Natural Wonder

Or maybe that should be a fool's folly. If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know my abhorrence of a certain female undergarment commonly referred to as a “bra”. My specific beef is going shopping for this said article because they are not made for real women. Even the so-called full figured models are misleading.

Yesterday I wasn’t shopping, but wearing a model that I’d been foolish enough to purchase some months back. God, what was I thinking? My knit top (I always wear knit because button up shirts invariably gap) was rather clinging and accentuated the degree of folly (or delusion) I’d suffered.

I happened to look down upon my twin peaks only to discover that they were not pointing forward. If north and south represent up and down, then I was wall-eyed. East and west were in fact well represented. And that was peering down from a perspective that only I can attain. The ladies’ room mirror held further horrors. My profile resembled the slope of s ski jump with that upward tilt at the base for maximum trajectory.

I happen to know for a fact that God did not make women to achieve a maximum trajectory off my breasts. Who designed that stupid contraption in the first place? I think I’d rather opt for the 50’s version that rounds them up and heads them out at needle prick sharpness.

Needless to say, that bra went in the trash and will never discrace my person again.

Zoo Trip

My friend, Linda, and I went to the Fort Worth Zoo last Wednesday. Just the two of us. No kids, grand kids or old people slowing us down. The weather was picture perfect (excuse the pun). and we had an absolutely wonderful time. Below are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.

When is enough, enough?

One of our colleagues at work was diagnosed with cancer almost two years ago. The doctors treated him with experimental drugs and at one time he was declared cancer free. That lasted maybe 2 or 3 months and then the cancer returned worse than before.

We’ve watched RD’s health go up and down, but never really improving significantly. He’s currently on an oral chemotherapy that causes him extreme pain (as if the cancer wasn’t enough). Most of the time, he can’t walk because the drugs cause such horrible sores on his feet.

RD comes to work whenever he feels up to it, but we all know it’s just a way for him to get out of the house and be with friends. Most of the time, he’s just here.

This morning he called in to say that he was in the ER and wouldn’t be in. More complications from the chemo. His tumor became so large late last year that the doctors did surgery (again) to remove what they could and repair the hernia that it had caused.

I keep wondering to myself, how much more can RD stand? I’m sure if he was my husband I’d want the doctors to do everything possible to save his life, but when is enough, enough? Of course RD doesn’t want to die, but is his quality of life satisfactory enough to make the continued suffering justified?

It’s not a question I can answer. In fact I’m glad I don’t have to make such a horrific decision, but when I see a 50 year old man creeping down the hall, I can’t help but wonder.

It's Four O'Clock

And I'm ready to go home for the day. I know our work load is supposed to be down, but I sure don't have a whole lot of leisure time happening right now. About the time I think I'm getting caught up, I don't.

I'm also editing a short story (on my time), trying to get it ready to submit it for a contest. Every time I think I'm done, I see something else that needs fixing. This could turn into a thankless task.

By the way, I had submitted my story "There's A T-Rex in My Closet" for publishing. While it didn't make it to ink and paper, it can be read at the following. If I remember correctly, I did post it, but if you haven't read it, go here. http://www.hobbesendpublishing.com/index.html Hey, at least it's recognition.

New Toy

I can't remember whether I've mentioned that I bought myself a new toy for Christmas. It's a Sony DSLR-A350 with 14.2 mp and it takes wonderful pictures even if the operator is less than proficient. And I've been playing around with it a lot. The one thing it lacked was a telephoto lens so last week I ordered one that goes up to 300mm. I'm in hog heaven now. Of course I've been playing around with the new camera with the even newer lens, so I thought I'd post some of my results.

This is one of my favorites. I was trying to get Herald to turn toward me, but I think this shot is even better.

Author, Author

I’ve been doing a lot of reading recently to make up for all the years I didn’t have time for when my kids were at home. Being an aspiring novelist has turned into a curse rather than a blessing. I read for writing skills as well as content and often get bogged down rewriting their story in my head.

One thing I’ve discovered is that even though writer may have be “an award winning journalist”, it doesn’t mean that they can write a good novel. It just means that they were a good journalist.

I just finished reading a book by one of these people and I swear he/she has never heard of POV or showing instead of telling. There was also way too much author intrusion. And this is an acclaimed writer.

I can only conclude that “established” authors are not subject to the same stringent guidelines that we novices get our feet held to the fire for. Of course, if you know someone or have made a name for yourself in another area, it doesn’t matter whether you can write or not. I’ve seen this firsthand recently and wonder who he/she had to blow to break into print.

Am I being a little sour grapes? Maybe. But then I remember that I want to get published for my writing merits, not because I have contacts in the right places. A little altruistic, too.

Cloud Array

Jimbob and I went to see a movie yesterday (the first in 3-4 years) and on the way home, we saw these wonderful cloud formations. Since I always have my camera in my purse, we pulled off in the parking lot at the local park and I took pictures. Funny thing was, once I pulled over, several more motorist decided to do the same thing. But they were using their phones, so I know my pictures are better. So,

there.