior motive. Even if you never come to our place (which would be a real shame) perhaps you will take a new look at your local artists, galleries, and student shows.
My friend Maryse and I began the afternoon by visiting with Shaun and his girlfriend. He sneaked up from behind with a big hug. His mom walked up next with Marty. Maryse commented
about her hair being such a bright red. I could not remember her name at the moment and was
relieved to know I had already introduced them. Maryse continued her discussion about the
bright bright red hair. When we finally decided to hit our first gallery, Maryse said
something about Sheila. That's when I realized why she was so shocked by the orange red hair.
She had confused Chris (at last I remembered her name) with my other friend Sheila who has
auburn red hair. I am sure Chris was rather confused by Maryse. I am sure the French accent
didn't help much.
Our first stop was at Galveston Art League--my favorite gallery because it is run by volunteers, prices start at $20, and most of the artists are local. As we walked in and for the entire time we were there, there was a middle aged handsome artist who had diahrea of the mouth--non stop about his talents and creativity and ability to write and on and on. All of this white noise was directed at the poor volunteer--an elderly lady probably in her 80's. He left about the same time we did. I think we were all glad. The art, as always, was fabulous!! Maryse enjoyed the coastal paintings while I love the objective abstracts (for the nonartist, this means you know it is a tree but it looks like no tree God or Mother Nature would ever make). My favorite were the rocks about the size of a fist painted with all kinds of fun faces.
Back to Mod to await Brenda 2. She came and we headed into Tim Hamrock's furniture/interior design store. He allows artists to hang in his space and my two favorite were by Bud Clayton. He does non-objective abstract on canvases about 4'x 4' or larger. It is like looking at the clouds--you see something new every time you look at his work. (He is on facebook so check it out.) He also has handpainted Christmas ornaments with the tiniest details. Oh so fab!!
Clyde was the third place on our agenda. If you read my blog on Galveston Friends and Acquaintances, you might remember he plays the bagpipes. He also owns The Witchery which some people object to--the devil and witchcraft stuff--but I like the uniqueness of it. He has alot of incense. He has lots of crystals. He has paintings from an artist named Beth. Her work looks almost renaissance with the sepia tones, jewel colors, and long dresses on the women. There was a palm reader and Brenda 2 signed up.
Maryse and I headed to the Grand Opera House to see the art displayed there. A local artist had a grand piano casing with glass on top --conference table size. I did not get his name. He also had a number of metal sculptures, metal bed, and metal table and chairs. He uses welding, gears, rebarb, car parts--any thing metal.
Gabe was also showing some of his work which is hard to describe. I think his sister is a photographer and takes black and white photos that look as if they are of people in third world countries. He incorporates these oversized photos into his paintings on reclaimed wood. It is all rough and half-finished in appearance and really wonderful. Gabe is another one of my favorite artists on the island--a young kid who enjoys surfing as much as he enjoys creating art. Gabe also hangs on the wall of a boarded up McCary's building across the street from MOD. He creates spray paintings for the crowds strolling by. He has music on his boom box booming.
After the Opera House, we headed to McCary's wall. There is a lady there who flattens wine bottles then writes messages on them. Not my favorite. Around the corner--same wall--is Shane's artwork. He is a painter and quite talented. His artwork sells. I should know because I bought a print for $20. His work is hard to describe--reminds me of a quilt, has architecture, grays and blues--wonderful. There was a young high school student selling the pottery he makes in his high school art class--and he has quite a bit of talent!! The pots were less than $50~~a real bargain!!
Next door to MOD is Renee' Wiley's gallery/studio. She is the most famous artist on the island. Her work is great, bold, island themed, and some of the most expensive. Brenda 2 bought a small painting --maybe 18" by 24" of the now gone Balinese Room for around a $1000. I don't know what she negotiated but that is the tag on the other painting of the Balinese Room. Maryse really responded to the art in this gallery. Renee' also features wood carvings done by a Texas City artist from the trees that died after and because of IKE. He is also wonderfully talented. If you go on line for Galveston, you can find photos of all the tree art in people's yards--mostly on the East End--a dog, the Tin Man, etc.
Brenda 2 finally rejoined us after finding out that she will live a long happy life from the palm reader. We headed to Jennifer Peck's gallery. She was serving great Mexican pastries. Her work is simple like folkart and has a coastal theme but very reasonable priced.
Next door to Jennifer is a new lofts for sale building. They featured several artists whom I do not know. However, on the first level, a young man had beautiful paintings of fish. The water and outlines of the fish were very realistic. The inside of the fish were abstract reminding me of spinning circles we made as kids with a spirograph. The colors were jewel toned and brights--quite beautiful.
Tonight, Brenda 2 and I introduced my next door neighbor Maryse to Art Walk.
Technically the hours are from 6-9 pm but we went around three in order to find a place to park. We met up with friends at MOD--only the best coffee house around bar none. We sat and plotted our route for the afternoon/evening. The cool thing about arriving early is that as we make our rounds, the artists have time to visit with us.
For those of you not bored yet, I plan to introdece you to the artists and art we met. I am doing this with an ulterior motive. Even if you never come to our place (which would be a real shame) perhaps you will take a new look at your local artists, galleries, and student shows.
My friend Maryse and I began the afternoon by visiting with Shaun and his girlfriend. He sneaked up from behind with a big hug. His mom walked up next with Marty. Maryse commented
about her hair being such a bright red. I could not remember her name at the moment and was
relieved to know I had already introduced them. Maryse continued her discussion about the
bright bright red hair. When we finally decided to hit our first gallery, Maryse said
something about Sheila. That's when I realized why she was so shocked by the orange red hair.
She had confused Chris (at last I remembered her name) with my other friend Sheila who has
auburn red hair. I am sure Chris was rather confused by Maryse. I am sure the French accent
didn't help much.
Our first stop was at Galveston Art League--my favorite gallery because it is run by volunteers, prices start at $20, and most of the artists are local. As we walked in and for the entire time we were there, there was a middle aged handsome artist who had diahrea of the mouth--non stop about his talents and creativity and ability to write and on and on. All of this white noise was directed at the poor volunteer--an elderly lady probably in her 80's. He left about the same time we did. I think we were all glad. The art, as always, was fabulous!! Maryse enjoyed the coastal paintings while I love the objective abstracts (for the nonartist, this means you know it is a tree but it looks like no tree God or Mother Nature would ever make). My favorite were the rocks about the size of a fist painted with all kinds of fun faces.
Back to Mod to await Brenda 2. She came and we headed into Tim Hamrock's furniture/interior design store. He allows artists to hang in his space and my two favorite were by Bud Clayton. He does non-objective abstract on canvases about 4'x 4' or larger. It is like looking at the clouds--you see something new every time you look at his work. (He is on facebook so check it out.) He also has handpainted Christmas ornaments with the tiniest details. Oh so fab!!
Clyde was the third place on our agenda. If you read my blog on Galveston Friends and Acquaintances, you might remember he plays the bagpipes. He also owns The Witchery which some people object to--the devil and witchcraft stuff--but I like the uniqueness of it. He has alot of incense. He has lots of crystals. He has paintings from an artist named Beth. Her work looks almost renaissance with the sepia tones, jewel colors, and long dresses on the women. There was a palm reader and Brenda 2 signed up.
Maryse and I headed to the Grand Opera House to see the art displayed there. A local artist had a grand piano casing with glass on top --conference table size. I did not get his name. He also had a number of metal sculptures, metal bed, and metal table and chairs. He uses welding, gears, rebarb, car parts--any thing metal.
Gabe was also showing some of his work which is hard to describe. I think his sister is a photographer and takes black and white photos that look as if they are of people in third world countries. He incorporates these oversized photos into his paintings on reclaimed wood. It is all rough and half-finished in appearance and really wonderful. Gabe is another one of my favorite artists on the island--a young kid who enjoys surfing as much as he enjoys creating art. Gabe also hangs on the wall of a boarded up McCary's building across the street from MOD. He creates spray paintings for the crowds strolling by. He has music on his boom box booming.
After the Opera House, we headed to McCary's wall. There is a lady there who flattens wine bottles then writes messages on them. Not my favorite. Around the corner--same wall--is Shane's artwork. He is a painter and quite talented. His artwork sells. I should know because I bought a print for $20. His work is hard to describe--reminds me of a quilt, has architecture, grays and blues--wonderful. There was a young high school student selling the pottery he makes in his high school art class--and he has quite a bit of talent!! The pots were less than $50~~a real bargain!!
Next door to MOD is Renee' Wiley's gallery/studio. She is the most famous artist on the island. Her work is great, bold, island themed, and some of the most expensive. Brenda 2 bought a small painting --maybe 18" by 24" of the now gone Balinese Room for around a $1000. I don't know what she negotiated but that is the tag on the other painting of the Balinese Room. Maryse really responded to the art in this gallery. Renee' also features wood carvings done by a Texas City artist from the trees that died after and because of IKE. He is also wonderfully talented. If you go on line for Galveston, you can find photos of all the tree art in people's yards--mostly on the East End--a dog, the Tin Man, etc.
Brenda 2 finally rejoined us after finding out that she will live a long happy life from the palm reader. We headed to Jennifer Peck's gallery. She was serving great Mexican pastries. Her work is simple like folkart and has a coastal theme but very reasonable priced.
Next door to Jennifer is a new lofts for sale building. They featured several artists whom I do not know. However, on the first level, a young man had beautiful paintings of fish. The water and outlines of the fish were very realistic. The inside of the fish were abstract reminding me of spinning circles we made as kids with a spirograph. The colors were jewel toned and brights--quite beautiful.
UPDATE on my Adventures
It has been a while since I blogged on here.
Going to return to blogging. I miss it.
Been doing e-books on both Barnes and Noble and Amazon for both the Nook and Kindle. I like it. I make a little money every month which is nice.
Been sewing baby dresses. I would like to pick up another shop or two but so far, the local store--The Baby Cottage--buys everything I make. Not bad but I know more now than I did a few months ago. I think I could sell my clothes at a little higher price wholesale if I pick up new stores.
I am on pinterest and facebook--Brenda Boyett Edwards Lauw. Check me out!
I have regretfully moved from Galveston.
I am living in Sulphur, Louisiana. Cajun country for sure! Oh my, the spices they add to their food!!
Although I love G-town--and it will always be in my soul--I love being around my son and his family!
It has not been easy for any of us. But, I needed family. I was a single parent forever, responsible for making too many decisions both good and bad alone, responsible for working, rearing kids, maintaining a home--all alone. Most times now, I defer to my son even for the simpliest things like a flat tire or a dead car battery.
I need minimum monies to live on.
I am doing what I love to do--writing, sewing, a little art.
I play with my two and half year old grandson--the highlight of my days!
For now, this is where I need to be!
Been sewing baby dresses. I would like to pick up another shop or two but so far, the local store--The Baby Cottage--buys everything I make. Not bad but I know more now than I did a few months ago. I think I could sell my clothes at a little higher price wholesale if I pick up new stores.
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