I had great plans for today! Really need to get some organizing done. But, I have had some scarves, and ornaments ready for pictures for a while now and decided to do that first!
First - became the only thing.
Took about 100 pictures, downloaded them. Went through all the pictures and resized, tweaked the colors and exposure on some and got 4 listings done. About 7 hours worth of work. A few breaks here and there - had to hang out on the floor a few times to ease the back, walk around a few times, and check the mail.
It would be so nice if these things would just appear in my shop without having to do all this!
I don't even really figure this time into the cost of my items - probably should - but how? And I know I do things a little slowly - so I sort of have to take that into account too. It's just part of the whole thing......I just shouldn't push myself to do it all on the same day though! Tomorrow, I may be hanging out on the couch all day!
Anybody have a magic wand?????
Am now going to go hang out on the couch - with the heating pad!
Cheers!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
ECO FRIENDLY SCENT FREE FABRIC SOFTENER
And real quick before I head off to sleep.
For those of us who are sensitive to scents and other chemicals, this is a great fabric softener.
I can't remember how much a gallon of vinegar is, but I tend to think that this is also a lot cheaper than buying regular fabric softener.
1 cup baking soda
6 cups white vinegar
8 cups water
1 gallon container.
Put the soda in the container, add 1 - 2 cups water, swish this around a bit. ( You might even let it sit for a bit and let the soda disolve. )
SLOWLY add the vinegar. It will fizz up - so don't add it too fast.
Add the rest of the water - also somewhat slowly.
Be sure to poke a small hole in the cap. Gently swish it around a bit before adding 1 cup to the rinse water of your wash.
I like to use the fabric softener balls that you can put the stuff in - but a whole cup is too much for them. I use about 3/4 cup and it works great. Depending on your water, you may be able to use less.
I've had great results with this so far, and no static cling on anything yet. Our water is pretty hard, and it's pretty dry here.
you can add a scent to it - use 8 - 10 drops of essential oil of your choice.
Enjoy and have a wonderful day!
For those of us who are sensitive to scents and other chemicals, this is a great fabric softener.
I can't remember how much a gallon of vinegar is, but I tend to think that this is also a lot cheaper than buying regular fabric softener.
1 cup baking soda
6 cups white vinegar
8 cups water
1 gallon container.
Put the soda in the container, add 1 - 2 cups water, swish this around a bit. ( You might even let it sit for a bit and let the soda disolve. )
SLOWLY add the vinegar. It will fizz up - so don't add it too fast.
Add the rest of the water - also somewhat slowly.
Be sure to poke a small hole in the cap. Gently swish it around a bit before adding 1 cup to the rinse water of your wash.
I like to use the fabric softener balls that you can put the stuff in - but a whole cup is too much for them. I use about 3/4 cup and it works great. Depending on your water, you may be able to use less.
I've had great results with this so far, and no static cling on anything yet. Our water is pretty hard, and it's pretty dry here.
you can add a scent to it - use 8 - 10 drops of essential oil of your choice.
Enjoy and have a wonderful day!
VOTING
I've heard rumors that someone wants to impose a test to be able to vote!
That's scary!
But, then after reading a bunch of comments left on You Tube, My Space, ............. I think well maybe that's not such a bad idea...............................................................
NAH, not even!
But, the thought of everyone actually taking the time to read, to listen to individual candidates, to learn more about how things work...............................yeah I think that's a great idea.
I could do more of that myself!
That's scary!
But, then after reading a bunch of comments left on You Tube, My Space, ............. I think well maybe that's not such a bad idea...............................................................
NAH, not even!
But, the thought of everyone actually taking the time to read, to listen to individual candidates, to learn more about how things work...............................yeah I think that's a great idea.
I could do more of that myself!
Monday, November 17, 2008
REALIZATIONS
I was really happy to see that I actually had 2 new readers to my blog. I have had to distance myself from my computer off an on for the past few weeks. For many reasons - I was spending more time on the computer than making anything, my back limits the time I can sit upright doing anything, and quite frankly I was depressed and not functioning so well.
I almost wish this was a "clinical depression" because then I could just take a pill and it would all be better. Except that there aren't any pills I can take to make it all better. I've taken everything out there - and either they don't work, or have such horrendous side effects that are worse than the depression that I can't handle it. So, in a sense, it is a good thing it's not a "clinical depression.
It all kind of started when a "friend" of mine told me some things - that I'm not going to repeat - some things that he believes are going on in this country. Lets just say that they sort of fall into the category of "conspiracy theory" I don't believe what he told me is really going on. Heck we don't need foreign terrorists with people spreading things like what he told me. We'll bring ourselves down without any outside help.
My home page on my computer has links to news articles. I was really dismayed to read one that was about threats to President Elect Obama, and his family. I think I was even more dismayed to read that there have been other people that have been threatened, that there have been effigies hung, vandalism, and graffiti against African Americans.
WHAT?
I'm old hippie at heart. I protested the Viet Nam War, I took part in a rally against George Wallace. At least one of those rallies was organized by the Weather Underground and or the SDS - keeping things peaceful, following protocol, not being lured into jeering matches was really important and stressed.
I cannot physically go out and protest anything at this point in my life. I even had the opportunity to see McCain and Obama - I would have loved to see either of these gentlemen speak - but decided to opt out of going. Besides knowing that I would pay for it for several days afterwards, I knew that if anything were to get even a little out of hand, I would have a hard time dealing with large crowds.
But, I can write.
I have had a lot of thoughts floating around in my head. Where to start? I realize that part of political campaigns is putting your opponent down. Some of it went too far this time. President Elect Obama is NOT a terrorist, he's not Muslim, he is intelligent, he is a human being.
And, you know, what if he is Muslim? Not all Muslims are out to get "us" - Sort of like not all Christians were "Crusaders" and went out to conquer and kill all the infidels. Not all Germans were Nazi's. And, I sort of thought that the United States was (is) about freedom of religion. Doesn't that mean that we have the right to believe/practice whatever religion feels right to us?
I spent some time in Florida in the early 80's. A person I met there and I wandered around downtown Clearwater one afternoon. As we did so, he pointed out to me where there used to be signs that said "White's Only". I remember the riots in the south in the early 60's, I remember watching Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speeches, I remember the day he was killed.
I remember thinking, this is really stupid when I saw people being beaten because they thought they ought to be able to sit anywhere on the bus that they wanted to. I remember seeing a few young women being escorted into school, because there were people standing out there trying to bar their way - only because of the color of their skin.
I was watching ET (Entertainment Tonight) - was it last night? and gee Will - what's his last name - the guy (yeah, that tall skinny guy that also happens to be African American) that was on that funny sit-com "______from Belair" was voted as the favorite actor of the year by Parade - is that just by Parade - or by people sending in their votes to Parade? not sure. Oprah Winfrey is highest paid talk show host. She also carries a lot of clout.
We have a rather high ranking General that served in President Bush's cabinet, - or at least as advisor, we have numerous athletes that have set world records and won gold medals for the them and the US. There are a number of African Americans in other political offices - so why should people become so damned upset that we finally have a man that is half African American as president?
Why is it even important that he is African American? He's a human being. And a pretty intelligent one.
Why is it important what ethnicity anyone is?????????????????????????????????????????
And why is all this important to me?
Because I was brought up to believe that we are all created equal, that we all have the same rights, that we all should have access to good schools, good health care, the right and the responsibility to learn about the candidates running for office and to vote for the one that we think can do a good job.
It's important to me because I have a grandson that is half Native American. He's only 8, almost 9 - I wonder if by the time he's in his 40's if this country will be ready to accept a man that is half Native American as president?
Will it even matter by the time he's in his 40's that he is Native American?
Will it matter that someone is African American, or Asian, or Latino, or whatever!*
I hope not.
We all bleed red blood. We all cry salty tears. We all laugh, we all hurt, we all mourn the loss of a love one, we all rejoice when something good happens. Even our DNA has more commonalities than differences.
There was a young man on Oprah today that really made me cry. Young - like 7 maybe 9 at the most - I didn't catch how old he is - but what an incredible speaker - I can't quote exactly what he said - but a lot of it was about believing in the young people of today - It has been proven that when teachers expect little out of a child - that is usually what they get - when good things are expected out of a child, they usually produce good things.
We need to expect good things out of President Elect Obama, and "we" need people to STOP spreading lies, malicious lies, threatening people, and causing more problems than we already have going on. But, how in the world is he supposed to accomplish anything good when we have people doing such horrendous things to other people, when it seems like there are people out there almost trying to bring down our country even more, and yet they call themselves Americans.
It's no wonder our country is in such a bad state of affairs.
I admit that sometimes my brain draws a blank when it comes to names and even what the best word to use is.
* I think what does matter, is that these people have a connection to their heritage, a connection to each other, to traditions, but first of all, they are people. In some ways, I'm jealous of these connections - but that's the subject of another blog.
I almost wish this was a "clinical depression" because then I could just take a pill and it would all be better. Except that there aren't any pills I can take to make it all better. I've taken everything out there - and either they don't work, or have such horrendous side effects that are worse than the depression that I can't handle it. So, in a sense, it is a good thing it's not a "clinical depression.
It all kind of started when a "friend" of mine told me some things - that I'm not going to repeat - some things that he believes are going on in this country. Lets just say that they sort of fall into the category of "conspiracy theory" I don't believe what he told me is really going on. Heck we don't need foreign terrorists with people spreading things like what he told me. We'll bring ourselves down without any outside help.
My home page on my computer has links to news articles. I was really dismayed to read one that was about threats to President Elect Obama, and his family. I think I was even more dismayed to read that there have been other people that have been threatened, that there have been effigies hung, vandalism, and graffiti against African Americans.
WHAT?
I'm old hippie at heart. I protested the Viet Nam War, I took part in a rally against George Wallace. At least one of those rallies was organized by the Weather Underground and or the SDS - keeping things peaceful, following protocol, not being lured into jeering matches was really important and stressed.
I cannot physically go out and protest anything at this point in my life. I even had the opportunity to see McCain and Obama - I would have loved to see either of these gentlemen speak - but decided to opt out of going. Besides knowing that I would pay for it for several days afterwards, I knew that if anything were to get even a little out of hand, I would have a hard time dealing with large crowds.
But, I can write.
I have had a lot of thoughts floating around in my head. Where to start? I realize that part of political campaigns is putting your opponent down. Some of it went too far this time. President Elect Obama is NOT a terrorist, he's not Muslim, he is intelligent, he is a human being.
And, you know, what if he is Muslim? Not all Muslims are out to get "us" - Sort of like not all Christians were "Crusaders" and went out to conquer and kill all the infidels. Not all Germans were Nazi's. And, I sort of thought that the United States was (is) about freedom of religion. Doesn't that mean that we have the right to believe/practice whatever religion feels right to us?
I spent some time in Florida in the early 80's. A person I met there and I wandered around downtown Clearwater one afternoon. As we did so, he pointed out to me where there used to be signs that said "White's Only". I remember the riots in the south in the early 60's, I remember watching Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speeches, I remember the day he was killed.
I remember thinking, this is really stupid when I saw people being beaten because they thought they ought to be able to sit anywhere on the bus that they wanted to. I remember seeing a few young women being escorted into school, because there were people standing out there trying to bar their way - only because of the color of their skin.
I was watching ET (Entertainment Tonight) - was it last night? and gee Will - what's his last name - the guy (yeah, that tall skinny guy that also happens to be African American) that was on that funny sit-com "______from Belair" was voted as the favorite actor of the year by Parade - is that just by Parade - or by people sending in their votes to Parade? not sure. Oprah Winfrey is highest paid talk show host. She also carries a lot of clout.
We have a rather high ranking General that served in President Bush's cabinet, - or at least as advisor, we have numerous athletes that have set world records and won gold medals for the them and the US. There are a number of African Americans in other political offices - so why should people become so damned upset that we finally have a man that is half African American as president?
Why is it even important that he is African American? He's a human being. And a pretty intelligent one.
Why is it important what ethnicity anyone is?????????????????????????????????????????
And why is all this important to me?
Because I was brought up to believe that we are all created equal, that we all have the same rights, that we all should have access to good schools, good health care, the right and the responsibility to learn about the candidates running for office and to vote for the one that we think can do a good job.
It's important to me because I have a grandson that is half Native American. He's only 8, almost 9 - I wonder if by the time he's in his 40's if this country will be ready to accept a man that is half Native American as president?
Will it even matter by the time he's in his 40's that he is Native American?
Will it matter that someone is African American, or Asian, or Latino, or whatever!*
I hope not.
We all bleed red blood. We all cry salty tears. We all laugh, we all hurt, we all mourn the loss of a love one, we all rejoice when something good happens. Even our DNA has more commonalities than differences.
There was a young man on Oprah today that really made me cry. Young - like 7 maybe 9 at the most - I didn't catch how old he is - but what an incredible speaker - I can't quote exactly what he said - but a lot of it was about believing in the young people of today - It has been proven that when teachers expect little out of a child - that is usually what they get - when good things are expected out of a child, they usually produce good things.
We need to expect good things out of President Elect Obama, and "we" need people to STOP spreading lies, malicious lies, threatening people, and causing more problems than we already have going on. But, how in the world is he supposed to accomplish anything good when we have people doing such horrendous things to other people, when it seems like there are people out there almost trying to bring down our country even more, and yet they call themselves Americans.
It's no wonder our country is in such a bad state of affairs.
I admit that sometimes my brain draws a blank when it comes to names and even what the best word to use is.
* I think what does matter, is that these people have a connection to their heritage, a connection to each other, to traditions, but first of all, they are people. In some ways, I'm jealous of these connections - but that's the subject of another blog.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
It's long and about a lot of things!
I know that in reality I really don't have a whole lot of visitors to my blog. And that's ok. Right now and for the past few weeks, I have been doing a lot of soul searching. I feel that's it's really important to divulge a few facts about me. I'm not divulging these things as a search for sympathy, empathy, or really even support. But, because they affect my ability to conduct business. I have also been having a major debate with myself about whether or not to post some political and not so political thoughts and articles.
The first job I had out of high school was working as a home health care aide - I was trained as a Nurses aide. I have worked in the health care field in different jobs for many years. But, one of the things that I taught was to not discuss politics with my patients or anyone else that would be related to that job. I have pretty much followed that teaching in every job I've had.
I have also not really been that big on following politics in general until this election.
What affects my ability to conduct business.
July of 2000, I was officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Severe Fibromyalgia. I honestly believe I have dealt with this malady since my mid 20's - having flairs that would last a few weeks - to a month. I would go for several months to 6 months or longer and be ok, and then wake up one day feeling like I'd been run over or beat up! And then a week or two later I'd be ok again.
But, in July of 2000, that was no longer the case. The pain did not subside. And it was far more severe than any of the previous painful periods. Added to that was severe fatigue. I'm not talking about just feeling tired. But, the kind of fatigue where I'd be right in the middle of doing something and just fall asleep. It didn't matter if I'd had 6 hours of sleep, 8, or 20 - and sometimes I did sleep for almost 20 hours at a time. I could hardly stand to be touched. Just getting up out of bed and going to the bathroom was a major effort. Many days that was about all I could accomplish. I went to the Dr about every two weeks to get trigger point injections in my back - usually about 20 of them - the muscles in my back would spasm so bad that the muscles would just knot up and they also pulled my spine out of alignment.
After being pretty much bedridden for about 2 years, I saw a Dr who put me on Adderall - to counter the affects of the pain meds and the fatique. Along the way, I've done numerous physical therapy treatments. I've also had to deal with other health problems, some related to Fibromyalgia, a result of, or not even related, but sometimes complicated by it.
Two years ago, I told my kids that I was just beginning to feel like I was waking up from the worst nightmare in my life. Sort of like when you just wake up and your eyes aren't even open yet. Unfortunately, this nightmare wasn't a dream.
The overall pain from the Fibromyalgia has mostly subsided. The fatigue is somewhat better, but not much. I still deal with other health issues that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life - while not life threatening - they do occasionally interfere with my ability to get things accomplished. Probably at this point what affects me the most is the 6 (at last count) herniated discs from my neck to the middle of my back. I also seem to becoming more and more sensitive/allergic to meds, scents, foods. The reactions aren't just sneezing or itchy watery eyes, I feel quite ill when I have a reaction to something.
My dream, for many many years was to be an artist. Last Feb. I broke out my oil paints after not painting much for the past 8 years. After about 2 weeks, I realized that they were making me sick. I wasn't even using paint thinner. I tried again as the weather warmed up, and had the window open, a fan set so that it would blow the fumes away from me, but after a few hours I realized that I was feeling pretty ill. Sort of depressing.
But, being the tenacious person I am, and loving to do a variety of crafts I launched into other things.
I was delighted to find etsy. As I have gotten to know more and more people through etsy, I have realized that there are many people - sellers on etsy that have a variety of health issues - some severe to somewhat mild. I truly admire what some of these people accomplish.
Most of the time, I can get items mailed out pretty quickly. I try to keep things organized and my supplies ready. But, there are days when I just get knocked flat on my back so to speak - there are days when I can eat the same food that I ate the day before and it will leave me with my stomach cramping so bad that all I can do is to try to find a reasonably comfortable position and I just have to become a couch potato for a while. I don't have a car anymore, and going to the store often becomes a major ordeal that will often leave me wiped out for the next few days.
Being able to create things gives me some purpose in life. It gives me a feeling of being somewhat productive. There are personal things that have been left by the wayside, that I need to take care of at some point.
I have struggled, debated, with posting a blog about all this. I'm sure that are many many etsy sellers that have done the same.
I have really struggled and debated about posting anything political - and thought about making a whole new blog page - but I have a hard enough time keeping up with what I do have - adding one more is just out of the question. And besides, it's still me. I don't want to hide behind a different name.
I realize that there are differences of opinion, believes, but then there is truth.
I hope that in spite of our differences, we can find our commonalities, be respectful of each other.
We are all in fact human beings, and I believe we all are trying to do the best we can to make our own lives and our children's the best it can be.
The first job I had out of high school was working as a home health care aide - I was trained as a Nurses aide. I have worked in the health care field in different jobs for many years. But, one of the things that I taught was to not discuss politics with my patients or anyone else that would be related to that job. I have pretty much followed that teaching in every job I've had.
I have also not really been that big on following politics in general until this election.
What affects my ability to conduct business.
July of 2000, I was officially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Severe Fibromyalgia. I honestly believe I have dealt with this malady since my mid 20's - having flairs that would last a few weeks - to a month. I would go for several months to 6 months or longer and be ok, and then wake up one day feeling like I'd been run over or beat up! And then a week or two later I'd be ok again.
But, in July of 2000, that was no longer the case. The pain did not subside. And it was far more severe than any of the previous painful periods. Added to that was severe fatigue. I'm not talking about just feeling tired. But, the kind of fatigue where I'd be right in the middle of doing something and just fall asleep. It didn't matter if I'd had 6 hours of sleep, 8, or 20 - and sometimes I did sleep for almost 20 hours at a time. I could hardly stand to be touched. Just getting up out of bed and going to the bathroom was a major effort. Many days that was about all I could accomplish. I went to the Dr about every two weeks to get trigger point injections in my back - usually about 20 of them - the muscles in my back would spasm so bad that the muscles would just knot up and they also pulled my spine out of alignment.
After being pretty much bedridden for about 2 years, I saw a Dr who put me on Adderall - to counter the affects of the pain meds and the fatique. Along the way, I've done numerous physical therapy treatments. I've also had to deal with other health problems, some related to Fibromyalgia, a result of, or not even related, but sometimes complicated by it.
Two years ago, I told my kids that I was just beginning to feel like I was waking up from the worst nightmare in my life. Sort of like when you just wake up and your eyes aren't even open yet. Unfortunately, this nightmare wasn't a dream.
The overall pain from the Fibromyalgia has mostly subsided. The fatigue is somewhat better, but not much. I still deal with other health issues that I will have to deal with for the rest of my life - while not life threatening - they do occasionally interfere with my ability to get things accomplished. Probably at this point what affects me the most is the 6 (at last count) herniated discs from my neck to the middle of my back. I also seem to becoming more and more sensitive/allergic to meds, scents, foods. The reactions aren't just sneezing or itchy watery eyes, I feel quite ill when I have a reaction to something.
My dream, for many many years was to be an artist. Last Feb. I broke out my oil paints after not painting much for the past 8 years. After about 2 weeks, I realized that they were making me sick. I wasn't even using paint thinner. I tried again as the weather warmed up, and had the window open, a fan set so that it would blow the fumes away from me, but after a few hours I realized that I was feeling pretty ill. Sort of depressing.
But, being the tenacious person I am, and loving to do a variety of crafts I launched into other things.
I was delighted to find etsy. As I have gotten to know more and more people through etsy, I have realized that there are many people - sellers on etsy that have a variety of health issues - some severe to somewhat mild. I truly admire what some of these people accomplish.
Most of the time, I can get items mailed out pretty quickly. I try to keep things organized and my supplies ready. But, there are days when I just get knocked flat on my back so to speak - there are days when I can eat the same food that I ate the day before and it will leave me with my stomach cramping so bad that all I can do is to try to find a reasonably comfortable position and I just have to become a couch potato for a while. I don't have a car anymore, and going to the store often becomes a major ordeal that will often leave me wiped out for the next few days.
Being able to create things gives me some purpose in life. It gives me a feeling of being somewhat productive. There are personal things that have been left by the wayside, that I need to take care of at some point.
I have struggled, debated, with posting a blog about all this. I'm sure that are many many etsy sellers that have done the same.
I have really struggled and debated about posting anything political - and thought about making a whole new blog page - but I have a hard enough time keeping up with what I do have - adding one more is just out of the question. And besides, it's still me. I don't want to hide behind a different name.
I realize that there are differences of opinion, believes, but then there is truth.
I hope that in spite of our differences, we can find our commonalities, be respectful of each other.
We are all in fact human beings, and I believe we all are trying to do the best we can to make our own lives and our children's the best it can be.
"A WORD FROM ABE: 'I'M MIGHTY PROUD' " PART 2
By A. Lincoln (as told to Darryl Levings) McClatchy Newspapers
printed in the Albuquerque Journal Friday Nov. 7, 2008
"Only the almighty knows the depth of the well of misery that was poured out upon the slave, but also later on his grandchildren. All those burning crosses, the lynchings, the indignity of Jim Crow, the slurs and the hate. How they did suffer.
You must know how it shook my soul when that Georgia preacher, Martin Luther King Jr., became one more to fall to the assassin's bullet. "I have a dream." he had called out, right out front here. My dream was much the same, of divisions erased, of unity and prosperity for all Americans.
I can remember another outstanding fellow, my friend Frederick Douglass. Last time I saw him on earth was at the reception after my second inauguration. I heard later that policemen actually tried to push him out a White House window. Some thought a black man shouldn't even be in the White House, unless a servant.
Now, it is so fitting and proper that a man with African blood be the rightful resident of that old house.
I have a notion he and his wife may find some ghosts there, some of those young Union boys who bivouacked on the ground floor and who shed blood later. Perhaps even Willie is there. He will delight in the company of those two little ladies running happily up and down the halls.
I tell you that I've been watching this young man, and I have been impressed. Reminds me of myself some. Both tall, skinny politicians from Illinois, although not born there. Did you know that I was branded an "infidel" by a Methodist preacher when I first ran? How things do not change.
Both of us were helped along mightily by the Chicago crowd, including the Tribune. Both of us were ambitious, were considered short on experience. Both of us were critical of needless militarism beyond our borders.
I like his calm. And doesn't he give a fine speech, a thing folks used to say about me. That little effort at Gettysburg certainly served me better than any man should expect.
I think I still have that envelope somewhere about my person. Ah, yes, here it is..."dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Right there in the first line.
Now, doesn't that still have a pleasant ring to it?"
printed in the Albuquerque Journal Friday Nov. 7, 2008
"Only the almighty knows the depth of the well of misery that was poured out upon the slave, but also later on his grandchildren. All those burning crosses, the lynchings, the indignity of Jim Crow, the slurs and the hate. How they did suffer.
You must know how it shook my soul when that Georgia preacher, Martin Luther King Jr., became one more to fall to the assassin's bullet. "I have a dream." he had called out, right out front here. My dream was much the same, of divisions erased, of unity and prosperity for all Americans.
I can remember another outstanding fellow, my friend Frederick Douglass. Last time I saw him on earth was at the reception after my second inauguration. I heard later that policemen actually tried to push him out a White House window. Some thought a black man shouldn't even be in the White House, unless a servant.
Now, it is so fitting and proper that a man with African blood be the rightful resident of that old house.
I have a notion he and his wife may find some ghosts there, some of those young Union boys who bivouacked on the ground floor and who shed blood later. Perhaps even Willie is there. He will delight in the company of those two little ladies running happily up and down the halls.
I tell you that I've been watching this young man, and I have been impressed. Reminds me of myself some. Both tall, skinny politicians from Illinois, although not born there. Did you know that I was branded an "infidel" by a Methodist preacher when I first ran? How things do not change.
Both of us were helped along mightily by the Chicago crowd, including the Tribune. Both of us were ambitious, were considered short on experience. Both of us were critical of needless militarism beyond our borders.
I like his calm. And doesn't he give a fine speech, a thing folks used to say about me. That little effort at Gettysburg certainly served me better than any man should expect.
I think I still have that envelope somewhere about my person. Ah, yes, here it is..."dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." Right there in the first line.
Now, doesn't that still have a pleasant ring to it?"
Sunday, November 9, 2008
"A WORD FROM ABE: 'I'M MIGHTY PROUD' "
A Word From Abe:'I'm Mighty Proud'
By A. Lincoln
(as told to Darryl Levings) Mcclatchy Newspapers
printed in the Albuquerque Journal Friday Nov. 7, 2008
A Word From Abe:'I'm Mighty Proud'
I've got to tell you that I'm mighty proud.
This business took a mite longer than it should have. I always said that I walked slowly, but I never walked backward. Well, I'm afraid this country has taken some steps back, but here we are finally, with young Mr. Obama ready to move into the place.
That's what I called the presidency.
I confess to a bit of puzzlement about how this accomplishment occurred through the auspices of the Democratic Party. When I departed this world, it was pretty much a given that the Negro supported us Republicans and vice versa. I wouldn't have bet even a penny - and I do appreciate my likeness on them - that they would ever be comfortable settled in a party that once harbored Copperheads.
Now, that reminds me of a story. Putting together my government, I suggested the names of some of the lawyers with whom I rode circuit in the early days. Judge Gillespie was down from Chicago and he expressed astonishment.
"But Abe," he protested, "those lawyers are Democrats."
"I know it," I said, "but I would rather have Democrats I know than Republicans I don't."
And that is the way of it. Some of these Republicans, I just don't know anymore.
Now it's true that I didn't foresee this back then. The question of the colored race was one that many people had to grapple with. In one of my debates with Douglas, I expressed doubt that the two races could ever live together in social and political equality.
Better to be silent and be thought a fool, I used to say, than to speak and remove all doubt. Well, that time, to use Stanton's words, I reckon I was a "dammed" fool.
So I understand the criticism for not immediately freeing those in bondage in Union held parts of Missouri and Kentucky.
But you may not recall that my Emancipation Proclamation prompted hot talk that the Western states would secede as well. So, I can only beg your pardon and plead that those were troubled times when it was not clear how our nation could stand
I like to think I gave my measure toward this end, but I've been given too much credit. When Richmond finally fell, those poor Negroes there called me "Father Abraham" and knelt. No, I told them, and I tell you, it was all so much bigger than me.
To be continued.................................................
By A. Lincoln
(as told to Darryl Levings) Mcclatchy Newspapers
printed in the Albuquerque Journal Friday Nov. 7, 2008
A Word From Abe:'I'm Mighty Proud'
I've got to tell you that I'm mighty proud.
This business took a mite longer than it should have. I always said that I walked slowly, but I never walked backward. Well, I'm afraid this country has taken some steps back, but here we are finally, with young Mr. Obama ready to move into the place.
That's what I called the presidency.
I confess to a bit of puzzlement about how this accomplishment occurred through the auspices of the Democratic Party. When I departed this world, it was pretty much a given that the Negro supported us Republicans and vice versa. I wouldn't have bet even a penny - and I do appreciate my likeness on them - that they would ever be comfortable settled in a party that once harbored Copperheads.
Now, that reminds me of a story. Putting together my government, I suggested the names of some of the lawyers with whom I rode circuit in the early days. Judge Gillespie was down from Chicago and he expressed astonishment.
"But Abe," he protested, "those lawyers are Democrats."
"I know it," I said, "but I would rather have Democrats I know than Republicans I don't."
And that is the way of it. Some of these Republicans, I just don't know anymore.
Now it's true that I didn't foresee this back then. The question of the colored race was one that many people had to grapple with. In one of my debates with Douglas, I expressed doubt that the two races could ever live together in social and political equality.
Better to be silent and be thought a fool, I used to say, than to speak and remove all doubt. Well, that time, to use Stanton's words, I reckon I was a "dammed" fool.
So I understand the criticism for not immediately freeing those in bondage in Union held parts of Missouri and Kentucky.
But you may not recall that my Emancipation Proclamation prompted hot talk that the Western states would secede as well. So, I can only beg your pardon and plead that those were troubled times when it was not clear how our nation could stand
I like to think I gave my measure toward this end, but I've been given too much credit. When Richmond finally fell, those poor Negroes there called me "Father Abraham" and knelt. No, I told them, and I tell you, it was all so much bigger than me.
To be continued.................................................
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Drawing For Gift Tags
I owe everyone that signed up for the drawing an apology - It's been a weird week.
Well, I guess I could claim that I've been in the hospital for the past 5 days, or broke my fingers, or my computer crashed,..................................but that wouldn't quite be the truth.
Although, the past week has been a series of mini-mishaps, besides trying to shake a bug that was making me almost non-functional, I washed my blanket and some drapes and used a fabric softener that I thought I wasn't sensitive to - but then proceeded to take a nap and ended up having an asthma attack - and I don't really have asthma - except when exposed to certain scents - which took about 24hrs for me to start feeling better from that, and then having to wash a bunch of stuff all over again!
While my computer didn't crash, it seemed like almost every time I tried getting on line - it work ok for a bit, and then all of a sudden it would freeze up.
And I needed to take care of some personal things that I have neglected for some time.
A little late - I'm pleased to announce that Marie Antionette is the winner of the Christmas Gift Tags.
Well, I guess I could claim that I've been in the hospital for the past 5 days, or broke my fingers, or my computer crashed,..................................but that wouldn't quite be the truth.
Although, the past week has been a series of mini-mishaps, besides trying to shake a bug that was making me almost non-functional, I washed my blanket and some drapes and used a fabric softener that I thought I wasn't sensitive to - but then proceeded to take a nap and ended up having an asthma attack - and I don't really have asthma - except when exposed to certain scents - which took about 24hrs for me to start feeling better from that, and then having to wash a bunch of stuff all over again!
While my computer didn't crash, it seemed like almost every time I tried getting on line - it work ok for a bit, and then all of a sudden it would freeze up.
And I needed to take care of some personal things that I have neglected for some time.
A little late - I'm pleased to announce that Marie Antionette is the winner of the Christmas Gift Tags.
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