To Whom it May Concern:

When one is dining in a restaurant, or anywhere for that matter, one does not want to see this. Thank you in advance.

Why I Remain Cool When Things Get Noisy...

Study finds sounds scare scrawny people more easily.

NOTE: This is my original artwork. Please do not reproduce without express written permission. I had better not see this masterpiece in your homes.

The Worst Best Friend

Let me tell you about the worst best friend. Who's that, you say? That would be me, unfortunately. How did I earn this distinction? To adequately explain, I will have to give you some background. You see, I am one of those people who is blessed/cursed with a nearly impeccable memory. I remember incidents that occurred long, long ago with remarkable recall. I can give details, dates, what current events coincided with said incident, who was wearing what, what so-and-so said, who dated who, and I was/am about 95% on point. Sometimes, I get on my own nerves with the things I remember.

My best friend, Mrs. Jovial, is quite the opposite. She looks to me to remember things, and I do. My memory bank is available to her and whoever else may need it. I don't believe my memory has ever let her down. That is, until now. You see, I have done something I have never done the entire length of our friendship.

I forgot my best friend's birthday.

**Sigh**

I remembered two days before. In fact, we were to meet for dinner the night before her birthday, but our plans got canceled. That day, she had a scheduling conflict, I had a crisis on top of being super busy and was occupied from sunrise to sunset. The next day, April 26, was her birthday. I was up early, checked the news and learned of Bea Arthur's death, wrote a post, and went on about my day, again working all the way through until it was time for me to have my tea and watch the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Later that night as I was speaking to a relative, I realized my transgression, but it was too late to call the Jovial home. Besides, who wants a birthday wish that late at night?

The next morning I apologized profusely. Mrs. Jovial was gracious, maybe because sometimes she's just sweet like that. More than likely, it's because she understands what it feels like to forget. I don't know which one it is, but I'm glad she was okay, because the Queen doesn't grovel too well for long. Queenie is however, well versed in the apology. I'll let you figure out why that is.

Without further ado, I am offering the following:

Cocktails

What's your preference, a Cosmo...

Or, a chocolatini?

A magnificent plate of seafood pasta. I'll cook it myself.

Either a lovely almond cake from the best bakery:

Or one I will make myself. Look at those peaks!

For your gift, choose a hot pair of Prada shoes,

Or Jimmy Choo?

Some Music:



Or how about I go way back:

'Member this?



I hope you enjoy this, and know we will celebrate in real life. Ummm, you do know the shoes are given in spirit only, right? Hey, it's the thought that counts.

Happy Birthday, much love, and may you have many, many more.

Beatrice Arthur: One of a Kind

I learned very early this morning that Beatrice Arthur died of cancer at 86. She was an award winning actress, singer and comedienne. Her dry wit, independent spirit and impeccable timing made her a personal favorite of mine. As most of you know, one of my favorite movies is Auntie Mame, starring Rosalind Russell. In the second movie version of the Mame Dennis Story starring Lucille Ball and simply titled Mame, Bea Arthur was cast as Vera Charles in the best friend role. I always felt Beatrice should have been cast in the original movie. It would have made an excellent move perfect, I am sure.

Many of you know Arthur as the wisecracking Dorothy Zbornak of the Golden Girls. While I loved Dorothy and the rest of the cast, she will forever be Maude to me. It was one of my favorite sitcoms as a young child (far too young to be tuning in to such a controversial show), and it had a killer theme song to boot (yes, I do know all the words). Maude Findlay was fabulous, strong willed, and funny. Beatrice Arthur made it so. Rest in peace.

Random Thoughts

My roses are growing beautifully. Well, twenty of the twenty-two, that is. Besides some fertilizer last week, and cutting on Good Friday, I haven't really done anything. I can't wait until I really get in there next week. They were beautiful last year, and I'm thinking this year will be even better. I'll have to take pictures.

I am being pulled in many different directions and it seems everything has suffered. I know I can do it all and do it well. It's just a matter of better organization.

Mr. and Mrs. Jovial had a terrible experience recently, due to their precious children having a traumatic experience while mom and dad were out of town. They never leave their kids, and this happens. I feel so bad for them, but I am also grateful, as they are, that their babies are okay. We are all thankful to God for that. I first found out about the incident from a MyS.pac.e bulletin posted by the oldest child.

I have been talking to someone with whom I have very little in common. We are clicking like you wouldn't believe. Story of my life.

I'm very happy I have family coming to visit. I hope the visit is enjoyable comfortable, relaxing, reflective, and everything else she wants it to be.

My car is acting funny.

My new bedroom is more beautiful than I anticipated, and I anticipated it to be beautiful. I am quite pleased.

I have a writing gig! Can't wait to get started.

Sometimes, your family will kick you in the ass worse than a stranger with ill intentions. Sometimes, you have to save yourself from your own family. That makes me sad, but not for one minute will I let it slow me down.

I have begun working out again. Pray for me.

FEMA sent me a letter saying they were removing all the trailers in Orleans Parish as of May 1. According to this letter, I cannot appeal this decision. I laughed at that for about a minute.

I saw a bottle of wine at the supermarket last week and decided to check it out. It's called Gewurztraminer. I enjoyed it thoroughly, with Thai food. I will be purchasing again.

I got the wood floor refinished in the very last room that needed it upstairs - the guest room. It is beautiful, and more shiny than the rest of the floors.

I am currently pleased with my legs. This is something I never say. Now that I'm working out again, they will go back to being the legs I don't like, but they'll be toned, healthy, and take me where I need to go as they always have.

I often think of Idris Elba in an impure manner. Ditto for Chiwetel Ejiofor, with some extra. There's just something about that African-English combo that turns out some beautiful people. Mm-mm-mmm!

Now, I need a glass of water.

I would say I need new people, but I fit right in just where I am:

I called a relative on Good Friday. She told me she watched The Ten Commandments earlier that day. I commented that she did that every Easter and it was a good tradition. There was a loooong pause. She then commented that the Hebrew slaves were very fine.

I found myself agreeing with her. Hey, I already asked you to pray.

Our group is having lunch at one of my favorite restaurants today in commemoration of Administrative Worker's Day.

One of our secretaries received a beautiful heather plant from her boss. I went to sniff it. Something went up my nose and hit the back of my throat. I started coughing and sneezing. Secretary nearly killed herself laughing. I may cut her when my respiratory passages are clear and I can think about it without laughing. This is the stuff that happens to me all the time.

I will be doing the "pieces of me" thing soon, with a little twist I stole from Mark.

I don't understand the desperate behavior of some women. Do you need a man so badly you'll take anything? This is what makes ugly men who don't have much on the ball act like their you-know-what doesn't stink. That burns me up. It makes me want to crush the berries of such "men". Think of your worth, ladies. If you're not treating yourself like a queen, he won't either.

Me? Sometimes I'm a queen, sometimes a princess. More often than not, I am a goddess.

Later,

Dave Brubeck - Get Well Soon!

One of my all time favorite songs is "Take Five", and I admire Dave Brubeck, who strikes me as a good and decent man. If you decide to take a listen, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

A Long Awaited Addition to the White House Arrives!

Malia and Sasha get their puppy, a Portugese Water Dog, and have named him "Bo". Isn't he adorable?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30173033?GT1=43001

Lunchtime Funny - Sent in by G-Jack in Houston:

It's important that you pay attention to table at the the bottom left portion of your screen.

Good Morning!

I will be back to regular posting soon. Very soon. Like, tomorrow at the latest. I have missed blogging (at least from the blogger perspective. I've been on other people's blogs - it's less time consuming to read and comment than to post.) Anyway, if you have any post suggestions, questions, comments, don't be shy. Let me know what you'd like to see here.

Fiance Drops Wedding Ring off Brooklyn Bridge

The story doesn't end badly, though:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Oops-Fiancee-Drops-Engagement-Ring-Off-Brooklyn-Bridge.html

Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Moats: A Class Act

I had never heard of Ryan Moats before this unfortunate incident involving a jerk of a police officer. Moats and his wife sound like decent people.

My personal opinion is that Officer Robert Powell has no business being a police officer. This is not his first time pulling a move like this, having arrested the wife of Zachary Thomas a while back.

These are just two instances, and they involve people who are "known". Who knows what other countless irresponsible indiscretions this miserable officer has committed, just because he thinks he can?

My condolences go out to the Moats family.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4026897

ShamWow Dude Arrested for Battery on a Hooker

Oh, wait. It gets interesting. There's something about him that always struck me as kinda sleazy (anyone who says "take a look at my nuts" on an infomercial earns at least a side-eye from me), but this smells like a setup...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/27/vince-shlomi-shamwow-pitc_n_180210.html

Anything for the Kids

I was reading something on Cliff's Crib, and it made me think of a few things. Before today I didn't know much about Cliff except we share the same hometown and he seems to be quite intelligent. (Also, he was style conscious at a very early age, as you will see.) Today I learned he's a father, and it appears he's an involved one. Now, I don't want to praise him too much, because it would call attention to the fact that there are so many parents falling short of their responsibilities that we've begun to feel all extra about a man simply doing what he's supposed to. I will say it's great when a dad volunteers to read to his daughter's class, especially for the reasons he gives. You never know what's going to stick in a child's mind. His post reminded me of a commercial I see, usually on Saturday mornings, that makes me grin and warms me from the inside out every time I see it.

Talk about involved:

Answering the Call of Duty

I originally posted this on (or about) Feburary 12. This story was featured this morning on the Today Show, and merits a revisit.

Over 40 years ago, firefighter William Carroll saved the life of infant Evangeline Harper. The two never formally met until now. While it has its bittersweet moments, this is a beautiful story.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/02/12/40_years_worth_of_thanks/

New Computer

I am loading this one up now, and should be on and poppin' tomorrow.

I've missed so much...

My Computer

Just konked out on me.

+@!~#*="

Happy Birthday, Lola!!!

My friend Lola, reminds me of:

Lola, did I tell you that? Anyway, I got you some Christian Louboutin shoes. He's my favorite shoe designer. (Okay, it's just the pic. I'm not rich yet, Honey, and I have yet to own a pair for myself.) Anyway, enjoy looking at this.

I hope you enjoy your day!

Idris Elba to Join Cast of "The Office"

I watch "The Office" already. I will just be watching a little closer now.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101780271&ft=1&f=1008

To my 3 Commenters and Hundreds of Lurkers:

You are all important to me. I will officially be "back" tomorrow.

The Breakfast Song

I've seen this one in a few places. I'm posting it here because it's still funny. These lovely, breakfast refusing folks got time on their local morning show, called "The Mornin' Show," in Tupelo, Mississippi. I wonder, who was their competition for the spot? When was the last time you had Nuts of Grapes or Sugar & Rice? Hmmmm...