Ms Vickie The Southern Belle

Building Walls

2006-05-07T07:42:00.000-04:00

The last several days I have been missing from the Porch because I just have not been feeling as perky as I like when I am visiting here on The Porch. Instead the light was left on for any visitors that might stop by and as always I was not disappointed. During my abscence, please my friends drop in and have a very good time in the comments, get to know each other.....the comments is not a place to just comment about the post for the day. Take time to get to know someone you have not met before, tease each other, have fun, be yourself and I know you so I know what that means with most of you. Now for a little pondering..... It has been said, people are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges. Pretty powerful but very true...... We experience our soul when we really connect with life -- when we stop and consciously experience what is happening. We lose our soul with: - resistance - to anyone or anything - superficiality - we avoid depth of experience - control - we try to control the relationship - selfishness - we remain self-centered. Each of these attitudes fosters separation rather than connection. Once again, soul lives in relating. Take time to become aware how you relate to other people and things in your life. "We have to decide for ourselves what’s nourishing to our souls, and do those things over others." -- Thomas Moore Explore and deepen your feelings and thoughts. Go deeper and reach higher as you find what works in life for you. Live each day for tomorrow may not come. Enjoy life! Life Is Simply Good even during my difficult times others have it more difficult and your thoughts are?

Rambo

2006-05-02T17:22:00.000-04:00

We give a lot, we might give too much, how much is too much, is there too much, I saw something on TV last night that made me stop and think. I know we don't know the whole story. The story is about Rambo, no not that Rambo silly...you want to know I know but you know how I am, I need to make certain I have your attention. I need to make certain I really get the most I can out of this post and I don't have a lot to say because I'm a female and don't know much about Rambo because well Sylvester Stallone is not my man and I don't do violence well unless maybe it's Mel Gibson or Harrison Ford they do melt my butter. I did have a story I really did and it did get me to thinking but I have been visiting Mr. Haney's blog called Rambling On and found that I share that with him. I believe it is something required to live in Georgia. Yes you see we might be neighbors and not know it...well I would know if Mr. H. was my neighbor because he is nice and my neighbors or not as nice as he is. I'll tell you a story about my neighbors another time, they are related and we live between them. They just scream back and forth to each other instead of visiting or calling on the phone many times. Oh but the Rambo story...it seems an Iraqi soldier was shot Christmas Day in his personal car, wearing civilian clothes, when another vehicle intercepted him . That soldier is now here in Georgia at the Shepherd Center, a specialized hospital for brain and spinal cord injuries. The paralyzed 28-year-old, known by the alias Captain Furat, has been in Atlanta more than two months, receiving free treatment at Shepherd Center, According Dr. Don Leslie, the Shepherd Center's medical director, Rambo who was shot 12 times in a December ambush says he is making good medical progress since arriving in the United States. Leslie says he is paralyzed from the waist down and complains of back pain caused by nerve damage. But he's been weaned off narcotic painkillers and may one day be able to walk with the help of special leg braces. He has made progress to the point that last week he was moved to a nearby apartment but continues to visit the center for daily rehabilitation and outpatient treatment. In case you wonder, the Iraqi soldier was decorated in the Iraqi Army's "Tiger Battalion," but wanted to be identified by a false name, Furat, because of threats to his family. He also got the name Rambo because some U.S. soldiers who fought alongside Furat referred to him as "Rambo," due to his bravery and the way he wielded a heavy machine gun and ammunition belts. So what do you think, I'm just asking?

Between Spring And Summer

2006-05-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

What where you doing this weekend, hmmm don't tell me let me guess I know you were busy celebrating. Oh you don't need a reason to celebrate, no most people don't these days but did you know throughout history, humankind has celebrated the transition from season to season. The festival of May Day takes place on May 1 at the halfway point between the beginning of spring and the start of summer and originated in ancient times as a celebration of fertility, life, sexuality, and nature's renewal. Can you imagine that as a reason to celebrate, of course you can, wait a minute Karen get your mind out of the gutter---you to Walker, Monica what was that you said, yes you the good one, Deni you did what, when no not you....you . Let me get back to this story . Still observed by many people today, May Day has many colorful and unique customs associated with it and is intimately bound to the Gaelic and pagan fire festival of Beltane. Both celebratory rites take place on the same day and are believed to have originated from the ancient Roman feast of Floralia, which honored Flora, the goddess of spring and flowers, as she returned to the earth to bring the fields back to life with her touch. (Could this Goddess be Jude the Hippy Chick?) Traditionally, May Day celebrations began on April 30, when men and women spent the whole night in the woods where they would dance and play games. On the morning of May 1, they would emerge carrying freshly budded green boughs and flowers that were in bloom. A tree was felled and resurrected as the May Pole around which young people would twine ribbons in the hope of becoming entwined with a new love. Houses were decorated with freshly cut foliage to attract the blessings of earth spirits that were said to walk the land on the first of May. A May King and May Queen were chosen to represent fertility gods and goddesses. Beltane, while also a festival of fertility and sensuality, remains primarily a festival of fire. The Beltane bonfire fire not only blesses the coming season, but also invites luck into one's life. Jumping over a Beltane fire, walking between two fires, or burning sacred wood and dried herbs in a fire guarantees an auspicious season. Often, people would put o! ut their fires and rekindle their hearth using a flame taken from the bonfire. Both May Day and Beltane can be observed to celebrate the return of passion and vitality that we feel as the weather grows warmer and the world grows greener. You can celebrate these festivals by decorating your home with flowers, blessing your garden, or filling baskets with fresh produce and giving them to loved ones. Each festival represents a wonderful opportunity to mark the end of winter's darkness and ruminate on what the light-filled days of the coming months may bring. What fun this sounds, now that I'm tired from all my activities I need some flowers, some fresh produce and I got a lot of passion. How about you .......and your thoughts are?

Weekend Wickedness

2006-04-28T23:01:00.000-04:00

It is the weekend once again, I hope you will enjoy your visit here on Our Porch. I have tried to tame it down a tad but still remain true to myself. Please if you are unconfortable with a some adult content you might want to return another day. LOWER A 97-year-old man goes into his doctor's office and says, "Doc, I want my sex drive lowered." "Sir," replied the doctor, "you're 97 Don't you think your sex drive is all in your head?" "You're damned right it is!" replied the old man. "That's why I want it lowered!" ********** ETHICAL Medical ethics experts are still struggling with the question as to whether or not it's fitting for young male gynecologists to look up old girlfriends ********** WHERE WOULD MAN BE? A women's lib speaker was addressing a large group and said, "Where would man be today if it were not for woman?" She paused a moment and looked around the room. "I repeat, where would man be today if it were not for woman?" From the back of the room came a voice, "He'd be in the Garden of Eden eating strawberries." ********** CONDOM SURVEY A woman participating in a survey was asked how she felt about condoms. She said, "Depends on what's in it for me." ********** Have a great weekend, smile, be nice to your neighbor and take time for yourself.

Thursday's Thoughts

2006-04-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

It is a beautiful day here on Our Porch but I seem to be having one of those all so famous writers blocks. Being the person I am and not wanting to inflict pain on you with my jibber jabber today, I will leave you with this.

Oh wait you know me better than to think you would get off that easy, so I do have to ask....

If you had to deliver a one-word message to the world -- what would it be?

I will leave you today with one of my favorite quotes on love.. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart".~ Helen Keller Share your favorite quotes, and your thoughts are?

Special Wishes for Special Friends

2006-04-26T08:59:00.000-04:00

Dear Jude, Fat Lady Sings, Monica, and Teresa, So it is with birthdays As we can plainly see It's harder to turn it back Than to reach ahead! So now you're on the threshold Of another magic year Although the sound of it Is still painful to your ear. You try to say it's nothing It's really no big thing But you feel like a sequoia Adding yet another ring! It would be fun to live next door To a family like yours You're unlike my neighbors They seem to merely endures. To think of all the things we could do Just gives my heart a leap Like going up high then to a Valley And playing where it's so steep. Or sitting inside on that pew On the year's most special eve And knowing that fell and Say it's important to believe! How nice to know we all Play together oh so well Almost like extended family Is where we seem to dwell! Your outgoing disposition Is both honest and direct Fun loving, a great lady You have everyone's respect. And so here's a Happy Birthday With wonderful years to come From your special friend who thinks you're number one! Happy Birthday! Vickie

Yes today is a very special day so make certain you visit Jude, Monica and Teresa to wish them a Happy Birthday. Please join me in wishing my friend Fat Lady Sings a belated birthday as she tried to pull a quick one on me. Her special day was yesterday, April 24th but I did not know it until I visited her site. She is young---as young as I will be come June. Like me she just keeps getting better. I'll not tell any ages for we are all mere kids and enjoying life. To each of these very special ladies thank you for adding something to my life. Now by now you know the routine drop by and meet my friends and leave them a special greeting. You just might make a new friend and it is Birthday wishes! So go here for Jude, Fat Lady Sings, Monica , and Teresa.

Tuesday's Treats ---all about pets

2006-04-25T14:10:00.000-04:00

Oh crap just why did I do it, why did I get a monkey, yes you heard me a monkey? Now wait a minute before you get started listen to me have you ever carried one of them around on your back? I know you have -- and man they are heavy, sometimes weighing even a ton. Yeah that monkey can be heavy especially if you feed him but then sometimes he is not so heavy, you hardly even know he is on your back. That monkey moves around pretty quick at times. Yeah.....sometimes I carry him on my back and just about the time I get use to him there----you guessed it he plays games- with me, he hides ----Hide and seek . I guess he figures I might get rid of him or at least put him back in his cage or something because he moves----yep from my back he jumps to my mind and boy does he play games there. The Merry go rides begin----oh no , I think I might get sick , no, please….yep. You know the monkey mind----the chattering in your head, jumping in your mind, you do have a mind? I wonder at times but yeah I have one--and just when --- there he goes, what was it? Damn there he is again. Do you understand what happens if you have a monkey? Yeah he jumps from thought to thought and all I want to do is daydream. No that is not true I think about my family, my friends, and oh yeah Ms. Worry visits and I think about the future. Oh crap now everything is just going around in circles and I was trying to think , now I'm just damn confused. I am trading this monkey in, yep I know I can now what am I going to get? Never mind I don't need anything else, I feed all the stray cats in the neigborhood and have managed to tame one wild cat and named him Max. Max mated with Prissy the neighbor's cat that lives here because we feed her better. I now have new kittens under the house...so out goes the monkey...in comes the kitties, when Ms. Prissy says its time but only if King Smoltz agrees. Until the next time, we meet here on the Porch keep the monkey off your back and smile, enjoy life for Life Is Simply Good.

Me-My Place and My Space

2006-04-23T04:57:00.000-04:00

Thank you for visiting a place where you are welcome to come, it is here for you to visit all day, ever day, but this is MY refuge from the stress and strife of the daily grind. Our Porch is a place where my love for life does not die. It is here where I come to share when life may be bringing me down, to share in keeping spirits uplifted, to help teach some valuable lessons I have learned along life's paths. The sharing I do comes in many forms, thought provoking questions, deep thoughts of my own, thoughts of others, jokes, cartoons, poetry, and your comments. Speaking from experience, I feel that no one has the right to impose his or her beliefs on another person. I will be the first to say my way is just my way and works for me. I am a unique individual. While some of my thoughts and ideas may be similar to those of other human beings, no one possesses exactly the same combination of gifts and dreams and hopes and ambitions that I carry within me. I know the person I am and what I carry inside me. Most of you do not realize that I am aware of the combination of potential, character, personality and ability that I do have or you would not leave the negative comments here that you do. I don't compare myself with others for quite simply put, our lives are different. You are where you are, and I am where I am. My goals as a unique individual should not be to have and do the things that other people do, but to find my own path, my own way of being, my own way to accomplish my own goals and reach my own dreams. I know from what has taken place here recently that there are people who would have me believe that I would be better off rejecting my uniqueness and acting just like I once did.. Sorry to disappoint you, I am not here, to conform to what others want me to be--I am here to be myself, to share my unique and special gifts with the people who are a part of my life. I have chosen not to change nor will I distress myself with the "what I should be" or "where I should be" or "what I should be accomplishing." Instead I will continue to be the ME and look for the opportunities that are here for me to share my gifts and my unique perspective on life with others. Those who do not appreciate my uniqueness and my individuality, perhaps they have been looking in the wrong place. There are many people who will appreciate me fully, If I try to find "acceptance" among people who want me to change most likely, I will find that their acceptance is fleeting, and their loyalty to me depends upon my willingness to conform. I plan to --always be myself--and be with the people who will accept me for exactly what and who I am. I have not been looking in the wrong places, and I have kept my eyes and my heart open, and listened to my intuition and my instincts. It is those who can not accept ME for the person I am today and the person I am becoming who may have been looking in the wrong place. I refuse to remain buried layers of disbelief in myself, rejection of myself, or condemnation of myself and my supposed shortcomings. I am a beautiful person who must be recognized, allowed to grow, develop and mature, So I refuse to stay locked in a cage inside of myself and not allowing ME to become everything I have the potential to be. So, I refuse to be anything but ME and if you do not like who I am then please do us both a favor.....Go away for I do have feelings

Saturday's Smiles

2006-04-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

Girls just wanna have fun and we do know how to. I am no different from most so here we are for some.. CONNED Our instructor was lecturing about self-examination of the breast or testicles when a female student asked another male student and me if we ever got an erection while we did self- examination of our testicles. We answered that it was possible that we had. You know, you don't really want everyone to know when you get aroused. She then asked, "What do you do about it?" We said in unison, "Nothing, why?" She then said, "You mean you go around with a hard penis all day?" We said no way! She then states, "You mean a man's penis will go down without having an orgasm?" We both said yes. At which time she says, "I'm going to kill my husband!" ***** LESBIANS What do you call a cupboard full of lesbians?A licker cabinet. What do you call an Eskimo lesbian?A Klondyke. What do you call 100 lesbians with guns?Militia Etheridge. Why can't lesbians diet and wear make-up at the same time? Because they can't eat Jenny Craig with Mary Kay on their face. What is a lesbian dinosaur called?A Lickalotapuss. What do you call two lesbians in a canoe?Fur Traders. What do you call a lesbian with long fingers?Well Hung. Did you hear that Ellen DeGeneres drowned?She was found face down in Ricki Lake. How can you tell a tough lesbian bar?Even the pool table doesn't have balls. What do you call lesbian twins?Lick-a-likes. What's the definition of confusion?Twenty blind lesbians in a fish market. What's the difference between a Ritz cracker and a lesbian? One's a snack cracker, the other's a crack snacker ***** And now get ready Hope you enjoyed the Saturday's Smiles. Enjoy your day, put a smile on your face, have someone thinking just what has been going on. Hope to see you here again very soon, you never know what you will find. Your thoughts are?

Friday's Thoughts

2006-04-21T00:52:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another day, no matter where you are, we all share in something today. May it find you living your life well and feeling the best you can but more important may you all help me in sending special greetings to my friend, Randy. on his special day. Yes, today is Randy or RD's birthday and no I will not discuss how young he is. Enjoy this special day RD and may all your wishes come true. I have a feeling I know what they are and I share them with you...good health for Kerry, his beautiful wife and may they spend many more years together. Happy Birthday Randy. I think it is time for me to return to my regular program here so live on Our Porch...... When you are interested in other perspectives, it doesn’t imply, even slightly, that you’re advocating them. I certainly wouldn’t choose a life with drugs or suggest it to anyone else. At the same time, however, it’s really not my place to judge it either. One of the cardinal rules of joyful living is that judging others takes a great deal of energy and, without exception, pulls you away from where you want to be. Today I admire and respect, my friend, Walker for his strong desire to educate and wake people up about drugs. He has taken a tremendous amount of flak from others about his post but he knows it was worth it and his friends stand by him no matter what. It is like the different types of post I have done here, I knew I would never be seen the same as I was before but I also thought my friends would support me. I am sorry to say, I know personally of two blogrolls that I no longer hold a place on. Yes two people and maybe others chose to remove me from their blogroll based upon that post. We are all unique individuals who make blogland what it is, but what I find so fascinating is just how hypocritical people are. Because I am open and showing more of the person I am, I am no longer welcome on their blogroll but others guilty of the same and more hold that prominent place. In some cases it might be a gender issue which raises the issue do we have two sets of standards for writing. One for males and one for females, I don't think so not the way I view things but then my way of thinking is what got me here today.....open and honest, sharing a little more of who I am.....a married lady full of passion who dreams and shared it here....never indicating when it took place. Sometime ago I said I would begin to share more and more about myself and who I am here. I even talked about the layers of the onion and peeling them away...well I have peeled a few layers away. One of my favorite friends, Bubba said I might should be a chocolate cake instead or possible a gem with many facets. He thinks just maybe a diamond for every time he reads my post he sees another shining of my heart. You asked me to stick with being me, because you like me and I am a whole person to you. No layers just me....Thank you Bubba, my friend, I will be myself. In being myself, I will continue to visit the blog of those who removed me as I did in the past. I enjoyed reading them, their choice hurt me but I understand each one of us makes decisions we feel are right for us. This decision feels right for me as I am still Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle. And your thoughts are?

Monday's Moods full of raw emotions

2006-04-17T17:46:00.000-04:00

Raw emotion wakes people up, it brings things to life. It can even become a way to get a point across. Letting loose every now and then. If it is done occasionally it’s real and it’s powerful. This weekend I allowed a fucken asshole to get me so angry, so pissed off, so worried that I even felt helpless. You wonder why well I am not going to tell you, I would rather show you. Have you ever thought about what a junkie experiences, no you live in the world I live in where we don’t think of that, we either ignore it, or we think we don’t need to know. Yeah really we think like that but I have news for you, open your damn eyes before it becomes too late for you. It became too late, too early, time took on a new meaning for me as I worried and felt helpless this weekend over my friend, a junkie. Time seemed to stand still as I was helpless in Georgia and he was in Canada, miles away. I promised you, I would show you and not tell you well go here and read and follow it here and here as I did and see what emotion you experience. Some of you already know and the others of you will not and it will not have the same impact for this is not your friend. This was a friend, I talked with often, I care for and the Bastard did this to me. I experienced all types of emotion this weekend. Aristotle once said,” Anyone can become angry. That is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way—that is not easy.” A very true statement, something important I learned when all is said and done if I am going to get fuckin bent out of shape again it will be at the behavior not the person. Also listening and paying attention can be more helpful than reprimand. Walker it matters not once a junkie always a junkie you are a dear and special friend. Thank you for what you shared with us and I respect you more today than I did Thursday. And your thoughts are?

A few words with meanings

2006-04-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

I Live : in a world that is dark at times and full of color at other times. I Work : hard and I play hard when Missy lets me and I have the motivation and take the initiative. I Talk : a lot… but I can be somewhat quiet reserved and shy around people. I Wish : things could be like they were before Missy and I could be stronger and wiser than I am now… and someday, I will win the battle with my health problems. I Enjoy : writing with a passion. It’s nice to let my feelings flow and not care what people think about me. I Look : for good in people or try to and believe they are good unless they prove otherwise. I Find : blogging is a great way to express myself, share my thoughts and make friends in the world. I Listen : to my heart and not to my brain’s logical, reasonable thinking. I Hide : my problems or sadness from most people and bottle it up inside me until I can’t handle it anymore. I Pray : everyday that someday everything will be okay… There will be more of this in the days to come as I choose words to use and complete little phrase that will tell more about me. In keeping with the theme of Friday's 5 Flavors why not just choose five words and share a few things with us about you. Come on peel back a few of your layers and share with your friends here. Before I close today, I must share this very important article I came across for all those who must see Big Brother like my friend Monica. There are Big Changes for “Big Brother”, coming this summer will it work. It worked for Survivor and you need to go here to see what you think about this. I know I will be tuned it to it but will not be expecting any calls turning that time from my friend Monica. And your thoughts are?

Thursday's Thoughts

2006-04-13T23:48:00.000-04:00

Today is a new day, how do I feel, Great and a thank you for those who have chosen to visit with me here once again. Yes I know most of you were surprised to see that layer peeled away with my last post. I believe many people who have blogs are enigmas and show little of who they are without doing so anonymously. On the other hand I have been slowly making changes in my life and in my writing. I have often searched for the answer to the questions of "Who am I?" "Why in the world am I here?" "Where am I going?" and others but have often came up up empty handed. I have always longed to be happy, always desired to find the meaning of my life in this world, always just searched for answers. Taking the steps I thought would lead me in the right direction, I have found some very interesting things and interesting people along the way but the most important thing is I increased my self esteem and am comfortable with who I am. I love myself...My life---and my confidence--is much better today. Yes I said MUCH BETTER. What really changed, not many things just small changes. Some were done unconsciously but others were done with great deliberation. The first thing I did for a very long time and was not even aware of it. I read books of inspiration, books that gave me the hope in areas that I was severely lacking. I focused on my strengths, my talents, and my knowledge. Not everyday is perfect or will be and there are days when I find myself needing to redirect my thoughts for they are not "inspiring" ,"positive" or "uplifting". I do have days when I have "pity parties", I give myself permission to have them, that is o-kay but I am not allowed to have them too often or for them to last too long. This is normal behavior. This is ME, I am o-kay. I realized that has always been a problem for me, I care too much about the opinions of others, I still do care. I just refuse to let them run me as I once did. So I'm feeling better about myself, actually loving myself more and more. This seems to have created an upward or downward spiral.....what I do affects the way I feel....how I feel affects the things I do.....The things I do affects what I do and what others think of me, which in turn affects how I feel about myself. Having said that, I can either spend time either building myself up or tearing myself down. There is no status quo when it comes to my self-image. I feel very good about myself I chose to be honest with you here and share with you the sensuous side of the Lady I am. This is just another side of who I am. I would like to thank Babygirlbailey for being honest and most of all for being true to herself and standing firm by sharing her thoughts with my post. You, my friend deserve nothing but respect for all for the courage to state your comment knowing you were very much in the minority. I now place you on the pedestal you had me on. Poor disappointed, since dictionary .com indicates the meaning of the word dis'·ap'·point is Audio pronunciation of "disappointed" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ds-point) v. dis'·ap'·point'·ed, dis'·ap'·point'·ing, dis'·ap'·points v. tr. 1. To fail to satisfy the hope, desire, or expectation of. 2. To frustrate or thwart: "I will not disappoint the confidence you have put in me" (Wayne A. Budd) Since you are unknown to me, I have no idea if I have disappointed you are not for I will never know if you are a reader here or someone who just stopped by. You chose to hide behind a shield. I wonder how many layers you have to peel? There is only one who has the right to judge and the judgement takes place even with the thoughts, you do not have to write them. I rest my case here. Life Is Simply Good here, I hope you will continue to visit Our Porch. And your thoughts are?

A dream or not

2006-04-11T09:07:00.000-04:00

It was cold, rainy, and the winds were picking up as I slowly begin to dream. We have all experienced similar dreams if we are passionate and honest. I have decided I want more than just a dream to warm me tonight so I quickly pull a few things together, make a call and begin to drive a bit north to visit an old friend. This will be more than just a bored night where I only want to listen to music I will have some fun. Traffic was slow, the weather condition was awful but this gave me a chance to listen to some special music I had all but forgotten about. My friend was not at home when I first arrived, he was still across town. Who knows why it was taking him much longer to get through the city than he originally thought. My mind just slowly began to wonder as I listened to the music. My thoughts were on just what was waiting for me. It had been so long since I had seen my friend, my lover and yes I need this release that only he seems to give me. As my mind wondered my hand begin to slowly travel toward my breast. My nipples became hard as I slowly began to twirl them between my fingers, pulling them, caressing them, touching them just teasing them to a hardness all the while thinking about my friend. Suddenly I realized I was growing warm under my skirt so I slipped my fingers under my black lace thongs. I began to rub my clit, getting ready for my friend to show up, knowing soon my butter would be melted He pulled up and the dream slipped away. Yes this is writing like I have never shared before but there are many sides to Ms. Vickie and I realize some of you might not be comfortable with this side of me but it is a part of me and one I have chosen to share here. Your thoughts are….

Monday's Moods

2006-04-10T01:08:00.000-04:00

I once read the first step toward change is acceptance. Once you accept yourself, you open the door to change. That's all you have to do. Change is not something you do, it's something you allow. This is something I am still pondering over. I have made changes in my life but I still have things to change. I wonder if I have the strength to make them or will I just accept things as they are now and continue on as is. I am not afraid of change but I think I am afraid of hurting people along the way. I have a tendency to put others before myself and always have since I was a child. Considering that has been a pattern for me for so long, I doubt it is one I will change at this stage in my life although I have been ready to before. Pondering things the tears flow freely, I ache for what has been and what will never be. I miss him but life goes on. He went his way and I must go my way. Certain things will never be but one thing we will always be, friends. Nothing is more precious than a true friend, I remind myself I will be that strong lady he says I am, yes even stronger than I know myself to be. Will I continue to search for that elusive thing all search for.....love and acceptance or am I truly at last growing content with loving myself. I know I still search for certain things that are missing from my life and wonder will I find them or will I learn that yes, Life Is simply Good. My tender soul wants to give all that I have and all that I can, craving love from those who will allow me to love them . Yes acceptance and love from you is next....the tears continue slowly. What is Friendship? Friendship is something that grows through the years Withstanding feelings of anger, joy and tears It is something we should never try to live without A friend you can turn to when in doubt They can listen carefully and not speak a word For you would do the same when they want to be heard A person you can confide in, learn from and trust This is a friend you, me and everyone must Be able to have someone just like this Not a boyfriend to hug, cuddle and kiss But that person who is so special, faithful and true The only ones I can think of is just like you Our friendship is strong, healthy and great Through the years I see its wonderful fate A fate of laughs, greatness and fun We have only have one life to live and this is the one The past- full of memories that runs through my head The bad ones we cried and left our hearts heavy like lead Every moment of life should be so full of love and new This is of course a Friendship like all are feel they are due. And your thoughts are .......

Saturday's Smiles

2006-04-08T13:44:00.000-04:00

It is once again time for the Saturday Smiles here on tha Porch, I hope these will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your day, the weather is very unprediticible here so we are on alert. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK? Fred and Mary get married but can't afford a honeymoon, so they go back to mum and dad's for the night. In the morning, little Johnny gets up and has his breakfast. As he is going out of the door to go to school, he asks his mum if Fred and Mary are up yet. She replies, "No." Johnny asks, "Do you know what I think?" His mum replies, "Never mind what you think! Just go to school." Johnny comes home for lunch and asks his mum, "Is Fred and Mary up yet?" She replies, "No." Johnny says, "Do you know what I think?" His mum replies, "Never mind what you think! Eat your lunch and go back to school." After school, he comes home and asks, "Is Fred and Mary up yet?" His mum says, "No." Johnny asks, "Do you know what I think"? His mum replies, "What do you think"? He says, "Well, last night Fred came in for the Vaseline and I think I gave him my airplane glue." ***** PMS IN THE BIBLE A preacher was telling his congregation that anything they could think of, old or new, was discussed somewhere in the Bible and that the entirety of the human experience could be found there. After the service, he was approached by a woman who said, "Preacher, I don't believe the Bible mentions PMS." The preacher replied that he was sure it must be there somewhere and he would look for it. The following week after the service, the preacher called the woman aside and showed her a passage which read, "And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to Bethlehem." ***** SECOND HONEYMOON The old couple were planning to go on a second honeymoon for their 50th wedding anniversary. The old woman said, "We will go to all the same places that we did on our first honeymoon." "Uh huh," said the old man. "We will do all the things that we did on our first honeymoon," said the old woman. "Uh huh," said the old man. "And we will make love like we did on our first honeymoon," said the old woman. "That's right," said the old man, "except this time I get to sit on the side of the bed and cry, 'It's too big, it's too big!'" ***** TWO OF THOSE The telephone lineman had been out drinking the night before, and the next day he went to work not feeling to good. At the first pole that he had to work on, he climbed to the top and as he took his pliers out to repair the wire he dropped it so, he had to climb all the way down to retrieve it , as he got to the bottom of the pole and was picking up his pliers, a small boy was there and said to the lineman, "My daddy is a lineman too and he would have had two pair of pliers, so he wouldn't have to climb down the pole after the pliers that you dropped". The lineman tried to ignore the boy and climbed back up the pole very slowly. About his time he needed a hammer to drive in a large nail, and as he was taking it out, it slipped and fell to the ground and again he had to climb down the pole to retrieve it. So he slowly climbed down the pole and sure enough the little boy was there and said. "My daddy is a lineman and he would have carried two hammers so if he had lost one he wouldn't have to climb down". This irritated the lineman, but he ignored the boy and climbed back up the pole to finish his work. He was no sooner up the pole when he had to go to the bathroom, so down he climbs from the pole and goes over to the brushes to take a leak, as he was going he saw the little boy watching him through the brushes. He had it and says to the boy "I'll bet your dad doesn't have two of these, does he?" The boy replied, "No, but his would make two of yours". ***** Stay safe, enjoy your day and hope to see you back here on the porch very soon where you will pull up a seat and set a spell witn Ms. Vickie, the Southern Bell .

Friday's 5 Flavors

2006-04-07T00:29:00.000-04:00

It is Friday and time for Friday’s 5 Flavors something that you have not seen here in sometime. Why is that no reason really other than it just did not seem right or I was not around. Today it will a little different for I'm going to say and share more about me here. I wanted to open and be myself here but still there is so much I want to say, do and accomplish here but I feel with every post I am judged. Before I get carried away, first I have a little housekeeping that I would like to take care of. Thank you my friends who did stop by and leave wishes or comments for Randy and Kerry, it will be appreciated. It takes so little to stop and wish someone well even if you don't know them and unless you have been in their shoes you can never know just how much those little pick me up means. Next thank you to those who have taken time to think of me, send me good thoughts and/or pray for me or call me. Today I visited with my Hematologist, he repeated one of the blood tests and the results are coming down with the use of the CPAP and aspirins so the GREAT news is he thinks I need to continue as is with close monitoring every month by my regular physician and see him every three months. If the blood test increase again reaching a critical high at anytime I am to return to him for removal of blood. It is not related to the bone marrow this just happens in some people from time to time but also new research seems to suggest it is seen more often when there has been long term and massive doses of steroids which I have had. I will have an increased risk for stroke and I have that with my genes (both parents had them). I view this as Life Is Simply Good, once again I am being looked after and I still have things to do here. Now for the Friday’s 5 Flavors where I will act as a Vidalia Onion and peel away a few layers and share more of who I am. I used the word I feel with every post I am judged yes I do and that is a pet peeve I have because you only know a small part of person. You know what the person wants you to see. They paint the picture and only allow you to see certain things where my goal is to allow you to know the real me I have a very dear friend who is uncomfortable at times with my comments on their blog and has told me so I no longer feel comfortable commenting there even though I read every post and we still talk on the phone often. My friends are important to me and I communicate with them I don’t just disappear. Are you that type of a friend? I tease and joke on my blog and that is just what it is teasing and joking but some are not use to seeing that side of me. Many of my previous readers/commenter are not comfortable with this part of me and no longer visit or if they do no longer comment which makes me sad for I thought they were true friends. I will not change as I must be who I am for what you see here is the person I am and I like the person I have grown into over the last few years. I will continue to grow and change which is good as we each do but it will only serve to make me a better person. There is only one who I need to truly worry about judging me but for some reason I do care what you think. However I like me and the changes I have been making here over time and will continue to make. I ask if you have been a loyal reader and are no longer comfortable here or comfortable making comments drop me an e-mail. Let me know I like to know for it is the things I don’t know that bothers me…that is another little pet peeve I have. I love to give to others more than receive and when I receive I like for it to be a surprise. Little things make me happy in life even the bruise my niece gave me from the veinpuncture she left when she drew my blood. It made me happy because she is a nurse and she always said she would grow up to be a nurse like her Aunt Vickie.....and she is. Be happy at least today if not everyday, make an effort this day and see if you can not have a Special Day. Share with me either Five things you would like for me to know about you or five of your pet peeves….You got a little of both of mine….and now how about some set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Bell where Life Is Simply Good.

Spreading a little light and love

2006-04-04T23:41:00.000-04:00

Most of you know I have a love for my friends and a love of life. I share both of these with a very special friend that I would like to introduce to you today. Yesterday a post was dedicated to me and was all about me at my friend Monica's so keeping with that I would like to pass it forward. From time to time you have seen me tease here just as I did yesterday with Walker who says I have the biggest heart in the world which is why I agreed to go to bed with him. The big question was how far did we go......even bigger question is how does one go to bed with another when one lives in Georgia and one lives in Canada? Just take the laptop or the phone to bed with you and keep on talking to each other. Yes it will work everytime. By the way Walker, thanks for asking Monica to go to bed with you on Tuesday just a few day after taking me to bed with you and on the same day you said I really knew how to warm you up. You really were good for my self esteem here Walker. Gee Whiz, I guess I will be back to never mind about that right now let me get back to the post I started here before I got side tracked. Today is all about my special friend Randy, RD as you see him comment on here. Randy is special for he inspires me with the love he has for his wife, Kerry. He and Kerry have been married for many years in which she has had Huntington's Disease. This is a familial disease, passed from parent to child through a mutation in the normal gene. Today Randy and his very special wife Kerry travel to Washington University, Huntington's Center of Excellence to seek out help to allow or seek information if there is any to assist in providing for quality in her life for the local neurologist are very shallow in what they are offering. To give you a glimpse into this special friend of mine here is an interview he took part in when he first started a blog. 1. You write quite a bit on politics and current events. What political figure...past or current...do you admire the most? Why? There are many, but if it fits your criteria, how about Robert E. Lee. A lesser man would have emerged from Appomattox hated and beaten, yet he remains one of the most respected and revered figures in our history. I even want my enemies to love me! 2. Where is somewhere that you've never ridden your Harley that you would love to ride? Why? New Zealand. The H.O.G. magazine published pictures from a recent organized ride there and the vistas were breathtaking and the conditions were perfect. It would be an incredible experience. 3. What have you done that makes you the proudest? Beside parenting a wonderful son, I'd have to say being there for my family. I've been blessed. 4. What are the things about your wife that made you fall in love with her in the first place? It was love at first sight. The smile, the twinkle in her eye, her capacity to love life. We were kindred spirits from our first moments together. She's an angel. 5. What did you learn from your parents that you want to pass down to your kids? You write your own ticket. Those were dad's words. We are responsible for our actions and accountable for our decisions. The blog Randy maintains today is for his Riding Group and he does not have maintain a personal blog so I ask that you leave special wishes for Randy here or e-mail them so I can collect them and send them to Randy and his very special KerBear (Kerry). These are two very special people to me. I have been so blessed to have Randy in my life as my friend. So please as my friends share a little today, remember how much you have, give a little. Randy you and Kerry are in my thoughts so often and you know my feelings. Few marriages are made of the love yours is I bow to you my friend. Thank you for being in my life and sharing the sunshine as you do. I hope I have shared a little with you today. Be safe and remember no matter what you have friends who will be here to support you and offer you love as you have them. Now don't forget leave me a special comment for Randy or e-mail it so I can send it in a special card to Randy and Kerry.

Quitting is Positive

2006-04-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

I have a feeling you have always heard a winner never quits but you know what many times that is not correct actually that can be the most incorrect statement that you can hear and one of the most damanaging. I know coming from me you are surprised but wait a minute, stick with me and I'll have you seeing things my way or at least I'll have given my all. That is what it is all about to me giving my all, giving my best, being happy. Most of us view quitting as something negative, but it's not. 'Winners never quit,' we're told, when, in reality, winners quit all the time: choosing to stop doing things that aren't creating the results we desire. When we quit the things that aren't working for us, when we quit tolerating all the negative things that hold we back, we'll create a positive 'charge' in our life as well as create the space in our life for more positive experiences. If you employ the power of positive quitting. you just might become happier, you might find that quitting is a positive force in your life. If you don't believe me just try quitting a a few of these: Quit abusing tobacco, alchohol, caffeine, food. Quit doing things that aren't bringing you the results you want. Quit procrastinating and find yourself less rushed and hurried. Quit putting up with damaging, abusive, and negative relationships . Quit feeling miserable for yourself and being miserable about stuff beyond your control. Quit trying to be everything, to do everything, and to have everything. If you don't believe me just take that step and be a positive quitter, I know some who have and some who are doing that. Be happy, take control of your life so you will be saying Life Is Simply Good. By the way Walker, I enjoyed sharing your bed this weekend.

Lady Luck comes to visit

2006-03-30T00:46:00.000-05:00

The rollercoaster ride full of highs and lows and twists and turns continues and I can say I am never bored an hour in my life. I get up every morning wondering what new strange glamorous thing is going to happen and it happens at fairly regular intervals. Lady Luck has been good to me and I fancy she has been good to everyone. Only some people are dour, and when she gives them the come hither with her eyes, they look down or turn away and lift an eyebrow. But me, I give her the wink and away we go. You see If I can wake up in the morning and stay awake then I begin looking forward to what the day has to bring me, My attitiude does not depend on what the day gives me--I take what the day gives and love it and live it. This kind of attitude sure could make for a lot of wonderful days, all in a row, and a lot of wonderful days in a row could make for a great year, and eventually a great life. When life says "come here and live me," I hope that I'm up to the challenge of accepting the invitation, no matter how threatening or out-of-the-ordinary it may seem to me. When life says "do something new and different and enjoy what I have to give," I hope that I'm willing to take the risk and see what happens, even if things don't turn out the way I hope they might. The most important thing to me about all this is that I am truly TRUSTSING life. There are no if's, no and's, no but's. I trusts life and takes it on its terms, not on my own. I knows that life has many truly great things to offer, and I'm going on a treasure hunt looking for them all. I truly am living a full life by living each day in its own special way, taking what it has to offer and making the most of it. Yes, Life Is Simply Good. Yes it is the posture we take while going about our day,and the attitude we project toward those who cross our path, which will influence what the day brings. No one else can decide for us how or what we feel. We are each responsible for our own choices . We have the power to be as content or as discontent as we make up our minds to be. Even while on this rollercoaster, I realize I have things to do so today when Lady Luck gave me the wink away I went. Lady Luck and I are good friends and will keep you updated as we have information from the medical world to report. In the meantime, why don't you accept Lady Luck when she gives you the wink instead of turning away

Live each moment for what it is

2006-03-27T17:23:00.000-05:00

I live each moment as it comes not knowing what the next brings as I still have no true answer as to what is going on with my health. More testing is being done to determine what is the underlying problem behind the blood abnormalities. When I saw the Hematologist/Oncologist my Hemoglobin and Hematocrit was even more elevated from the last one BUT he feels very strong that we are dealing with a BENIGN Hematologic (blood) disorder. Additional lab tests were done when I saw him , sonograms and CT scans are scheduled for tomorrow. In the meantime, the major concern is to make certain I have no clots form so I was warned the signs/symptoms of clots and also warned the signs/symptoms of strokes. These are two common side effects seen in the Erythrocytosis or Polycythemia Vera which is what he feels is the most likely condition I have. It will be treated by addressing any underlying contions which might contribute to it such as my blood pressure and sleep apnea as well as phlebotomy(removing RBC's) using a needle and medications. The sad thing is even with the phelbotomy being done the blood will just have to be discarded it can not be donated due to Missy. By the way, I don't like needles and have poor veins. I will return to see him April 4th to discuss the results of all the tests and the actual direction things will go but all in all things seem fine. Right now I am sleeping 14 to 16 hours a day and extremly tired the remainder of the time, I actually do not seem to find the energy to find my way to the computer these days and for that I apologize to each of you but I will be back. I appreciate each of you who stopped by, your comments, your special thoughts and prayers. Thank you to those who sent their readers my way, those who dedicated songs to me and a very special thank you to the special young lady who asked her whole school to pray for her mother's friend who was sick and might have cancer, Julia you are a delight. As Mother Teresa once said " We can do no great things, only small things with great love" and you certainly did show me your love and it was GREAT and for that I thank you.

Freeing Yourself and Knowing When the Time is Right

2006-03-21T12:31:00.000-05:00

I could have been in the middle of a custody battle but two friends are being adults. I know both must hurt so here I am sharing a few of my thoughts with them in hopes it might help in some small way. Just as a good relationship can have a positive impact on your life, stressful, draining, or imbalanced relationships can have negative effects on your health and well-being. It's common to maintain a relationship because we feel the other person needs us or we believe that they will eventually change. We may also be afraid of hurting the other person or feel insecure in our ability to find new relationships. But knowing when to end a relationship and acknowledging that the pain will pass can often prevent greater pain and feelings of loss in the long run. If you're in a relationship that isn't satisfying or one that has become unhealthy for you, rather than spending energy attempting to fix the problem or complaining, ask yourself what you really want from the relationship. Consider whether the other person truly considers your feelings or if they are willing to change their behavior. Ask yourself if you've often thought about ending the relationship or if you feel your bonds have atrophied. While every relationship has ups and downs, when there are more downs than ups or the two of you are bringing out the worst in each other, it may be time to sever the connection. Be honest with yourself and your answers, even if the truth is painful. Relationships thrive on honesty, communication, mutual caring, and time spent together. When one or more of these elements are missing, it may be that the relationship, no matter how passionate, simply isn't worth it. It's far better to end a relationship that doesn't feel right than to hold on to it and languish in feelings of anger or resentment. Moving on without struggle, on the other hand, can be the door that leads you to a more nurturing relationship in the future. Monica and Brian may you both find the happiness you deserve.

Slumber Party

2006-03-19T01:53:00.000-05:00

Who says you can't have a three-way at slumber party in three different states, at the same time, in differnt time zones?! Tonight we did it and we'll share it with you. Karen was pulled away from from her hiatus for this special report which is coming to you live from Georgia, Texas, and Utah. The attendees are none other than Karen,Monica, and Vickie. What could happen when these three women get together, one drinkin' beer, one drinkin' diet sprite, and one on xanax? Ready or not, here it comes... Karen's correctin' thing-a-majiggy is on (spel cheque), Monica is trying to figure out how her daughter's thing-a-majiggy works (music), and Vickie's thing-a-majiggy is burnin'(cookies). Music: Foreigner Movies: "Briget Jones, The Edge of Reason" and "Never Been Kissed" Apparrel: Monica, half nekkid ONLY in her OSU T-shirt went outside to her car to retrieve CDs. Vickie, purple night shirt with gray and white kitties Karen, light blue satin chemise (vickie commented on how sexy Karen was) Phone Pranks Vickie riled both Monica and Karen up so bad that Vickie's mamma came to tell us to keep it down. Busted. Each were sworn to secrecy and have dirt on each other, to keep each other in check and in line. (bribes are acceptable) Topics discussed in great length were: Sizes & heights correlations are a myth Vienna sausages Toys Pickup trucks Ice Peanut butter Movie scene with Andy Garcia Reflexology of the penis Some of Karen's book, "302 Advanced Techniques" We played Truth or Dare Truths: One question was, "if you won the lottery, and had to choose between the money or the man you love?" Answers: Monica: The man. Karen: The man. Vickie: "Show me the money!" Who went all the way on the first date Favorite positions Favorite parts of sex Fantasies (those we want to have and those already experienced) Who was best lover Why is it that younger guys are into older women, none of us were suprised that we each have had younger guys interested in us at this moment. Fantasies about other bloggers Dares: Some of the questions were so hot, we had to resort to dares. The dares must be fulfilled within one year. Flash boobs to a stranger Oral sex while driving Go on radio and request a love song and say "I'm lookin' for love" and ask for volunteers Call an old flame Like all slumber parties, guys had to raid in one way or another (either knowing or unknowing) by email, phone call, or physically. There are rumors that the conference call was recorded and all said they are open to bribes to release the tape, to the highest bidder. The most important thing we learned tonight, is that no real-life friendship is better than what shared tonight. This is real life. No matter what joy or problems we have (romantic, health, or family), we have a bond for life, through laughter and tears. BTW for those who want to know who the bloggers are that we fantasized about, email us privately but if you're on the list want a private party, send us your phone number. If not you're not on the list and want a private party, don't call us, we'll call you. When we're good, we're good, but when we're bad we're at our very best. The slumber parties WILL continue... Poopie is definitely invited if she can do the three way too.

Life is a Rollercoaster

2006-03-17T01:25:00.000-05:00

Life takes us on a rollercoaster ride full of highs and lows and twists and turns. Even for those of us who enjoy unexpected thrills, it's frightening to suddenly find ourselves heading for a deep plunge. Yet, it happens to all of us. At these moments, it is important to remember that we are not alone in our experiences. No matter how brave, strong, or levelheaded we are, sometimes, we all get scared. I am scared and will be living on a rollercoaster until I know more. My fear revolves around my visit to Dr. M. Several months ago when I saw her as most good physicians do at some point soon after you become their patient, they will do routine blood work. When my results came back there was some abnormal results which we talked about and both felt it was very appropriate to wait and repeat at a later date. Well the later date came, the blood was drawn, the test ran, the results came back and not only were they still abnormal but they had continued to increase during that time. After several questions today, she informed she has already done a phone consult with my neurologist just to ask a few questions about some of the medications I had taken and she had also talked with the physician that is the Medical Director at the lab where the test were done. All three came up with the same... I need to see a Hematologist/Oncologist. I have elevated Red blood cells, elevated Hemoglobin, elevated Hematocrit and elevated Platelet count. This is not at all related to Missy so now I ride the roller coaster and I'm sorry I have not enjoyed one since someone on a twist above shared with me something I was not interested in many years ago. Since that time I have done my best to stay off the roller coaster well most of them that is. My fear is very valid and I do not need to feel ashamed or embarrassed that I am, at times, afraid. I admit I'm afraid right now but I will be fine. It is comforting to me knowing that everyone gets scared, and it is perfectly OK. Sometimes just acknowledging my fears is enough to make me feel better. It takes a lot more to ease my mind, I try an console myself with the knowledge that life can be scary at times. Giving myself permission to be scared lets me move through my fears so I can try and let it go. It also makes it alright to share my fears with others. Sharing my apprehensions with other people makes my fears less overwhelming because I am not letting them grow inside of me. Sharing my fears also lightens my burden because I am not carrying my worries all by myselves. Thank you Karen and Monica for sharing my fears with me tonight and for allowing me to lighten my burden as my worries are no longer mine. I just shared my fear with you but I would appreciate positive thoughts and prayers if you are so inclined. I know this rollercoaster ride will continue until I have an answer. I know I will not be alone which brings me comfort.

Tuesday's Treats is all about linky love

2006-03-14T08:40:00.000-05:00

It is new day here, I left you alone on the porch to relax and to enjoy each other as you came by but you were often in my thoughts. I notice Our Porch stayed nice and clean in my absence and for that I thank you, a few things are in the works for more excitement in the future when I am away for extended time. I hope to have more on that to share in the near future. This will allow your time to be more exciting and fun. Today being Tuesday and Tuesday's Treats it seems a very appropriate time for me to share some linky love. If you do not know the blogs that are featured I promise you that you are in for a Treat. First up do not be mistaken Sgt Hook is now Sergeant Major and someone I am very proud to call a friend. I first became aware of Sgt Hook when I found his blog soon after I began writing Always Victoria and he was stationed in Afghanistan. I noticed several things about him, he was a wonderful writer, he had a love for his three sons and the Lovely and Talented and Downright Sexy Mrs. Hook as he says, the love he has for those who serve with him, the love he has for his country and the fact he has a heart of gold. Everyday one of the first blogs I went to was Sgt. Hook's, I was always on pins and needles never certain what I would find because from time to time he was placed in harms way never asking his boys to do something he would not do. He won not just my heart but so many in cyber space and to this day he still holds them. I had the pleasure of working with Sgt. Hook when he launched “Operation Shoefly “whose motto was “Bringing the Hearts of America to the Soles of Afghanistan.” Who knows how many shoes were provided to the children in Afghanistan? The smiles on their faces that I saw from the pictures brought smiles to my face so many times. It has been through Sgt Hook and my friend Tom who served in Iraq that have pointed me in directions where I have found some things to be involved in that have brought me so much satisfaction. One day I hope Sergeant Major Hook and his Lovely and Talented and Downright Sexy Mrs. Hook might be in my area so we can share a drink together. He did promise me a copy of his book when he writes one but now the questions is will I have to stand in line and get it signed or not? The next treat I want to share with you in some ways shares something with Sergeant Major Hook so let me just get on to her now..... Yes it is you, Monica, of Monicas Thoughts one of my best friends. Monica knows me well and reaches out to me when I need it most. As in life we often get busy and go for days or weeks without contact but she knows when things are not right with me and reaches out. Hiding is not easy with her for she sees all, a mom she is. I was one of her chosen few who knew of the cyber romance that was taking place between Monica and Brian before they chose to announce it to others. Keep in mind I knew Brian before I knew Monica but I understand she has custody of me if things do not work for them so I hope things continue to work out there. Do you hear me Brian, Behave! Monica is not just my friend; she is a special mom, a great writer, she volunteers and has a heart of gold. Not so long ago the mom in her and her talent for writing came together for something special when she wrote a very special poem for her son . Monica wrote "Leave Him To Me" for Joshua on his birthday and it has been put to music and released by Susan Campton. Go visit Monica, congratulate her and find out more about this. You have just been introduced to two of my very talented friends. They have a way with words and talent not found in many best selling authors. I have no doubt both of these have the opportunity to take their experiences, their writing abilities and they will have nothing but continued success. So go visit them , tell them Vickie sent you. Oh in case you missed it visit Monica here and Sgt. Hook here. Just do it!

Tuesday's Treats

2006-03-07T08:57:00.000-05:00

I am a very complex female who does not look my age and has many interests which you will soon find out. I love people and have always been a "social butterfly" surrounding myself with others. Recently I found, I actually like and love myself and can enjoy quality time alone. This time is even welcomed for I am learning to be selfish and take time for myself. In 1989 while climbing the ladder toward success in my career along came a medical disease , Missy, far bigger than I to remind me of my place in this world. I wonder if most of you react the same way I do when I hear someone has a medical condition similiar to Missy—–the first thing I feel is sorrow. Please don’t respond that way for me because I am a much better person these days. Yes I have lost many things but I have gained so much along the way . I might share more of this from time to time for I never really know just what I will say when I begin to write it just flows. This is not to be all boring as and you can find a little fun if you like to hop around cyberspace. A social butterfly I am but guess what my mother did not select a very popular or common name for me. Gee according to Name Statisistics You find Victoria is the #116 most common female name. 0.18% of females in the US are named Victoria. Around 229500 US females are named Victoria Of course I took care of that as I have a very common last name. If you are curious about yours then don’t miss out on the opportunity to find out how out common or uncommon your name is. Moving right along on the subjsect on names we will see just how well I do with names. Don’t worry I know not many people would have a pet named Smoltz. I chose to name my very spoiled cat forJohn Smoltz, my favorite Braves Baseball Pitcher. You will hear more about this later but I know I named my child right. The name smoltz for an animal means........ Yours is a very resourceful animal who is basically a loner and has a strong sense of responsiblilty. Your pet is exceptionally loyal and affectionate. You won’t have to worry about this pet straying far from home. Your pet has a highly developed sixth sense, especially when it comes to home and family. This animal is very tenacious and intensely loyal. This is a tolerant and affectionate animal who cares about his/her appearance and prefers beautiful surroundings. This is a shy, affectionate animal with a gentle soul. Your pet is best suited to a tension-free enviornment. This is a sensitive, psychic animal who intuitively responds to your feelings and moods. Not too bad for my first time exposure………keep coming by for more of this Sassy Georiga Girl. When all else fails and you have little to say you can always start back from the begining of your blogging days. This was reprinted from Always Victoria, April 20, 2004 but it also opened the doors and shared a little more of who I am and also reminded me of how much more Missy has taken. The flow with my writing is not at all as it once was and I struggle so with it but I refuse to give in. A few changes were made such as change the words Multiple Sclerosis to Missy as I have now give MS a personal name and of course the pictures were added today as I never posted pictures until the last year. I might from time to time pull out some of my old post and use when I am not feeling very creative or am just at an low as I am right now.

Saturday's Smiles

2006-03-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday here the end of the week which brings so many a few days of rest and relaxation so please make the best of the situation no matter what you are facing. So come on join me here on "Our Porch" for a visit. Let us begin with....... A girl asked a guy if he thought she was pretty, He said...no. She asked him if he would want to be with her forever...and he said no. She then asked him if she were to leave would he cry, and once again he replied with a no. She had heard enough. As she walked away, tears streaming down her face the boy grabbed her arm and said.. You're not pretty you're beautiful I don't want to be with you forever, I NEED to be with you forever. And I wouldn't cry if you walked away...I'd die... SO NOW I WILL SAY: I like you because of who you are to me...A true friend. Remember: "A good friend will come bail you out of jail.... But a true friend will be sitting next to you saying .. WE screwed up! " Proud to be your Friend! I've learned...that life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. I've learned...that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for. I've learned...that money doesn't buy class. I've learned...that it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular. I've learned...that under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved. I've learned...that the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can? and now I am going to peel some layers back and share more about myself so get ready.

Have a great day, smile so I'll know what you have been up to. Until the next time I return, remember "Our Porch" is always open so just drop by and leave comments for me or others make this one of if not the best communities for interaction. This site is not just about the post I make it is about enjoying each other. Make me proud.

Condolences

2006-03-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

Today there is sadness here as we gather on "Our Porch" and once again I come asking you for something but as always it is not for me. It is for one of our friends and fellow bloggers, actually I could say in a small way for two of our bloggers. Yesterday morning Brian of An Audience of One lost his father as he passed away suddenly after a very short hospitalization. I ask you to please keep Brian and his family in your thoughts and in your prayers if you are so inclined. Many of you like I have been privileged to watch a romance blossom as a seed was planted and nurtured and grow between Monica of Monicas Thoughts and Brian. I ask you to please keep Monica in your thoughts and in your prayers if you are inclined as she stands by and supports Brian during this difficult time. Please stop by and let them know you have them in your thoughts.Brian you have always inspired me as you dealt with the obstacles that came your way and I know you will once again handle this with strength as only you show at times. Here is something special for you.

I Do Believe by Jennifer Janiszewski There is nothing I can do, to make him come back There are no words I can say, that can replace the words you long to hear There are no answer's I can give, that will satisfy your questions There is no other soul I can introduce you to that will ever replace his There is no love I can offer that will replace the love you shared I can not promise your broken heart will ever be complete I will not say it could have been worse I will not deny it was a tragedy I will not lie and tell you he will come back He never really left I do promise he hears you when you speak I will say he loves you no matter the distance I will not deny he is in a better place And, I will not lie; he is waiting to greet you someday He is in every you step you take He is in everything you do He is the air you breathe He is in every beat of your heart " He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him"

Wednesday's Wonderings

2006-03-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

Here we are for another Wednesday's Wonderings on “Our Porch “the beginning of this month brings spring (or autumn, far to the south of us). It is a beautiful time of the year; it is a time I often find myself evaluating life. It is from the darkness of winter we are awakening to find longer and warmer days. The appearance of violets, buttercups, tulips, daisies, and daffodils spring forth here in no set patterns. The butterflies and birds are seen flying and fluttering about as they begin to dance for us. Fruit trees begin to blossom and preparations for the gardens do the same yes I know March is here and spring my favorite season is here. Here is something I would like to share with you that speak to me and it might speak to you:

You Are You

You are strong. . . when you take your

grief and teach it to smile.

You are brave. . . when you overcome your

fear and help others to do the same.

You are happy. . . when you see a flower

and are thankful for the blessing.

You are loving. . . when your own pain

does not blind you to the pain of others.

You are wise. . . when you

know the limits of your wisdom.

You are true. . . when you admit

there are times you fool yourself.

You are alive. . . when tomorrow's hope means

more to you than yesterday's mistake.

You are growing. . . when you know what

you are but not what you will become.

You are free. . . when you are in control of

yourself and do not wish to control others.

You are honorable. . . when you find

your honor is to honor others.

You are generous. . . when you

can take as sweetly as you can give.

You are humble. . . when you

do not know how humble you are.

You are thoughtful. . . when you see me

just as I am and treat me just as you are.

You are merciful. . . when you forgive in

others the faults you condemn in yourself.

You are beautiful. . . when you

don't need a mirror to tell you.

You are rich. . . when you never

need more than what you have.

You are you. . . when you are

at peace with who you are not.

Unknown

I wish you all the best of all that's good and true, now today for Wednesday's Wonderings what are you wondering? Just share something special here with us that you have on your mind, be it a rant, if you are angry but can not voice it at your place let it out here, just get comfortable look around at those who visit here, make a new friend, leave a smile just know you are special if you visit Ms. Vickie. Now come on set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Bell.

A Sunday poem and a request

2006-02-26T10:19:00.000-05:00

It is Sunday a day for family and friends, a day of rest and relaxation and for me a day of poetry here on “Our Porch”. This poem reminds me of someone very special in my life, someone who has taught me so very much in the time he has been in my life and someone this poem reminds me.

Myself

I have to live with myself, and so,

I want to be fit for myself to know;

I want to be able as days go by,

Always to look myself straight in the eye;

I don't want to stand with the rising sun

And hate myself for the things I've done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf

A lot of secrets about myself,

And fool myself as I come and go

Into thinking that nobody else will know

The kind of thing I really am;

I don't want to dress myself up in sham.

I want to deserve everyone's respect;

But here in this struggle for fame and pelf,

I want to be able to like myself.

I don't want to think as I come and go

That I'm for bluster and bluff and empty show.

I never can hide myself from me,

I see what others may never see,

I know what others may never know,

I never can fool myself -- and so,

Whatever happens, I want to be

Self-respecting and conscience free.

By Edgar A. Guest

Yes I am talking about you Bob for you are very much self respecting and conscience free. Many of you who visit here know Bob but many do not, Bob or Trucker Bob has a Pituitary Tumor named Timmy that recently has been giving him a few problems so he does not blog ever day as he once did. Not only is he dealing with his own health issues but how many men do you know who has been divorced for over seventeen years would still be right by their ex wife’s side as they go through radiation therapy for breast cancer. Yes that is my friend Bob, always there for those who need him so today I ask us to be there for him. I have declared today Put A Smile On Bob’s Face Day. So please drop by his site and say hello, leave him a humorous comment, send him a joke, send him a cute card, just take an extra minute to put a smile on his face.

Then return here to get me out of the trouble I will be in because he so does not like attention but we all do things for our friends so now just go do it, please. Enjoy your day and remember Life Is Simply Good.

Tuesday's Treats

2006-02-21T15:59:00.000-05:00

Today is Tuesday's Treats and I think it is time to peel a few more layers off of this Southern Belle and share. Living in Macon during the 70's one thing was for certain I always had access to good music. By this time Phil Walden had established Capricorn Records and it was not uncommon to see or hear about The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Wet Willie and many more being in town. Often I have seen Cher with her then little Chastity and baby Elijah Blue in the Kroger shopping , yes imagine that Cher in Kroger shopping but it is true.

It is strange how things work in life; my first boyfriend's sister lived with her mother in Macon while he lived with his father in my hometown. She and I became very good friends while I was in nursing school and I would often visit her. Located right behind her was the home of Gregg and Cher so often you could hear the band practice, not so cool at times for some of the neighbors but for others it was very good free entertainment. I did enjoy the Allman brothers but so missed hearing Duane as his guitar talked to me but by this time he had already met his untimely death.

This leads me to the point of today’s post, I am about to take you on a little visit to one of Macon’s most visited attractions it is the resting place of Duane Allman. Duane is located a few feet away from his good friend Barry Oakley who died a year earlier from a motorcycle accident just as Duane did. Both can be found resting peacefully in Rose Hill Cemetery.

As Ronnie Van Zant Of Lynard Skynard dedicated his song to Duane I say be a "Freebird" Fly and fly high--be happy. You could make that guiter talk, man. Now you know just a little more about this Southern Belle, I am a true Rocker Chick, actually I just like music. So there will always be music playing when you visit the porch just not certain you will find any Rap.

Mojo Monday about life

2006-02-20T13:39:00.000-05:00

What is this no one bothered to sweep the Porch while I was away, I see what friends I have. Just wait till you ask me for a favor, yes you know who you are if I cann't depend on you just who can I depend on. Oh well, this year, June 15 th will be a landmark of a birthday for me but age means nothing to me and I thought I would share with you my thoughts on it. Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key. You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed? You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone. But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would! So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60. You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday! You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92." Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!" May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!! GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD: 1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional. 2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get. 3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there. 4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster. 5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions. 6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician. HOW TO STAY YOUNG: 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay " them " 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. AND REMEMBER TOO: DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS LOOKING, SING LIKE NO ONE IS LISTENING, AND LOVE LIKE IT'S YOUR FIRST

Morning

2006-02-13T01:15:00.000-05:00

I was over at Bubba's and read his post on morning and the light bulb went off, yes that does happen with me from time to time. It also takes longer for the message to get to me because of Missy. Now enough about Missy for today this post will be all about "morning". If you remember not so long ago in one of my post, I asked for images that reminded you of me. The image you will see today is from none other than Gary from G-Man Ink.

Morning a favorite time of the day for so many. Morning means new, morning means fresh start. Things that seemed horrible the night before don't look so bad after a good night's sleep. There is a magical sliver of the day called the crack of dawn. Most people refer to it in the negative sense, thinking that only monks and the Amish are crazy enough to rise before the sun comes up. Monks and the Amish also happen to be examples of highly disciplined people, and personal discipline is something I'm always trying to increase. I look at this time as a healthy challenge, not a punishment.

Our mental battery is charged during sleep, and I've found that it works best if it's put to use immediately upon waking. For this reason I try to plan my day the night before so that I can apply myself most efficiently to whatever project needs tackling the next day. Unfortunately, I've also got a short attention span. Unless I grab the day by its throat first thing, I end up using my newly charged mind for menial tasks such as reading random, meaningless texts like well maybe blogs or fashion magazines. Did I say reading blogs was a menial task, well YOUR blog does not fall in that category, YOUR blog is for my enjoyment just some have never made the cut. I really should be doing much more important things such as paying bills or oh my I just glanced at my nails they need work, would that be menial or important?

Too may times have I gone to bed at night with every intention of completing a major task or even going out to catch the first cup of coffee poured at an early bird diner, only to wake up and fritter away a good part of the morning. After this has happened, my day is a lost cause. once my morning has been wasted I can't seem to recapture the day.

Much better to slap the alarm clock back into its own slumber, leap into the shower, get dressed quickly, and take off on a drive. Then - when I'm miles from home hours before the naysayers hit the snooze button for the third time - then, does my day begin.

Oh that sounds so nice but reality does seem to get in the way of things so often. This is much more like how things seem to go for me, after all everyone knows the best way to wake up is with the sun streaming in on your face - not with your face straining to see the sun.

Yes morning is a beautiful time, with the sun rising and the birds singing, the calm stillness of the air and the radio blaring some music telling me it's time to get up. What's wrong with this picture? Right, the alarm. I like to give early morning a slight acknowledgement, a shrug or a blink of my eyes as I turn over, settle deeper into the warm bed, pull the comforter closer around me, and fall back into my dreams.

It's very hard for me to pull myself out of my bed, the clouds, and my dreams and into the harsh world of reality. When I do finally drag myself out of bed, I don't know what to do with myself. I'm grumpy until I have that first cup of coffee and often sit around doing nothing for quite a while.

After morning lounging, and after my cafeeine kicks in, maybe my energy will kick in and it always peaks in the early evening. So many times I feel refreshed in the morning but unfocused. Sometimes even with my agenda set out for me early in the morning, nothing gets done until afternoon. And even sometimes my morning grumpiness foils anything planned early.

It's not that I dislike being up early. I love being up early. But to get up early? It is so hard, and a nice warm bed always convinces me to sleep more of my life away. It's not like I can do anything with that extra time, is it? Oh Yes I could do more some days so I need to get in touch with mornings.

Now turn your focus to the beautiful image Gary sent. Beautiful it is but more so is why he thought of me when he looked at it. These are Gary's words : I thought of some of the stuff I’ve read about your dealing with Missy. The enclosed image came to mind. It’s important to note that this is a sunrise. It sounds like when Missy is being bad, a diva, a bitch, etc...through those hard times, I get them impression that you have to deal with much darkness. But what amazes me about you so far in the short time I’ve started visited (and consequentially been invited to use the back door), is once you snap back from your darkness, you beam with light and positivity. That’s the beauty of the sunrise. There’s a lyric in a U2 song (I’m a ridiculous U2 fan) called “Yahweh” that goes: Yahweh, Yahweh Always pain before a child is born Yahweh, tell me now Why the dark before the dawn? Despite its overt religious connotations, that last part reminds me of you (and that’s not knowing anything about your religion). Enjoy the pict. (You bet I do) Embrace the light. So come on set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle and enjoy the morning, embrace the light. Yes Life Is Simply Good on the days I have the light, thank you Gary for this special image and your kind words. So what does morning mean to you, come on share I know you want to.

You'll Never Make It

2006-02-12T04:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another Sunday here on "Our Porch" . Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others.And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will be in our troubled world. After reading today,you will realize I am not at peace but am searching for the peace so I invite you to come along on a small part of this journey today as I share another poem that deals with Missy.

"You'll Never Make It"

Some have said, "You'll never make it", And they thought that they were right, But I keep on moving forward, Because I hope I might. Some shake their heads in wonder That I lack the sense to quit. But I hold my head up higher And I didn't mind a bit. Some have said, "You'll never make it", Yes the problems multiply; But I try to make an effort I have to know at least I tried. Though sometimes my spirits lag I shoulder what is the lightest, And the rest, I sort of drag. I find to my amazement At the ending of the day, That what they said I couldn't, I had managed anyway. It only takes a few little words: " Help Me for I can", and I rid Myself of doubt. And some they say I'd never do....I did.

Victoria Smith 2-11-06

There are some who think I put things off that I should do, some don't understand just how difficult it is many days but I did what some said I could not do and I still refuse to do what others say I should. Everyday Missy reminds me of things I can no longer do but one thing Missy now understands I have a desire to fight. I walk though it might be short distances, I refuse to accept wheels for my legs yet. I have seen too many accept them and once they did they lost their legs for even those short distances. For several years now I have had neurologist tell me my quality of life would be better for I could go do more and the fatigue would be less so to just go use the scooter. I realize if you don't use it you lose it and I'm not ready for that. So remember on those day you take your steps, so easy they come I fight to take mine and that is why many times some things I do not do. I fight to make those steps but only so many can I make in one day and priorities I have learned. I also know to reach out for that hand to help me on those days I need it. You my friends extend your hands many days and for that I say thank you. Until the next time we meet remember Life Is Simply Good.

Saturday's Smiles

2006-02-11T13:02:00.000-05:00

It is another Saturday and time for a few smiles and humor. Today there will be a theme among the jokes; all will be around male/female, relationships, and marriage after all next week is that very important day, Valentines. Hope you will enjoy them and if you’ve seen them before---oh well guess that just shows I have good taste and am always late but never fear sooner or later…. Sex Study A South American scientist from Argentina, after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient sexual activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse. Don't bother taking it off now; it's too late. *************** Wishing Well A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. All of a sudden, he said out loud, "Lord grant me one wish." Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and in a booming voice the Lord said, "Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish." The man said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii, so I can drive over anytime I want." The Lord said, "Your request is very materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! The concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of another wish, a wish you think would honor and glorify me." The man thought about it for a long time. Finally he said, "Lord, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know how they feel inside, what they are thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry, what they mean when they say 'nothing', and how I can make a woman truly happy." The Lord replied, "You want two lanes or four on that bridge?" *************** Marriage Quickies I Men who have pierced ears are better prepared for marriage. They've experienced pain and bought jewelry. The honeymoon is over when the husband calls home to say he'll be late for dinner and the answering machine says it is in the microwave. Before marriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves. After marriage, the "y" becomes silent. Question: How do most men define marriage? Answer: A very expensive way to get your laundry done. Love is blind but marriage is an eye-opener. When a newly married couple smiles, everyone knows why. When a ten-year married couple smiles, everyone wonders why. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man. A couple was having a discussion about family finances. Finally the husband exploded, "If it weren't for my money, the house wouldn't be here!" The wife replied, "My dear, if it weren't for your money, I wouldn't be here." The most effective way to remember your wife's birthday is to forget it once. Words to live by: Do not argue with a spouse who is packing your parachute Boring husband: Honey, why are you wearing your wedding ring on the wrong finger? Bored wife: Because I married the wrong man! First Guy (proudly): "My wife's an angel!" Second Guy: "You're lucky, mine's still alive." My wife told me I should be more affectionate. So I got two girlfriends. A man said his credit card was stolen but he decided not to report it because the thief was spending less than his wife did. Marriage is a three ring circus: 1. engagement ring 2. wedding ring 2. suffering Marriage is grand -- and divorce is at least 100 grand. Words to live by: Do not argue with a spouse who is packing your parachute. A little boy asked his father, "Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?" And the father replied, "I don't know, son, I'm still paying for it." Bachelors should pay more taxes, they enjoy a better quality of life. Marriage is grand -- and divorce is at least 100 grand. Married life is very frustrating: In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. In the third year, they both speak and the neighbors listen. Before marriage, a man will lie awake all night thinking about something you say. After marriage, he will fall asleep before you finish. When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing: either the car is new or the wife. *************** Cosmetics: A woman's way of keeping a man from reading between the lines. *************** What Is...? What is a Cat? 1. Cats do what they want. 2. They rarely listen to you. 3. They're totally unpredictable. 4. When you want to play, they want to be alone. 5. When you want to be alone, they want to play. 6. They expect you to cater to their every whim. 7. They're moody. 8. They leave hair everywhere. CONCLUSION: They're tiny women in little fur coats. What is a Dog? 1. Dogs spend all day sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture in the house. 2. They can hear a package of food opening half a block away, but don't hear you when you're in the same room. 3. They can look dumb and lovable all at the same time. 4. They growl when they are not happy. 5. When you want to play, they want to play. 6. When you want to be alone, they want to play. 7. They leave their toys everywhere. 8. They do disgusting things with their mouths and then try to give you a kiss. 9. They go right for your crotch as soon as they meet you. CONCLUSION: They're tiny men in little fur coats Have a great day, smile so I'll know what you have been up to. Until the next time I return, remember "Our Porch" is always open so just drop by and leave comments for me or others make this one of if not the best communities for interaction. This site is not just about the post I make it is about enjoying each other. Make me proud.

Just wondering--phone, laughter, love,place and sex

2006-02-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Where does time go, I have no idea here it is Wednesday again time for another Wednesday’s Wonderings. It is another opportunity to love, to live, to feel and see all the gifts that I’ve been given, and to share this great place with the many great people in my life! Yes that means you that visit with me here on “Our Porch” Now come in get comfortable, grab a drink, and watch out for Karen if you have lemonade. Be sure to try some of Melissa’s butterscotch squares, lean in listen to the words of wisdom from Bubba, talk a little politics with Wanda or the Fat Lady Sings and I feel certain you might will disagree with David. Walk around the corner and find Bob’s Harem, where you will find some special ladies such as Tracey, Jude, Deb, Carol Dee, Dawn, Margaret, Kris, and Karen meeting with our photographer Gary discussing the plans for the calendar you dream of. If you are not careful some confusion will set in with harem meetings that are going on but make no mistake Gray Biker’s is louder. It is after all made up of the ladies who some might call biker chicks or want to be such as Phoenix, Windfall Woman, and of course Karen. GB has a many other members of his harem but they do not visit Our Porch so here it is just a small group and he always gives us special attention. Bob has others that are in the initiation state with him and visit Our Porch so I have not listed them as members of his harem but I feel it is only a matter of time. If you just keep moving you will find many other nice people here that you can pull up a seat and set a spell with. Wednesday is almost over but I still have a few things on my mind to wonder about here so here we go, don’t be shy.

1. Do you spend much time on the phone? Of course you know that because some of you happen to be on the other end of the phone with me from time to time. 2. Who or what makes you laugh? Good humour, so I can always count on Bob and Karen 3. Do you think there is someone out there for everybody? Yes you might find them at the wrong time of your life or his life but there is someone out there for everybody 4. Name one place, if I came to visit you where you currently live that you would take me to see? Having moved back to my hometown, The Little River Bend in Georgia, there is nothing special here so you would get a tour of the school I attended, the place I received my first kiss, where my mom and dad grew up, the strip I cruised as a teenager, and the church I attended as a child. This tour would open your eyes to more of Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle 5. Do you think sex should be a taboo subject, how about on here and does it make you uncomfortable to talk about it? No the discussion of sex should not be taboo when held in the right place and at the right time. There is a certain amount of teasing that takes place here but it is my hope no one feels uncomfortable and it will not go much further than you have seen here. I am a passionate female and am not uncomfortable discussing passion, flirting, and teasing for that are a part of who I am but I am not just a Southern Belle but a Southern Lady.

I know you have a few things on your mind now so don’t just set there, talk about them. Share them, leave them here for me to find when I return tomorrow after I visit my physician. Until the next time share your love with your family and friends.

Mojo Monday and a little sexual confidence

2006-02-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

Time does seem to get away, here it is Monday once again and time for Mojo Monday. Last week we gathered close, shared, and the temperatures gave way to some extra heat. We were in luck though as no one was taken away for revealing too much or I’ll just say no one got caught and no one complained. Most of the chat seemed to center on having our own groove and being self confident. Stop for just a minute and think about self confidence and just what does it mean. There are some things that sexual confidence is not about. For starters, it's not about having a great body. Perhaps unexpectedly, older women like myself will describe myself as much more sexually confident than someone much younger. I say "unexpectedly" because younger women tend to be regarded as having more objective sex appeal. But I being an older woman have the extremely valuable benefit of experience. Let me just say it this way: "If I took the confidence I have now and the body I had in my 20s or 30s, I'd be hell on wheels. But would I trade what I now understand about myself, my body, and sex just to have the body back? No way, no how!" When I was younger, my fear of rejection and insecurity caused her to be a people pleaser. At last I know better now: It's not selfish in a sexual situation to please you. Just stop for a minute and think about it I do —what greater gift can I give my partner than to have a really good time? If I am having fun, my partner is going to have fun. Now I do not see or allow this to be a license for selfishness; it's a recognition that I can't give away what I don't have myself. Yes here I am back again----love yourself before you can love others or expect them to love you, that even play into sex. Sexual confidence isn't something you need a partner to give to you or validate in you. In fact, I find if I’m focusing too much on him that can be a big distraction and erode my sexual confidence. If I am not worrying about what he is thinking then I will enjoy myself much more. I think as time goes by, I tend to focus and pay less attention to what other people think. I certainly don’t let men inhibit me, I am much more at ease with the prospect of being on my own, I am more content with who I am and feel far less desperation to be in a sexual relationship---which in turn, allows me to relax and feel more secure in myself. This then clearly boosts my sexual confidence. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy sex very much but I no longer feel I have to have it to the point I will reach out for it anywhere as I once did. I have now become sexually confident in myself and enjoy life. In the past I would never have had the confidence to have written so openly here but this is not about sex it is about being confident. Ms. Vickie has that these days. This brings me to a point I want to make certain you get, this should be the core truth about sexual confidence: It is not all about sex; it is very much about power, the power that comes from liking and accepting yourself. A woman who is open-minded, wants to have fun, and isn't counting on getting an engagement ring within minutes of meeting a man has an ease about her that translates as power. By contrast, one who looks like she's on the prowl for Mr. Right and is deafened by the ticking of her biological clock sends a totally different message. And as any guy will tell you, that message is: Run! But if you're comfortable and genuinely happy, others sense it and want it. Women who like where they are in their lives exude an assurance that makes for some very positive vibes in the bedroom. Those positive vibes are not just in the bedroom but carry over into your every being and you will find yourself content and saying Life Is Simply Good. This is just my perspective and many of you have your own so come on we can have our own little Cosmopolitan report here. This is defiantly a female perspective so how about you males throwing your thoughts out here as well. I do value your input very much, more than you know. So come on talk to me as you pull up a seat and set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle.

Who are the people with Missy or Multiple Sclerosis

2006-02-05T09:31:00.000-05:00

By now most know of or about Missy but there is so much more to know. Today will be about getting to know a little about Who are the other people with Multiple Sclerosis. One of the best ways I can share more is to introduce you to an essay written by a friend of mine. Who Are the People With Multiple Sclerosis? by Virginia Sanchez We are your parents, your children, your brothers and sisters; we are the person down the street; we are that lady or fellow who may walk a little 'funny' at the grocery store. We are the people that you "tsk, tsk" over because we might look "too good" to use a handicapped parking space. We are the folks who may not be able to get out to the Church or Temple every weekend; we are your peers; we are human beings. We are the face of Multiple Sclerosis. A face that is nearly every ethnicity; that comes from nearly every country, that does not discriminate by social standing or class or financial or educational background or language or religion. We are both able to walk unassisted and use canes and walkers and wheelchair users; we jog and swim and partake in sports; we are housebound, we use scooters; we need respirators. We are everything in between. We are visually impaired and we are not. We are at every level of physical ability. Of course, we "look so good" while we're doing it. We hear that phrase every day of our lives. Sometimes that phrase is meant as a compliment and sometimes it is meant to hurt or meant to shame us into doing something of which we may not be currently capable. We may be able to do that something tomorrow, though, or next week; Multiple Sclerosis is like that. We are like that. Some of us are hearing impaired; yet all of us occasionally have people talk louder to us. "HOW ARE YOU D-O-I-N- G????" they'll scream, speaking to us as though we were either hearing or intellectually impaired. "YOU LOOK SO G-O-O-D!!!!" Of course we do. Thank you very much. We are, in fact, the very best looking people in the handicapped community. We have secret beauty pageants every year, to decide which of our number is the absolute best-looking. Billy Crystal emcees, as his character Fernando; "..and you look MAHVELOUS my dear; absolutely M-A-H-V-E-L-O-U-S..." We are brave. We are fragile. We want to live, and we want to end it all. We look for support and we want to stand alone. We are Everyperson. We are the People with Multiple Sclerosis. We are People, Just Like You.... and because recently ....Half of people surveyed about perceptions of multiple sclerosis (MS) incorrectly believe that MS is a fatal condition, and more than 40 percent mistakenly describe someone with MS as someone in a wheelchair, according to a new nationwide survey. To help dispel these and other myths, The Image of MS exhibit will challenge public perceptions about the disease and encourage those with symptoms of relapsing forms of MS to seek diagnosis and treatment as early as possible. So go here and see what the Image of MS exhit is all about. A very good way to educate and raise awarness to my Missy.

Satuday's Smiles

2006-02-04T14:15:00.000-05:00

At last it is the day for smiling and maybe a little moaning...oh no not that kind, you know the kind I mean. Yes that kind, but first here is a joke or two for you: An elderly woman walked into the Bank of Canada one morning with a purse full of money. She wanted to open a savings account and insisted on talking to the president of the Bank because, she said , she had a lot of money. After many lengthy discussions (after all, the client is always right) an employee took the elderly woman to the president's office. The president of the Bank asked her how much she wanted to deposit. She placed her purse on his desk and replied, "$165,000". The president was curious and asked her how she had been able to save so much money. The elderly woman replied that she made bets. The president was surprised and asked, "What kind of bets?" The elderly woman replied, "Well, I bet you $25,000 that your testicles are square." The president started to laugh and told the woman that it was impossible to win a bet like that. The woman never batted an eye. She just! looked at the president and said,"Would you like to take my bet?" "Certainly", replied the president. "I bet you $25,000 that my testicles are not square." "Done", the elderly woman answered. "But given the amount of money involved, if you don't mind I would like to come back at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning with my lawyer as a witness." "No problem", said the president of the Bank confidently. That night, the president became very nervous about the bet and spent a long time in front of the mirror examining his testicles, turning them this way and that , checking them over again and again until he was positive that no one could consider his testicles as square and reassuring himself that there was no way he could lose the bet. The next morning at exactly 10 o'clock the elderly woman arrived at the president's office with her lawyer and acknowledged the $25,000 bet made the day before that the president's testicles were square. The president confirmed that the bet was the same as the one made the day before. Then the elderly woman asked him to drop his pants etc. so that she and her lawyer could see clearly. The president was happy to oblige. The elderly woman came closer so she could see better and asked the president if she could touch them. "Of course", said the president "Given the amount of money involved, you should be 100% sure." The elderly woman did so with a little smile. Suddenly the president notice! ed that the lawyer was banging his head against the wall. He asked the elderly woman why he was doing that and she replied, "Oh, it's probably because I bet him $100,000 that around 10 o'clock in the morning I would be holding the balls of the President of the Bank of Canada!" Bob, the next time you are standing in front of the mirror checking things out, and the "embiggen" happens or doesn't you better be careful cause you never know what is coming your way. ************************ A woman and her boyfriend are in a bar having a few drinks. While they're sitting there having a good time together she starts talking about this really great new drink. The more she talks about it the more excited she gets and starts trying to talk her boyfriend into having one. After a while he gives in and let's her order the drink for him. The bartender brings the drink and puts the following on the bar: a salt shaker, a shot of Baileys, a shot of lime juice. The boyfriend looks at the items quizzically and the woman explains. First you put a bit of the salt on your tongue, next you drink the shot of Baileys and hold it in your mouth and finally you drink the lime juice. So the boyfriend, trying to go along and please her goes for it. He puts the salt on his tongue - salty but ok. He drinks the shot of Baileys - smooth, rich, cool, very pleasant. He thinks - this is ok. Finally he picks up the lime juice and drinks it.... At one second the sharp lime taste hits, at two seconds the Baileys curdles, at three seconds the salty curdled bitter taste hits. This triggers his gag reflex but being manly, and not wanting to disappoint his girlfriend, he swallows the now nasty drink. When he finally chokes it down he turns to his girlfriend. She smiles widely at him and says "So, how did you like it? It's called "Blow Job's Revenge". ************************* What Starts with F A first-grade teacher, Ms. Brooks, was having trouble with one of her students. The teacher asked, "Harry, what's your problem?" Harry answered, "I'm too smart for the 1st grade. My sister is in the 3rd grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the 3rd grade too!" Ms. Brooks had enough. She took Harry to the principal's office. While Harry waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told Ms. Brooks he would give the boy a test. If he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back to the 1st grade and behave . She agreed. Harry was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test. Principal: "What is 3 x 3?" Harry: "9." Principal: "What is 6 x 6?" Harry: "36." And so it went with every question the principal thought a 3rd grader should know. The principal looks at Ms. Brooks and tells her, "I think Harry can go to the 3rd grade." Ms. Brooks says to the principal, "Let me ask him some questions." The principal and Harry both agreed. Ms. Brooks asks, "What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?" Harry, after a moment: "Legs." Ms. Brooks: "What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?" The principal wondered why would she ask such a question! Harry replied: "Pockets." Ms. Brooks: "What does a dog do that a man steps into?" Harry: "Pants." Ms. Brooks: What starts with a C, ends with a T, is hairy, oval,delicious and contains thin, whitish liquid?" Harry: "Coconut." The principal sat forward with his mouth hanging open. Ms. Brooks: "What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?" The principal's eyes ! Opened really wide and before he could stop the answer, Harry replied, "Bubble gum." Ms. Brooks: "What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?" Harry: "Shake hands." The principal was trembling. Ms. Brooks: "What word starts with an 'F' and ends in 'K' that means a lot of heat and excitement?" Harry: "Firetruck." The principal breathed a sigh of relief and told the teacher, "Put Harry in the fifth-grade, I got the last seven questions wrong...... Have a great day, smile, play, wear a little yum yum, and who knows what might come your way. If you have a joke or two share it with us right here if not share a smile with us. Yes your comments bring those smiles. Does anyone want to go play or do they just want to set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle.

Friday's 5 Flavors are all about comfort or is it?

2006-02-03T09:06:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another Friday where we have an opportunity to love, to live, to feel and see all of the gifts that we’ve been given, and to share with the many great people in our lives! Love is not a word that describes my feelings; it is not a technique by which I fulfill my needs; it is not ideal, abstract and pure. It is my correspondence with or in response to someone. Love is me and my actions to others, yes I love life and I love many in my life so just call me Love. Thank you for the many who visited and took part in the Ms. Vickie's Wednesday's Wondering, I enjoyed it and hope each of you did as well. I will be sharing the images that I received over time. Some of you know more about me than you did, maybe more than you wanted but remember this is a place to come, enjoy yourself and forget the problems of the day for a moment. I am allowing you to know me as I peel more of the layers away you will find out, yes I enjoy using inspiration, using humour, teasing and even flirting but I'll always be a true Southern Belle and I know where to draw the line. Now for Friday's 5 Flavors, name your favorite: 1. Soothing sound: Anything 'water' like rain, waves, brooks, or ocean 2. Comfort food: Chocolate 3. Relaxing music: Kenny G 4. Gentle voice: Yours whispering in my ear 5. Calming smell: Freshly cut grass right before and after a rain So come set a spell with Ms. Vickie, relax, listen to soothing sound of the rain, enjoy some chocolate but most of all enjoy the friendships that are forming here on Our Porch. Do you have a Friday's 5 Flavors you would like to share here, if so send them to me at my e-mail address and you will be featured right here on "Our Porch."

Wednesday’s Wondering, Ms, Vickie

2006-02-01T16:07:00.000-05:00

It's February now, and we're all about to embark on the journey of filling another month, with our actions and reactions, our learning and growing, our changing and growing stronger. May February be one of our best months ever but remember it begins with , one day at a time. Today started out very slow for me as you might have noticed, the crash as I call it hit after over two weeks of little sleep my body did it's usual number of saying enough is enough now it seems all I can do is sleep but this too shall pass. Understand my friends, I am sharing the good, the bad, the ugly and even from time to time the sexy part of me with you as this is all of who I am and none of this is for or about sympathy for I am one very strong lady. Gather around, chat, and just be who you are when you visit with us here for this is one of the things I hope to accomplish allow each of you to find and know yourself and others better while visiting Our Porch. I might have many layers to peel and share but one thing I am finding out about myself is the true Ms. Vickie always shines. I love humour and have it in my life but no matter how often or hard I try I do not seem to be able to write with humour so I depend on you to bring it here so now how about come set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Bell. Oh don't just set, speak up, please. Now for Wednesday's Wondering: I hope you'll take the time to put your answers in my comments......let's see how creative you people are! 01] I _____ Ms. Vickie. 02] Ms. Vickie is _____. 03] If I were alone in a room with Ms. Vickie, I would _____. 04] I think Ms. Vickie should _____. 05] Ms. Vickie needs _____. 06] I want to _____ Ms. Vickie. 07] Someday Ms. Vickie will ___. 08] Ms. Vickie reminds me of _____. 09] Without Ms. Vickie _____. 10] My memories of Ms. Vickie are _____. 11] Ms. Vickie can be _____. 12] The worst thing about Ms. Vickie is _____. 13] The best thing about Ms. Vickie is _____. 14] I am _____ with Ms. Vickie. 15] One thing I would like to know about Ms. Vickie is _____. 16] Ms. Vickie should go and _____. 17] Ms. Vickie _____ me. Take it one step further e-mail me the image that most reminds you of Ms. Vickie and please do not use the picture of me in my sidebar---make this fun, I will post the images and you my readers will vote on the winner and a prize will be awarded.

So come on have some fun here on Our Porch. I will be back as soon as Missy allows.

Twisting Tuesday with "Putting a cork in and blow baby blow"

2006-01-31T15:08:00.000-05:00

The end of January is here, so we have to say good-bye to the first month of the year! I hope that your January has been one that you can look back on and remember fondly, of not for the many great things that happened, then for the way that you approached life and living during the month as well as the time you spent here on "Our Porch". Hopefully you are looking forward to the beginning of the new month tomorrow, and looking back fondly at the month that has gone by so very quickly. Today is Twisting Tuesday so... Have you ever told anyone to "put a cork in it" or wished they would, while the person was trying to express feelings that you found disquieting, you may not have realized what you were asking. If so stop for a minute, whenever we put a cork on releasing pent up feelings or frustrations we may not see the build up that is occurring as a result. When the cork finally is released, the resulting spray can be far-reaching and more colorfully extensive than we ever imagined it could be. It can affect more people and situations than it ever would have, had it been allowed to be released in a controlled and trusting environment. Sometimes we have to put a cork on our feelings and frustrations in certain situations because it is not appropriate to do otherwise. Sometimes we forget to remove the cork and release the build up of negative vapors in some positive way. Not taking things personally that are simply a build up of someone else’s stress is one way to gently release the pressure on our own cork. Giving others a chance to vent without taking the situation or statements personally is a way to help others release their own pressure. Doing this without judging the person is how to do this with dignity and respect. Depending on the situation, sometimes we may feel that we do not have much of a chance to release some of the pressure. If the cork in the test tube had been left off, the vapors would have been able to mix with the air and the aftereffects would probably not been so surprising. This is an interesting point to think about. More air would have helped. Perhaps it would have been better to leave the cork off of the tube. Perhaps it also is better for us not to put a cork on ourselves but to keep ourselves open and to breathe deeply to mix those frustrations literally with more air. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of stress raising you may find that you’ve forgotten either to breathe or that you’ve been practicing shallow breathing. The next time you’re tempted to tell someone to "put a cork in it" or someone says that to you, try taking a few deep breaths. You may be amazed at the results. Have a great day and be good to yourself. You deserve it! Just be careful with the cork and where you put it. Lately there have been some corks put on that were not appropriate and then there has been others that should have placed that have not. Stop and think about things before you act or react as the case might be; yes I am guilty as well. When you venture to a blog and you do not like the content, leave, it is that person's blog and they have a right to their thoughts, and their opinions. If you do not like the content of a blog move on, if you stay and read it and want to comment please make a comment that is in good taste it does not have to agree with the person for we each have our own opinions and are entitled to them If your comment can not be in good taste, do not leave one just move on. If you do not know this person and have been recruited by another NEVER enter the war for you really have no idea what you might place the cork on. Bottom line, treat others as you would like to be treated and the blog world would be a better place to visit. Someone hand me the cork please, hurry? Ernest Boyer, Jr. once said “ It is a place for what is important to you---reading, study, work, prayer, quiet withdrawal—and it should be used for that purpose alone. “ You could almost say that about blogs so now remember the cork and be good, if not be careful. And now….. The Word of the week “Karma” (noun)- meaning in some religions, the actions of a person in this life or earlier lives, which influence their future The Quote of the week “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sum makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” Albert Schweitzer Joke of the week Five Minutes A hospital posted a notice in the nurse’s lounge saying: “Remember, the first five minutes of a human being’s life are the most dangerous.” Underneath, a nurse had written: :The last five are pretty risky, too.” Idiom of the week “If you blow something OUT OF PROPORTIONS”- it means that you behave as if it is much worse than it is. So Twist Baby Twist----Be Good or Karma will Bite You!

Monday Mojo getting your groove back with a little sexual confidence

2006-01-30T09:58:00.000-05:00

Come on in, grab a seat and get comfortable, It's Monday, and the new week has just begun . I hope that your week turns out to be a great one, and that you enjoy it as much as you can. "Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other person and then for ourselves", was once said by Helen Keller someone I admire very much. So today, Mojo Monday you are going to see another layer of the onion peel back as we talk about something so important to each of us---passion. Okay are you getting just a tad warm well maybe this will help you some. Have you ever stopped to think about what we do to ourselves when it comes to thinking about our sexual confidence? Catherine Zeta-Jones's take-no-prisoners oomph. George Clooney's let's-do-it eyes. Hugh Grant's crooked smile. Halle Berry's everything. Okay then just who do you want to measure up to? It's exhausting to think that we have to measure up to all that exceptional, multi-magnified sex appeal. All of it is so inaccessible, so expensive and so impossible. Any sensible woman would conclude that we might as well pull up our faded comforter, grab some chocolate, and give up the idea of anybody ever finding us irresistible. Instead, how about trying to get the groove back on for size: Be Yourself: Irresistible. Consider that being irresistible is more a matter of interest and appetite than of anything else. You can forget about becoming everyone's physical ideal. Everyone has their preferences, their weaknesses and even their hang-ups (even I do). There's nothing you can do about that. If he's mad for tall blondes and you're a short brunette, don't rush out for Clairol and three-inch heels. There's a better way. And forget about miniskirts (unless they look not only good but effortless on you). Irresistible is something else. It transcends the physical, it plays fast and loose with the psychological, and it makes the world a bigger, more entertaining, more filled-with-possibilities place. Own Your Appetites. And then there's appetite: The thing women are not supposed to have. We can fake blonde. We can fake tan. We can even fake sexy—for a while. What we can't fake is the real and unmistakable scent and feel of someone who actually likes…sex. Who would you rather have dinner with: the flour-fearing vegan or the happy omnivore who looks on dessert as a special occasion, not a torment? So it is with sex. Shame, guilt and aversion are not attractive to most people. Confidence and an adult appreciation of pleasure—and of the amazing human machine, which despite imperfections and wear and tear, can do such a glorious job of delivering it—is appealing. People who know that and show that they do are simply irresistible. Let Your Warmth Shine Through. The heart of sexual energy is making others feel beautiful, wanted, clever, charming, making them see themselves in the warm, pink light of our unembarrassed attention and allowing some of the flattering light to fall on ourselves, our strong points and our frank interest. It isn't the tenacious, almost hostile, approach of the lonely man or woman who is only a step away from turning on us if we disappoint. It isn't breaking up marriages or insulting one's spouse. It is embracing the world and the people in it; it is embracing desire and attraction as sources of pleasure rather than shame, and appreciating what we have to offer as well as what they, the lucky objects of our desire. Do we have the sexual heat turned up just a little, can you feel the heat? Karen this is not what you expected to see here today after our chat last night but I decided to take it from a very different perspective. After all I am Sweet N Sassy but in my research I have found out Shy N Sassy go a very long way. Be a little shy, tease a little and get your sexual energy going, before you know it you will have your sexual confidence build up. Next time we meet for another Mojo roundup here we just might talk about How to build your sexual confidence. This topic was brought to you at the request of Karen the lady with all the answers….oh by the way this is all research. Now what is on your mind? Talk back, I know you have your thoughts and opinions and are all ready to share them so don’t be shy. Is there anyone else who would like to suggest a topic for the next post here or ask me a question? Go for it now is your chance and it might not last long so take advantage of it.

A gift for a friend

2006-01-29T02:10:00.000-05:00

Here we meet so soon once again to share and visit on "Our Porch." Remember don't be shy and join in for this is your place as much as my place. I even leave it unlocked for you so come on and visit with us. Open up, talk more, share more and even chew on me if the mood strikes you, I have plenty and could do with a little chewing every now and then. Just know I can bite! Today why don't we share about something near and dear to each of us, friendship. By now you know most of on Sunday's you see poems here and today is no different so here you go.

Your Gift

I have sat here and pondered the many horizons of the emotions that drift through my heart and I recollect the tears, the laughter, the heartache and the glory. And I wonder how it was, that I made the journey into today. Then you stray into my thoughts, and I recall how many times you have helped me and guided me through the darkness and showed me the light. Then I think of the laughter you gave to me, the smiles you brought to my eyes, and the warmth you poured into my heart. For those many gifts you have offered me, I feel compelled to give something in return. But what gift is worthy of such a friend as you? Only the finest delights are suitable for such a friend as you. But I am not wealthy in a monetary fashion, and haven’t the means to give such a wondrous gift. So I sit asking myself what I have to offer, and just what gift is worthy. So I give to you something special to me. Not a material object to be looked at or used, but rather a place where one can rest easy and drift into serenity. Close your eyes if you will and take your thoughts to a place where light dances across clear blue lakes and enchanting evergreens offer shelter and blue skies bring the warmth of the sun. Where a song is whispered to you from the doves high above, and the scents of the flowers ease your mind. Here in this special place you have wings to fly and float on warm gentle breezes. And you can see a vast array of colors burning into the distance. Here you are at one with the angels, and you can be at peace in your heart. For if you can see my special place, it is yours to call home and you can always close your eyes and return again. So please take my humble offering, and go there often, knowing that in my heart I am with you in a place in my mind. This is my gift for you, as you are my special friend.

and now for my special friend I have another gift for you.

My Candle If I could be only one thing, I'd be a candle, Just so I could light the way for you to handle. Making your life happy and so free of woes No there would never be any fighting of foes. Never stumbling as I do over and over No you would have a clear path to the door. Let me light your path, maybe make your life easier Neither strong winds, nor rain would ever deter my light. Yes you know, no matter what I am here for you I'll cheer you if you have the moody blues. Please never fret if times should get tough You know if things look down or that kind of rough. You need to remember, I'm always here I hope in your heart, very close and near You know I will always help in every way May happiness, friendship and love in the heart stay Please don't blow my candle out, that's my one request But if it is me you so detest. Remember I would never try to hurt you or anyone Yes that would just be good for no one or no fun. If that day should come and you leave me behind That big light of mine will no longer shine. If that day has come, and you have gone your way I hope that another time I will see you again one day. If there comes one day, I don't appear, Please do not worry, and of course do not fear. I may be gone for a day or forever, but in your heart The light I gave to you did dim but not depart. It will be there with you forever and a day I try and always bring happiness and light your way. Farewell for now, my friend I'm needed elsewhere If your path grows dark, in your heart, I'm there. So always remember I'm really not gone, just not seen, I would not leave a friend ever, I'm not that mean. Only one simple request that I must say, Please, never forget those who lit your way. Victoria Smith 1/28/2006

Tonight as I was thinking about this post on friendship, I found a quote I have never seen before and would like to share it. So appropriate it is for many and I hope it will be enjoyed.

"Friends are like television. Some are like PBS and always asking for money. Others are like the news, with sad tales to tell everyday, some are like that one station with the foreign language; you don't understand a word of it but you listen and watch anyway. And then there are the ones like the commercials, always changes, ever-so-annoying and only seem to be there when you are bored. But every once and a while you meet someone who's like a really good movie of the week or that one tv show you hardly ever get to see anymore because you're so busy. My point is hold on to the friends you care about and since we don't have a remote control to mute someone or just change the channel, pick your friends carefully." Author unknown

This post is dedicated to a special friend, who will know it if they read it. We all have some friends more special than others and when something goes wrong then the world is turned upside down. Why do friends hurt friends?

Saturday Smilies

2006-01-28T03:16:00.000-05:00

Time has a way of leaving us behind if we are not careful but let me tell you my behind does not leave me, oh no I have to work on that one but here we are gathered on "Our Porch" for Saturday Smilies. So shall we just gather around and get comfortable, come in just a little closer now but wait I think it could get a tad warm here today. Not so long ago many of us saw a cute picture of some carrots over on Bob's blog and I came across some which I thought went along very well with his. I received a dare to post them, one thing is never dare me for that just makes me determined to do something so today I am here to share with you what some females might consider as their friend. I believe Karen would be the one to check with because she is often seen checking out the produce everytime she visits the store right before she heads over to pick up her batteries. Now for the smilies......I received this e-mail from my friend Tom and I believe he might be in trouble but I want to take no chances so e-mail I am not for I believe here on the blog is a much better place. Subject: FW: The Sex Fairy knows!! Date: Wed, 7 Dec 2005 12:25:02 -0500 This is hilarious! Be sure to read the warning at the bottom. I didn't change a word! I'm not messing with the Sex Fairy! 1. Sex is a beauty treatment. Scientific tests find that when women make love they produce amounts of the hormone estrogen, which makes hair shine and skin smooth. ============= 2. Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the pores and makes your skin glow. ============= 3. Lovemaking can burn up those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner. ============= 4. Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up. It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It's more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, and you don't need special sneakers! ============= 5. Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being. ============= 6. The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy! ============= 7. Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. IT IS 10 TIMES MORE EFFECTIVE THAN VALIUM. ============= 8. Kissing each day will keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up. ============= 9. Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels in the brain. ============= 10. A lot of lovemaking can unblock a stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine. It can help combat asthma and hay fever. ============= This message has been sent to you for good luck in sex. The original is in a room in the basement of the Dwight House Pub. It has been sent around the world nine times. Now sex has been sent to you. The "Hot Sex Fairy" will visit you within four days of receiving this message, provided you, in turn,send it on. If you don't, then you will never receive good sex again for the rest of your life. You will eventually become celibate, and your genitals will rot and fall off. This is no joke! Send copies to people you think need sex (who doesn’t?). Don't send money, as the fate of your genitals has no price. Do not keep this message. This message must leave your e-mail in 96 hours. Please send ten copies and see what happens in four days. Since the copy must tour the world, you must send it. This is true, even if you are not superstitious Now for one more smile: One day a woman went to her pastor and asked, "Pastor thereare some things in life that aren't addressed in the Bible;how are we supposed to deal with them. The Pastor responded,"There are no such things, give me an example of what youare talking about".The woman responded, "PMS is not in the Bible". So thePastor thought and told the woman to call back in themorning and he would have the answer.The woman called the next morning and asked if the Pastorhad an answer about PMS in the Bible. The Pastor replied,"Yes, it's the part where Mary rides Joseph's ass all theway to Bethlehem!". Have a great day, and pass me some watter it is hot in here. Now I am off to bed...

Grasp your hand

2006-01-27T01:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another day here on "Our Porch", may this be a day full of interactions with other people that have the potential to be positive parts of our livesÂMay our interactions of today be positive and rewarding! Not just for today but for all days, I'll be grateful for the people who have taught me valuable lessons in life. . . . Yes, I am a lesson in progress on a journey called life and mistakes I make often. The grasp of your hand Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers, But to be fearless in facing them. Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, But for the heart to conquer it. Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield, But to my own strength. Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved, But hope for the patience to win my freedom. Grant me that I may not be a coward, feeling your mercy in my success alone, But let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure. Rabindranath Tagore, 1861-1941 Bengali Poet, Artist and Philosopher Now to lighten things up just a little join me in " Friday's 5 Flavors Name five people's hand you would like to grasp

Grandpa Powell- I never met him, he died before I was born.
Jimmy Carter-Because I have such respect for him
My dad's just one more time because I have some guilt over not seeing him before he died and did not spend his last Christmas with him
Our Father
Yours

Today is day four following nights of little to no sleep, days where I have had no naps. I seem to have gone from one extreme to the other since I started some new medications. When I saw my physician I was what shereferredd to as"Zoned Out". I was walking around but in a very deep fog, slow to respond and react as if I had beensedatedd but had taken nosedativee type medication. Now I am "Wired Out", and in need of asedativee . So anyone want to come fly with me for a while?

Until we meet again here on "Our Porch" take care, smile, and do something nice for someone who will appreciate it.

One of my special places

2006-01-26T02:06:00.000-05:00

Hi there and thanks for joining us back here once again on "Our Porch" If you are not familiar with things here just take a look around and get comfortable. But remember, no not that one to always check in on the previous day's post to see the comment I left for you and check for any messages that has been left for you. You never know when someone special might just leave you a special little shout....and no I am not talking about myself. Now that the housekeeping chores have all been taken care of we can get down to some real fun. It is Thursday and to be called Thirsty Thursday which you will soon figure out why. We all have our own little place to escape and think at. This is one of mine, the bank of the river located right down from my house. On my good days, I long for my alone time on the bank of this river or on one of the many sandbars in it. After my last visit with my friend and physician , I have lost the privilege of that for now. Do you know what I used to the time alone there for? Well let me just tell you. Have you ever sat very quietly without any movement? You try it, sit really still, with your back straight, and observe what your mind is doing. Don't try to control it, don't say it should not jump from one thought to another, from one interest to another, but just be aware of how your mind is jumping. Don't do anything about it, but watch it as from the banks of a river you watch the water flow by. In the flowing river there are so many things--fishes, leaves, dead animals--but it is always living, moving, and your mind is like that. It is everlastingly restless, flitting from one thing to another like a butterfly. . . . It is great fun. If you try it as fun, as an amusing thing, you will find that the mind begins to settle down without any effort on your part to control it. There is then no censor, no judge, no evaluator; and when the mind is thus very quiet of itself, spontaneously still, you will discover what it is to be gay. Do you know what gaiety is? It is just to laugh, to take delight in anything or nothing, to know the joy of living, smiling, looking straight into the face of another without any sense of fear. Right now I have a deep gnawing sense of fear in my gut. Tonight in anger while defending one of my best friends to another friend, I said some very nasty and hurtful things to them and even involved others. I lost my cool and just might have lost a friend. Even my place would not help me right now but that friend might want to use a great stress tool I know of on me. Feeling Stressed? Picture yourself near a stream. Birds are softly chirping in the crisp cool morning air. Nothing can bother you here. No one knows this secret place. You are in total seclusion from that place called "the world." The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity. The water is clear. You can easily make out the face of the person whose head you're holding under the water. Look! It's the person who caused you all this stress in the first place. What a pleasant surprise. You let them up... just for a quick breath... then ploop! back under they go... You allow yourself as many deep breaths as you want. There now... feeling better? I'm visualizing my head going under again and again and again-----dang I'm not feeling any better but just maybe..... It is another one of those nights of not sleeping here and no one to play with on Our Porch.

Getting back to "OUR PORCH and fun"

2006-01-25T01:45:00.000-05:00

The last time we actually enjoyed visiting here on "Our Porch" for some fun I asked a few questions. Many of my friends that came by for a visit chose to play along while others were wall flowers instead of playing stood in the corner chatting. It matters not for they are friends and come to visit and when they come they leave comments but then I have those that just peek in to see what fun we have here and never play or comment. I often wonder about them and wonder what it would take to get them involved, any ideas are welcomed and the last time I checked we offended only a few---well with the exception of Gray Biker when he lost his way to the bathroom, Bob for posting pictures he might have taken here, Karen for stealing lemonade, and I know Jude must have told a few jokes but most likely Walker had a few to share as well. All in all it seems when “Our Porch” is open we all enjoy ourselves or I know I do but it is of course not as much fun when things gets heavy and Missy puts in her appearance. What I did not tell you when we were all together here for fun one of the questions asked during the games just might be coming back and require you acting as host or hostess here on “The Porch” Little did you know when I asked you to name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR PORCH that I would be back asking you to act as host and/or hostess here. Yes I would like each of you to contact the blogger you indicated and invite them to visit. So Karen, Joe Cowboy, Tracey, Teresa, RD, Melissa, Jude, Walker, Windfall Woman, Ellen, and Carolyn you played so well you now have a little assignment. Monica, Susan and TFLS also made suggestions but guess what all three of the ones they suggested already visit so they escaped but only this time. I even thought about asking each of you to guest post here and have you invite them over on that day and do your special introduction but was afraid (yes even I do get afraid) that you might say no more playing for me. However what do you think about that would you like to invite them over and introduce them to us, if so please by all means let me know. I’m looking for a few good people to relieve me here from time to time. Now where have we all heard that phrase looking for a few good men, notice I said people although I do like men. No not that way, behave yes you know who you are. Now a few questions for us to enjoy here today and there will not be any surprises. Just what I call Wednesday’s Wondering: How did you come up with your username? It was given to me by someone special, I don’t kiss and tell How much is a gallon of gas in your city? $2.36 a gallon What is one item you spend money on that you consider your biggest waste? Coke no not that kind silly What’s one thing that’s on your mind right now? My bed, get you mind out of the gutter for sleep Which is worse, being in a place that is too loud, or too quiet? It depends on my mood---yes I can have moods. See I played along, and you just might have discovered something new about me. Come on visit us and have fun here just pull up that seat and set a spell with Ms. Vickie and friends. Also recently I was reminded I owed my special friend Bob some cookies for taking care of things while Missy was in charge of me. I had to make a few calls but was able to locate a place I could get them for him and make certain they were just what he would order himself. Hope you will all be back to visit here on Our Porch and bring your friends, make this the fun place to meet and chat. Make this a place you will find yourself saying Life Is Simply Good when you visit and when you leave.

The latest on Missy!

2006-01-22T23:49:00.000-05:00

I feel many emotions, some anger and rage; at Missy for touching me, at such a young age. No matter how long, or what is in store, I'll cherish every moment and long for more. As I face Missy, there will be good and bad days. I'll laugh with you, on those good days, I'll wish for someone to hold me on those days when they aren't. I'll never take life for granted and whatever comes my way, I'll grasp it with both hands and enjoy every day the best I can. Sometimes, things come our way, we know not why. That is the time to begin the fight and to know you'll win the battle. Life is but a journey, through mountains, hills, and valleys. We could not have the sunshine, if we had no rain and storms. So, we should each learn to enjoy very precious moment always remembering to give our best. Remember, keep faith, then we will be truly blessed. Earlier last week I had an appointment with my neurologist who is also a dear friend. This visit was one I feared for I know my body and the many things that Missy had taken pride in doing but even more than that was this....

You Know It’s Gonna Be A Bad Day When……Mother Nature Gives You The Finger!

Knowing and being prepared to hear them from a professional is two very different things but just how long does one wait. The time came and my appointment went as I anticipated. Each visit I have at this place is very special to me as eight years ago there was no MS Center at this large Medical Facility. It was in those good ole days of my busy professional life, I was asked to serve as a member of the Community Advisory Board to the Medical Facility. During the time I served one of the issues we addressed was the additional Centers of Excellence that was needed. Of course, my interest went right to Ms. Missy and the need to have the best medical care available right there if possible. Little did I know that seed was not just planted but it actually sprouted during those meetings and today it is said I was one of the main involved in the establishment of the MS Center. Now enough of that and back to my point, my physician of course knows me well from the large amount of work we have done together not just as physician/patient but in other areas for the Center and the education we have done about Missy. It took her no time to realize things had changed, the long and the short of it is….Missy has kicked me hard many times and where in the past I was allowed to hold onto the fact I was border Relapsing-Remitting/Secondary Progressive that is no longer the case at all. The MRI that was done with and without contrast to see if there were signs of active disease showed I am at a plateau. However because of the length of time I have had Missy and the fact my symptoms never leave and all the previous areas still remain very visible on the MRI’s I am Secondary Progressive and no longer border…it is what it is. Now what does that mean…..People with Relapsing-Remitting experience very clear flare-ups or relapses and then they are followed by partial or complete recovery periods (remissions) free of disease progression. However with Secondary Progressive as I have you start out with relapsing-remitting and followed by a steady worsening course with or without flare-ups, minor recoveries or remissions, or plateaus. Over 50% of the people who have relapsing –remitting will go onto develop secondary progressive after 10 years and for me Missy has been around kicking for 17 years. In relapsing-remitting, the symptoms may go away completely or partially mine did improve for a period of time but when was that now I ask? Yes it has been that long but Life will go on and I will soon again be found saying “Life Is Simply Good” It is friends like you who help the difficult days seem less difficult and I do not know what tomorrow brings just as you do not know, I just have a warning and do the best I can to listen and enjoy life. So I will live for today with hope for tomorrow. Speaking of hope and tomorrow, maybe there can be some more fun on my porch so please check back often. By the way, Bob thank you for your special kindness in keeping others updated, and to Karen and Melissa for the phone calls, and cards and to the many others for your special comments, thoughts and prayers.

Unwelcome Guest

2006-01-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

If you have visited the Porch in the last few days you have noticed my absence, I have had a unwelcome guest stop by an she was not willing to share me with you here at the Porch. She arrived slowly without an invitation and chose to once again invade my body. At one time I had a normal body, but she came creeping in ecstatically, playing with my eyes and filling me to the tips of my fingers and toes. Where is your invitation, who invited you here I have often asked her. Many times I have said to her, “I belong to somebody that somebody being me, leave just leave me alone!” I told that pest of a guest to beat it, to scamper telling her she had overstayed her welcome. She in turn stamped me with her authority in the form of numbness, fatigue, spasms and pain. Once again she reminded she was and could be merciless with her ravenous gluttonous appetite. She teased, taunted and stole the smile from my visage. Slowly I sink into a blackness, where only shadows fall, she is a most unwanted visitor just why does she call? Is it to give rise to the austerity of life's infinite presence or to awaken in my living some additional pain? I want to know if she could get up smiling and ready after a night of grief and despair, numb, stiff and unable to move for hours and smile. She is nothing but an upsetting trespasser, gate crasher of my party; could she sit with pain, mine or her own? Forcing me to look at life straight in the face on a daily basis, while she slowly hacked and gnawed at my body leaving me with tremors and fatigue, I need to get away, maybe find some place to hide, perhaps somewhere near the sun to hunt the dark away, but no matter where I am she will always be there or find me to linger and stay, and leave my weary spirit with a permanent disdain, a ghost of chance staying by my side, she will remain, hovering, a souvenir of my destiny, Missy you, MonSter, while I stand alone, always just me and my thoughts, as the moments of my life seek some motive to survive. It doesn't interest me often, who else you know, or how you came to be here or what sustains you from the inside, Oh! If you dear perpetrator would flee back through the door, and would sleep deeply and contentedly forever more. I would be found climbing up a mountain, pulling myself higher and higher. No never would there be any pit of misery for things would always seem to look brighter. Grass is growing, birds are singing, and the sun emerges from the clouds. You my unwelcome guest would start to slip, to lose your grasp, and down you would fall. Not quite to the bottom, just teetering on a ledge, you could go over at any moment but have you the strength to climb again? You the unwelcome guest can cause pain, it burns like a fire, the anger, hurt and frustration comes flooding back to me. My fight for survival starts again. Fear I will overcome for I searched and found the holds once again I will rely on myself and allow the support from before. I know it's going to be difficult, but I did it once, and I can do it again. I know and remember…… I’m not the only one. Out there are other climbers Fighting their own battles, Searching their own soul And conquering their own mountains.

The Games People Play

2006-01-10T00:42:00.000-05:00

Come play a game with me, do you know what is on my mind? Watch out now, remember I'm a Lady well at least a Belle so no that is not at all what I was thinking. My mind was on Joe South, a Georgia singer/songwriter who was born Joseph Alfred Souter in Atlanta on February 8, 1940. He grew up in a working-class household and developed an early interest in music. By the age of eleven, he had a weekly guest appearance on a local country music radio show. During his teenage years, South played in integrated bands with black musicians like Frankie Redmond, and was conversant with the rock 'n' roll and R&B styles of the period. He released several singles on Bill Lowery's N.R.C. label, and wrote songs for soul artists like Atlanta's Tams, who were recording with Lowery at the time. In 1962, he had his first number one hit as a writer as the Tams took his song Untie Me to the top of the charts. In addition to his connections with Atlanta's soul and R&B scene, South still maintained close ties to country music. In 1957, he had joined Nashville steel guitarist Pete Drake's band, and he moved to the country music mecca in 1962, as his songwriting career was shifting into high gear. During the mid '60s he worked as a session guitarist in Nashville and Muscle Shoals, playing on records by Bob Dylan, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin, among others.In 1968, he released his first solo album, Introspect, on Capitol records, and in 1969 had a hit with his song Games People Play Best, which won Grammys in the categories of Best Contemporary Song and Song of the Year. South released multiple albums for Capitol, and had several other hits, including Don't It Make You Want to Go Home and Walk a Mile in My Shoes, but his biggest successes still came in the field of songwriting. Lynn Anderson's 1971 recording of his song (I Never Promised You a) Rose Garden spent five weeks at number one and cemented South's reputation asa hit writer. Other artists who had hits with material South wrote include Billy Joe Royal (Down in the Boondocks) and Deep Purple (Hush). South dropped out of the music business at the height of his success after his brother Tommy (also a musician) committed suicide in 1971. After a brief reappearance in 1975, he disappeared almost completely, and has remained reclusive since that time. His success as a songwriter makes him one of Atlanta's best-known native sons, but as the testimony of Frankie Redmond shows, he was a dynamic and positive influence on the local Atlanta music scene long before he achieved international fame. So play a game with me but I bet you would like a little music so come on hum along with me...

The Games People Play

Oh the games people play now Every night and every day now Never meaning what they say now And never saying what they mean And they while away the hours In their ivory towers 'Till they're covered up with flowers In the back of a black limousine Though we make one another cry Break our hearts when we say goodbye Cross our hearts and we'll hope to die Said the other was to blame Neither one will ever give in Though we gaze on an eight by ten (note 1) Thinking 'bout the things that might have been And it's a dirty rotten shame Talking about you and me And the games people play People walking up to you Singing glory hallelujah And they're trying to sock it to you In the name of the Lord Gonna teach you how to meditate Read your horoscope and cheat your fate And furthermore to hell with hate Come on get on board Look around tell me what you see What's happening to you and me God grant me the serenity To remember who I am 'Cause you've given up your sanity All your pride and your vanity Turn your back on humanity And you don't give a damn Talking about you and me And the games people play

Now I ask you to please play a game, answer one or more from the following. And as always, thanks for visiting and playing.

Best compliment you've ever received. Things you would do if you weren't afraid. Who do you blame for your mood today? What makes you laugh?

Name one blogger who does not visit us here at the porch that you think would enjoy OUR Pourch.

Remember to come back soon where you will always find friends, food, love and so much more. Until the next time May your Life be Simply Good as it is here with Ms. Vickie

Twelve Months

2006-01-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

Like everything there can be a few problems around the house from time to time with your friends, especially when you have such special ones like I do. This last little escapde cost me a few plants and a swing but it is not a problem when you have the bill sent to one of your guests who should have been taking care of things for you but wasn't. Now if only real life worked like this we could all have some good times but in the meantime this little virtual porch works well so come on in set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle. Have you ever thought about the history of the months and just where they got their name, no I didn't think you had but I found something to share with you . I know most of you could care less but today was one of those days, I was drilling that dry hole and then pay dirt I hit. What will the pay off be, a comment or two I so hope. The original Roman year had 10 named months Martius "March", Aprilis "April", Maius "May", Junius "June", Quintilis "July", Sextilis "August", September "September", October "October", November "November", December "December", and probably two unnamed months in the dead of winter when not much happened in agriculture. The year began with Martius "March". Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome circa 700 BC, added the two months Januarius "January" and Februarius "February". He also moved the beginning of the year from Marius to Januarius and changed the number of days in several months to be odd, a lucky number. After Februarius there was occasionally an additional month of Intercalaris "intercalendar". This is the origin of the leap-year day being in February. In 46 BC, Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar (hence the Julian calendar) changing the number of days in many months and removing Intercalaris. January -- Janus's month Middle English Januarie Latin Januarius "of Janus" Latin Janu(s) "Janus" + -arius "ary (pertaining to)" Latin Januarius mensis "month of Janus" Janus is the Roman god of gates and doorways, depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions. His festival month is January. Januarius had 29 days, until Julius when it became 31 days long. Now all of that came about just so I could share with you a good ole recipe. You know in the South we love to cook and eat but wait this is not that type of recipe. It is the kind for everyone. Take this and stir it but most of all pass it around.

Twelve Months

Take twelve whole months. Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy. Make them just as fresh and clean as possible. Now cut each month into 28, 30 or 31 parts, but don't make up the whole batch at once. Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients: Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage, and one part of work. Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity, and kindness. Blend with one part prayer, one part meditation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humor. Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness. Enjoy!!!

Come on back set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle where Life Is Simply Good. Share with me your birthday, please so you will find a surprise on the porch when you visit. I know you like surprises.

Come in for the Saturday Smiles and Cookies

2006-01-07T02:47:00.000-05:00

Thank you to my many friends the new ones and the ones who know me so well, who stopped in for a visit during the time I was away. When I returned and looked around, I saw things went well during the time I was away. The only request I ask is next time would you please leave things just a little neater for me. I returned pretty tired only to find no one had cleaned up, all the donuts, coffee and even the special cofee flavors were gone but so many nice comments had been left for me. Yeah I know, a hostess asking you to clean up before you leave does not speak very high of herself does it. Please could you just give me a break this time? After all, I am still finding my way around the Porch and the changes that will be taking place here. One change I decided not to make was the Saturday Smiles, so just come on in set a spell with Ms. Vickie and share a few smiles. Always Remember the back door is open, come in where Life Is Simply Good. Now for a few smiles...

A father and son went hunting together for the first time. The father said, "Stay here and be VERY QUIET. I'll be across the field." A few minutes later the father heard a blood curdling scream and ran backto his son asking "What's wrong? I told you to be quiet." The son answered, "Look, I was quiet when the snake slithered across my feet. I was quiet when the bear breathed down my neck. But when the two chipmunks crawled up my pant legs and said 'Should we eat them here or take them with us?' I panicked..........

Before criticizing someone, walk a mile in their shoes; Then when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away and have their shoes.

If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava, let 'em go, because, man, they're gone.

You know it's going to be a bad day when you call suicide prevention and they put you on hold.

Did you hear about the new restaurant on the moon: Good food, no atmosphere.

One woman to another: "yes, he's a man of rare gifts - - he hasn't given me one in years!"

Summer vacation is a time when parents realize that teachers are grossly underpaid.

Those who say they "sleep like a baby" haven't got one.

A dietician was once addressing a large audience in Chicago. "The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the germs in our drinking water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and all of us eat it. Can anyone here tell me what lethal product I'm referring to? You, sir, in the first row, please give us your idea." The man lowered his head and said, "Wedding cake?"

A man was walking in the street when he heard a voice. "Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step, a brick will fall down on your head and kill you." The man stopped and a big brick fell right in front of him. The man was astonished. He went on, and after awhile he was going to cross the road. Once again the voice shouted: "Stop! Stand still! If you take one more step a car will run over you and you will die." The man did as he was instructed, just as a car came careening around the corner, barely missing him. "Where are you?" the man asked. "Who are you?" "I am your guardian angel," the voice answered. "Oh yeah?" the man asked. "And where the hell were you when I got married?"

Please come back and set a spell with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Bell.

The door is open, come on in

2006-01-05T00:32:00.000-05:00

Things are going very well here on the Porch, thanks to you for making yourself at home. I enjoy being the hostess but today real life is calling so I’ll leave the door open, the refreshments out and the music playing, Just come in make yourself at home , enjoy your visit, chat with each other and I’ll leave you a few little things to keep you busy while I am out. I know some have been asking for coffee and donuts—hot Krispy Kreame donuts at that so you will find them inside with something a little special for you.

CAFFEINE PRAYER

Caffeine is my shepherd, I shall not doze. It maketh me to wake in green pastures: It leadeth me beyond the sleeping masses. It restoreth my buzz: It leadeth me in the paths of consciousness for its name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of addiction, I will fear no Equal: For thou art with me; thy cream and thy sugar they comfort me. Thou preparest a carafe before me in the presence of Juan Valdez: Thou anointest my day with pep; my mug runneth over. Surely richness and taste shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the House of Folger's forever

I have a few questions for you to think about while you are here visiting and please leave me your response and I understand if you don’t want to answer them all. You know the old saying Variety is the spice of life. I’m just giving you some variety here. Oh but you will never hurt my feeling, if you answer them all. Yes you and you know who you are. If you were Adam or Eve, what would your excuse letter to God say for why you ate the apple? Or why you gave Adam the apple? What is the most memorable bridge you've ever crossed? What else could A.S.A.P. stand for other than As Soon As Possible? What is one quality that you really appreciate in a person? What's your all-time favorite commercial jingle? And of course how do you drink your coffee? Being a good hostess I must leave you with some poetry so here you go and not at all my usual stuff but then you are just getting to know Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle

Love In His Eyes She thought she saw love in his eyes.

Surely he'd tell her no lies,

But her hopes were in vain,

He did not love her brain,

But was really quite fond of her thighs.

Just make yourself right at home, get comfortable, look around, enjoy each other and I'll be back soon. Just set a spell with each other and don't forget leave a few notes or goodies as I think of them for Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle.

Is it getting hot on the porch, come check and see?

2006-01-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

It was busy yesterday with all the coming and going on the front porch, we only had a few problems. The afternoon brought heavy rains including hail with tornado watches to the area, FTS was not fond of the rocking chair I offered him and Karen drank Mike's lemonade again. You were just given a little fact and a little fiction, we did some unpleasant weather here but all is well in my little corner of Rural Georgia. Over the next several days, I will continue to make a few changes here as I move to find my way to being a better hostess. Please remember your input is welcome it is actually desired, so don't be shy for I know most of you. Today I hope you will understand and see more of what I hope will be going on while visit on the porch. I am very political but tend to keep things to myself until it slaps me in the face. Well folks, stick around and you will see just what I mean. I have a very dear friend on my blog roll Bob who has some very fine sites on his links, these are not just personal blogs. You can find just about anything you might be interested in somewhere on his roll if not he can find it for you. I'm not about to reveal the source of his many assistants for some things are better left as is. From time to time, I will just visit some of the sites on his links and last week I did just that. I went over to BuzzFlash and oh my I will not even try to describe what you can find there. I do want to share with you what has me in a tizzy. I came across these headlines which lead me to look closer: Compassionate conservatism, a true oxymoron. An immigration bill that recently passed the House of Representative would punish priests, nurses and social workers who provide services to undocumented immigrants with up to five years in prison. Being a Nurse that does not set well with me so I had to go and read more which I did when I went here. I went to school because I am a caring person and I desire to help others. There have been times I have done some volunteer work where this would have or could have impacted me. I volunteered with a dear physician friend of mine twice a month to provide medical care to immigrants as well as others who needed it but had no financial means to pay for it the care they needed. As medical personal our focus was to provide this care to those in need regardless of their immigration status. There were many times were provided urgent medical care and on an occasion or two even life-saving assistance. If this bill should ever become law you just might see priest, ministers, social workers, physicians, and nurses going to jail for doing things to help people as we have been trained to do. Someone does not have their priorities right. I am not agreeing it is okay to open the door to immigrants, I just think there needs to be more thought into who is punished and why. So what do you think about this, share your opinions. Don't be shy this is one of many important issues but wait talk about those issues that you feel are near and dear to your heart as well. Remember this might be my home but I invited you in the back door which is open, come on speak up. O-kay you just want to have a little fun then go for it, what is the first thing you think of when you come here? And now..... Come back again you hear!

Changing the Furniture at Ms. Vickie's

2006-01-02T02:26:00.000-05:00

It is a New Year and I hope you will pull up a seat and set a spell with Ms. Vickie and make yourself at home. I am making a few changes around Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle but I hope you will find you enjoy the changes and will be here often. The first change, I made was I took the time to rearrange the nice furniture on the porch. Well there really was no furniture involved but if you check the comments on yesterday's post you will see what I mean. I know I will have some who never pay attention, so let me just take you by the hand and walk you up the steps or back to the post as this case is. I went into each comment and made a short and in some cases a long comment to each person's comment on the post. You will also find my response to each person is in bold. I can not take credit for this as I have seen it done over at many sites. This allows for more of a community feeling here so I will not feel as if I am always setting on that big porch all alone. The next change I would like to make will take your involvement but as I said from the time I had Always Victoria this is not my site it is our site. I just have the keys to the front door but in the South if you come in the back door then you are friends. The only people who come to the front door is those who are guest and they are not yet comfortable. In the land of blogging those just might be the lurkers or those who just don't comment for one reason or another. A friend takes the time to comment as this is their hello, thank you, I enjoyed my visit but I did not like the food so the next time we will go out to eat....as in I did not agree with you but I do respect you and I'll be back again to see what else you have to offer. For those that come in the back door, I hope you understand and realize I am looking to you to help me out here. Talk among yourself in comments, address each other and ask questions, share your experiences with us, just have a good time. The only thing I will ask is that it not become something each of us can not be proud of.

Friendship is a strange thing It is by chance we met, by choice we became friends. Friendship is a strange thing--- We find ourselves telling each other the deepest details of our lives, Things we don't even share with our families who raised us. But what is a friend? A confidant? A lover? A fellow email junkie? A shoulder to cry on? An ear to listen? A heart to feel?... A friend is all these things...and more. No matter where we met, I call you friend. A word so small yet so large in feeling, A word filled with emotion. Here we set on the porch in swings and rockers Sharing almost like a book being written We are always waiting to talk or see what was left Yes we might even argue, disagree, cry or laugh It is true great things come in small packages. You can bet we will have concern one for another, Friendship is a strange thing--- Parts of me and you go into each other, Some it is my humor, some it is my listening ear, some it is real life experiences, Some it is my romanticism Friendship is a strange thing---

Victoria Smith 1/2/2006

So come in, get comfortable on this porch with Ms. Vickie and set a spell. While here you just might want to suggest a few games, share a few jokes, or even leave a tip. Just feel free to make yourself comfortable and stay as long as you would like but most of all come back often. Guess what, " Life Is Simply Good."

2006 Another Year

2006-01-01T02:25:00.000-05:00

Gifts Welcome in the New Year as you would a friend; one who brings twelve shining gifts to last until year's end. Harmony with others, faith in each new day; all the kindness you can spare, goodwill in words you say. Compassion for earth's creatures, and hope for those in need; make peace with all of nature, make tolerance your creed. Thoughtfulness and sharing, love spread far and near; a thankfulness for living to end a perfect year.

My Wish For You, I wish you Health... So you may enjoy each day in comfort. I wish you the Love of friends and family... And Peace within your heart. I wish you the Beauty of nature... That you may enjoy the work of God. I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities... For those things that really matter in life. I wish you Generosity so you may share... All good things that come to you. I wish you Happiness and Joy... And Blessings for the New Year. I wish you the best of everything... That you so well deserve. HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIEND!

Looking back and moving on

2005-12-31T01:42:00.000-05:00

"It doesn't get any better than this." "Things couldn't get much worse." Both of the above statements are of course incorrect. Situations can always be both better and worse than we can imagine, and that is a good thing. What the statements do represent are benchmarks, or just points on the continuum of our lives. Here at the end of the calendar year, many of us consider the events of the past year and may use one of the above statements or something in between. All of these events leave their mark on us in some way and shape our outlook on both the past and the future. Surely each year is filled with better and worse events, some of which seem delightfully heart-warming and others that seem to be unnecessarily heart wrenching. Some of us look forward to the New Year with anticipation, hoping or expecting it to be better than the year just experienced. Others hope or expect it to remain constant and comfortable if the previous year was extremely positive. Some are doing the best they can just to stay even. To them, a year of progress may mean simply hanging on. Another approach is to say that each year and experience is what it is. Better or worse only exist in the realm of conditions and comparisons. As we contemplate both, we may forget that our reality lies in the present moment. We can focus on whatever we choose. As human beings we are going to encounter negative experiences that we cannot ignore or control. Keeping our personal power intact does not mean that we pretend that these things do not exist, but that we choose our position in relation to them. One of the things I do not do is make a list of Resolutions for the New Year, I do reflect on the previous year and look for things I would like to do or improve during the next year. I just play a little game and never call them resolutions so as to not set myself up for a failure before I get started. Most of these are promises we make to ourselves, things about ourselves that we would like to change or habits we would like to either break or develop. Many times I see the same list year after because I like to think I can always improve. My list is simple:

Encourage others
Compliment others
Do something for someone in need
Do not insult anyone
Be good to myself
Give thanks

I may add to this list if I need to but I think and feel if I constantly remind myself of these actions, many other things fall into place over time during thyearer year that very soon will make itself a part of our past, another set of days for us to look back on and reflect upon our actions, our inaction, our accomplishments and achievements. I hope that your '05 has been a great year in your life,and that you're looking forward to making '06 even more special than any year that you've lived through so far! It is my hope during '06 you will continue to come pull up a seat and set a spell with Ms. Vickie , the Southern Belle.

Chains break

2005-12-29T08:48:00.000-05:00

We are each a link in a chain, some a very strong link and others a much weaker link. It was today, December 29th 2002 that a name was called breaking a link with us here on earth. Little warning was I given that name would be called, taking from me that strong link that I loved so dearly. It broke my heart the day my daddy died he did not go leaving me alone. I still have my beautiful memories and his love is often my guide. Even on those days, I can not see him I have pictures, I have memories and he is always by my side. I know the chain is broken and a strong link is gone from my family leaving us to never be the same. The one thing I draw comfort from is each link will be called one by one and at some point in time will be a chain again.

Daddy For many years I knew a man, Who gave me love at its very best, He always did what he believed right He loved others as much as he was loved He gave everything he could with no thought For many years I knew a man This man I once knew and will always remember As my daddy and I love him even now No matter the words I write or say Will ever show how much I miss you Time goes by, the loneliness grows Nobody knows how I miss you In silence, I think of you Your name I often call Memories seem to be all I have Few to no one knows my sorrow Seldom does anyone see me weep In my heart I keep the love I have for you Loving you has never stopped and never will Inside my heart deep you are with me still So many heartaches are in the world Mine is no worse than others My heart aches as you hear me whisper Daddy I need you and I miss you so The many things I feel so deep I often find the hardest to say At times I just can’t stay quiet any longer So Daddy I’ll tell you anyway In my heart there is this special place No one else can ever have It is your place Daddy I love you, Daddy and I always will Victoria Smith 12/29/2005@ 12:49 AM

Yes today is a difficult day for my family but as I type this I am now smiling. I can just see daddy smiling down on me, calling out to the other links of the chain that are with him. “That is my Little Girl, Sugh” for he never called me Victoria or Vickie it was always Sugh. Proud of me he always was just as I was always proud of him. I miss you daddy!

Christmas and emotions

2005-12-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

Well Christmas has come and gone. As I said in my last post before the holidays, At Christmas, children play an essential part in our celebrations. So much of what we do is intended to please them. I saw this time and time again over the holidays when we visited with our families and never have I missed having my own children more than I did this year.

Anger

Brewing, stewing, spewing, Churning, boiling, heaving, Hot-just like a cup of coffee It's nothing but gut-wrenching anger. Welling, swelling, pressure Force, dwelling, stress It's nothing but gut-wrenching anger Seething, teasing, pleasing, Finds me, binds me, blinds me, It's nothing but gut-wrenching anger PLEASE leave me, clean me, free me, It's nothing but gut-wrenching anger. EXPLOSION!!! Silence, sobs, silence, sobs Thick, heavy silence Unbearable, fearful, unknown It's nothing but gut-wrenching anger. Victoria Smith 12-27-05 1:25AM

Anger and resentment I have toward my husband for not wanting children. Anger and resentment I have toward Missy for labeling me as a less than desirable adoptive parent. However as it was pointed out to me, life goes on and it is not really good to dwell on it. These feelings will pass again and I did have a great time at Christmas visiting and playing with all the kids those on my side of the family and those on the husband’s side of the family. Not only was the playing with the kids fun but the conversations with the adults and of course the food was great as well.

Christmas Gifts

2005-12-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

Time moves quickly as we approach that day, you know which one the one so many are ready for. Yes the Christmas season is upon us, and we all have a season of goodwill and thoughts of others to look forward to. I hope that you're able to see all of the joy of this holiday season, accept it, and make it a part of yourself and share it with others. For sharing is what it is all about. Lois Rand once said, " The most vivid memories of Christmases past are usually not of gifts given or received, but of the spirit of love, the special warmth of Christmas worship, the cherished little habits of home." The memories are what we carry forth so make some this year make certain you make some special new memories. The most important gifts are not those that you can hold in your hand. These, in their purest form, are simply an outward representation of the gifts that are the most lasting: the gifts of time, attention, thought, caring, peace of mind, true friendship, acceptance, patience, tolerance, laughter, joy, freedom of expression, companionship, insight, understanding, compassion. Sometimes what is really important in life becomes obscured by outer concerns. These have a tendency to make us feel poor and wanting when we are not and to pull our attention to focus on the attainment of symbols of a rich existence, which can ultimately leave us destitute if we lack perspective and balance. Money and possessions are not in themselves important. Only what they represent has meaning. Note also that power, recognition, reputation, influence, control, and manipulation are not included on the list of lasting gifts. Our real life exists elsewhere, for if those inner gifts are ignored or lacking the rest are empty icons that can symbolize ultimately not abundance, but lack. You are fortunate to be both rich and generous with gifts that have real value. The rest, in the end, is truly nothing. My wish for all of us this holiday season, is the ability to recognize, express, and appreciate the lasting gifts in our lives a Wonderful Holiday and be good to yourself. You deserve it! "At Christmas, children play an essential part in our celebrations. So much of what we do is intended to please them--and all the while our hearts keep hearkening back to the Christmas memories of our own childhoods. Christmas is so much simpler for a child. Can we open our tired, adult eyes to that same simplicity? " was once said by Ellen Sanna and is so true, can we? Come back and set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Bell.

A Champion, Someday perhaps

2005-12-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here are two short poems that are favorites of mine. One is by an unknown author the other is by a young poet hero of mine who by the age of six years old and had already written several hundred poems. By the age of 13, he had written thousands of poems. This young hero passed away on the morning of June 22, 2004, at the age of 14. His name is Mattie Stepanek. So here from Mattie is:

On Being a Champion A Champion is a winner, A hero... Someone who never gives up Even when the going gets rough. A champion is a member of A winning team... Someone who overcomes challenges Even when it requires creative solutions. A champion is an optimist, A hopeful spirit... Someone who plays the game, Even when the game is called life. There can be a champion in each of us, If we live as a winner, If we live as a member of the team, If we live with a hopeful spirit, For Life.

and now from an unknown author:

Someday, Perhaps It begins long before the first frost - Somewhere between memory and reality. It touches us with compassion and whispers to us of hope. It tiptoes into our hearts with elation and opens our souls to faith. Its name is Christmas and we have yet to learn How to keep it close for more than this one brief, shining moment. Someday, perhaps...with love.

Enjoy your day and please come back to set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

A smile or two

2005-12-17T00:10:00.000-05:00

Saturday is here once again, come on pull up a seat set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle and share a smile. I think to start it off we will have a letter from Santa that he has asked I share so here you go... Dear Friend, I have been watching you very closely to see if you have been very good this year and since you have I will be telling my elves to make some goodies for me to leave under your tree at Christmas. I was going to bring you all gifts from the 12 days of Christmas, but we had a little problem. The 12 fiddlers fiddling have all come down with VD from fiddling with the 10 ladies dancing, the 11 lords leaping have knocked up the 8 maids a-milking, and the 9 pipers piping have been arrested for doing weird things to the 7 swans a-swimming. The 6 geese a-laying, 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves and the partridge in a pear tree have me up to my sled runners in bird sh*t. On top of all this Mrs. Claus is going through menopause, 8 of my reindeer are in heat, the elves have joined the gay liberation and some people who can't read a calendar have scheduled Christmas for the 5th of January. Maybe next year I will be able to get my act together and bring you the things you want. This year I suggest you get your butt down to Walmart before everything is gone. Sincerely, Santa Claus Now a few short jokes..... Do you know what would have happened if it had been three Wise Women instead of three Wise Men ? Women would say: They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, and brought practical gifts. Here's Men's rebuttal..... Yeah, and do you know what they said would have said when they left? "Did you see the sandals Mary was wearing with that gown?" "That baby doesn't look anything like Joseph!" "Can you believe they let all of those disgusting animals in the house?" "I heard that Joseph isn't even working right now!" "And that donkey that they are riding has seen better days too!" "Want to bet on how long it will take until you get your casserole dish back?" Overheard in Santa's Toyshop: "Please, Mrs. Claus, those batteries are for the children's toys!!" Q. How come Santa and Mrs. Claus don't have children? A. Santa spends all his time with elves and fairies. Overheard in Santa's Toyshop: Santa, we already make dolls that talk, walk, wet, cry. Dolls you can dress and undress. Dolls that look real, and move like newborns. Dolls of all kinds, we thought." But now you want a George Bush one that blows smoke out its WHAT!?" Hope you have a great day, smile but remember what Christmas is all about Merry Christmas.

Thoughts on Christmas

2005-12-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

I have realized something and I have a feeling if others were honest they just might share the same feelings with me. These feelings sadden me for as Christmas approaches I am filled with dread this year. Having said that I realize I am in good company, George Bernard Shaw wrote in the early 1890’s, ‘Like all intelligent people, I greatly dislike Christmas.’ Ambrose Bierce, in ‘The Devil’s Dictionary’ (1911), went further, defining Christmas as, ‘A day set apart and consecrated to gluttony, drunkenness, maudlin sentiment, gift taking, public dullness and domestic behaviour.’ The popularity of Christmas has waxed and waned. Whatever your position is on Christmas is it has been increasingly commercialized, it has huge potential for family friction, fuels endless hangovers and can generally be relied on to produce moments that are both memorable or moving in one way or another. This is one of the reasons I feel the way I do this year. We no longer are able to see the difference between the glitter and the real gold this Christmas season. We are so easily seduced into thinking the gifts of the season are to be measured by their price tags. We should remember that the richest gifts of this season or any season are gifts of the spirit that don’t have to cost much money at all. Gifts I give are given to nurture the souls of those I care most about and are given from my heart with love. This holiday should be one of warmth and gratitude where gifts are given of life and love nothing less. May this year in some way, I find the ability to give and receive gifts of the spirit in this most spiritual of seasons, and may I be grateful for the opportunity once more to give and receive in gratitude for the manifold blessings of life. A gift doesn’t need to cost a lot of money, it doesn’t measure worth or meaning in currency. The gift I give is of the spirit, because life is short and we shouldn’t let much of life get past us without trying to be at least a small blessing to those whose lives touch ours in some way. Oh this is not the Christmas hype or hoopla, it’s the real stuff, the quiet background, the truth the stuff that’s there after you have said No to all the nonsense. It will feel wonderful to both the giver and the receiver, and that feeling which is wonderful lasts a very long time. You have just been such a very big part of it. Please never take that away from the giver if you are the receiver, allow them to enjoy that for it is truly something they want to do for you and something they enjoy doing. The feeling they get from giving is a wonderful feeling that lasts a long time, it is far worth more than the money spent, and you were just a very big part of it. Actually---this is kind of an early Christmas present here. I just wanted to share my thoughts so when you receive that present stop and think they gave that gift from their heart and it matters not the price let me accept it with mine. So over the next few days maybe I can find a way to help my mother and sister settle their disagreement, accept the fact my dad was buried during the holiday season but we must move one, and that this season is for Children and I will never have my own and move on. Yes I think I need to be a part of Santa’s team. I think it might even need to become a movement, you know. I can not hide now and I do not want to be saying…….. Oh God, Not Another Christmas!

Is it Courage?

2005-12-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

Is it courage I wonder what allows me to go on, even when I hurt, Is it courage? I wonder what allows me to ask for that help, Is it courage? I wonder what allows me to have those cries like yesterday, Is it courage? I wonder what allows me to keep pushing those legs to walk, Is it courage? I wonder what it is that allows me to accept that help, Is it courage? I wonder what it is that allows me to keep trying, Is it courage? I wonder what it is that allows me to ask these questions, Is it courage? I wonder what it is that causes these thoughts and feelings, No it is not courage. It has been said I am brave, I might have courage A human emotion, need to get on with life. A cry cleansed my soul and opened my heart, Is it courage?

Victoria Smith 12/11/2005 @ 11:25 PM

Just some pondering thoughts and I feel this picture goes along with my melancholy mood. It is a cold dark morning, nothing or no one around the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds bringing light where it has been nothing but darkness. The sun could be my courage but it is casting only shadows not allowing a full bright light to appear. I use a play on words and a lot of symbols and parallels to my life when I talk about Missy and this is just another one. For some reason just putting things down and out here does allow me to deal with Missy better for I no longer deny her but accept her place in my life. She does have that place, at times a very dominate place she takes while I fight to return her to a more doormat place. No longer can she just be ignored nor can I just pretend she does not exist or deny her place in my life for she is a big part of me and is so like me in the respect she does her own thing paying no attention to me. With questions come answers, come back pull up a seat set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Bell.

Feelings of Missy

2005-12-11T03:27:00.000-05:00

Missy

Life is hard, I will confess, Measured by the minutes, Because of Missy. Sometimes I feel a little insane, Under that unknown stress, Crazy with the pain, Because of Missy. Rarely leaving my home some days So difficult to express, No longer do I often try, Just too tired to roam, Because of Missy. It can be scary and sad, If I feel alone and helpless, Clumpsy,stupid, angry and mad, Because of Missy Yet I learn something With each success, I'm Proud of what I CAN do, Even with Missy. With each setback I take that one step Ahead I Move Even with Missy

There are a few reasons you see this here today and the most obvious one is the recent death of Richard Pryor who suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for many years. At times when someone dies that has MS, I spend some time reflecting over a few things which is what lead to the Missy finding her way her on this page today. I have said before you will see many sides of me and I just allowed you to catch a glimpse of one that I seldom share. When I started this site I made a promise to myself that I would be open with my writing and not force myself in any way. This is just something I felt like sharing tonight.

Come by for a laugh or at least a smile

2005-12-10T02:58:00.000-05:00

Guess what, it is Saturday the day we all enjoy and seem to smile easier. Come on pull up a seat, set a spell and get comfortable and I'll try not to keep you long today. I've been told I have a habit of talking to much which translates into writing too much here, so I'll try to keep my post short and sweet or sweet and sassy as I am. By the way, grab your coffee and take off your shoes if you want to just make yourself right at home here. Now for some smiles... 'Twas The (Politically Correct) Night Before Christmas 'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck... How to live in a world that's politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to "Elves". "Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the north pole Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety, Released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear That Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, Were replaced with 4 pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his sleigh; The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A. And people had started to call for the cops When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened. His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened." And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose And had gone on Oprah, in front of the nation, Demanding millions in over-due compensation. So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife, Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life, Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz, Demanding from now on her title was Ms. And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion That making a choice could cause so much commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur, Which meant nothing for him. And nothing for her. Nothing that might be construed to pollute. Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot. Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls. Or just for the boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific. Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific. No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden. For they raised the hackles of those psychological Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt; Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe; And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed; He just could not figure out what to do next. He tried to be merry, tried to be gay, You've got to be careful with that word today. His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground; Nothing fully acceptable was to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might Give to all without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion; Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... "May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth." Along I've come and decided it matters not What you or them might think or say but For me and mine it has always been and It will continue to be a Merry Christmas. Greeting I shall shout out to each You shall shout your greeting back After all this is still the USA Free speech is still one of our rights. Guess what even Santa has a few pickup lines and here they are ..... 10. Hey Babe, when was the last time you did it in a sleigh? 9. Wanna see my 12-inch elf? 8. I`ve got something special in the sack for you! 7. Ever make it with a fat guy with a whip? 6. I know when you`ve been bad or good--so let`s skip the small talk, sister! 5. Some of my best toys run on batteries... 4. Interested in seeing the "North Pole"? (Well, that`s what the Mrs. calls it. 3. I see you when you`re sleeping--and you don`t wear any underwear, do you? 2. Screw the "nice" list--I`ve got you on my "naughty" list! 1. Wanna join the "Mile High" club? Don't forget the three phrases that have been said to best sum up the Christmas season they are: "Peace on Earth", "Goodwill to Men" and "Batteries not included." See y'all back here tomorrow where you can pull up a seat and set a spell with Ms.Vickie the Southern Belle

Come on to Australia for Christmas

2005-12-08T05:45:00.000-05:00

December comes in Australia with the heat of summer. Generally, Christmas is celebrated along traditional lines and families often travel great distances to be together. Church is attended in great mass on Christmas Day. Services are often held very early in the morning. Christmas dinner may be a picnic in the woods or on the beach. Australians also sing carols by candlelight and decorate their homes with flowers and other plants. They also have Christmas Trees, Father Christmas, and gifts which are a familiar Christmas scenario to all of us. Since Christmas coincides with summer holidays the families often celebrate Christmas away from home. Popular places include beaches and the bush (what we call the woods but you better not make that mistake there). Imagine that, no snow but no hurry to get back home from Grandma and Grandpa's to be back at school with the kids out of school six weeks. Due to the cultural pluralism in Australia food can vary. But meals mainly center around the traditional Hams, Turkeys and Plum Pudding or Pavlova. However there is a movement toward seafood, just throw that shrimp on the grill, please. Often these dishes are cooked earlier and served cold. Salads and other summer foods are also very much common. So are food items from other cultures. But guess what no thank you for the eggnog they prefer their Champagne. Most towns have a concert or Christmas Eve wouldn't be the same without Carols by Candlelight. Carols by Candlelight are outside concerts in the warm summer evening's where people sit on blankets light candles and join together to sing Christmas Carols. The two biggest ones include Carols by Candlelight Concert, on Christmas Eve, held at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne which started in 1937 and Carols in the Domain, Australia's largest annual community Christmas celebration. The event, which is free to attend is held in Sydney's Domain Gardens, a short walk from the Sydney Opera House and is always held on the last Saturday before Christmas. These events are aired live on television and radio throughout the country and seen through Southeast Asia and New Zealand. Some special but unusual receipes to me and I thought I would share that I found include: :: PAVLOVA :: A traditional Australian dessert and popular at Christmas as it is a real Summer dessert. Ingredients:- 2 teaspoons cornstarch 4 egg whites (room temperature) 3/4 cup superfine sugar 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 1/4 cups thick cream Decoration on top:- Fresh Fruit such as sliced bananas, strawberries, passion fruit etc Another popular decoration is grated Peppermint Crisp which is a chocolate bar with a crunchy peppermint filling. You could also make up your own topping. Limit is your imagination. 1. preheat over to 250 Fahrenheit (150 celsius). 2. Brush large baking sheet with melted butter or oil. Line base with wax paper 3. Dust lightly with sifted cornstarch, shake off excess. 4. Using a 7-8 inch (approx) round baking pan or lid as a guide, mark a circle in the centre of the prepared baking sheet. 5. Place egg whites in a small dry mixing bowl. Using an electric beater, beat for 1 minute or until soft peaks form. 6. Add the sugar gradually, 3 teaspoons at a time, beating constantly until mixture is thick and glossy and all the sugar has dissolved. Add vanilla extract and vinegar, beat until combined. 7. Spread meringue onto the marked circle on the prepared baking sheet.Bake 1 and 1/4 hours or until pale and crisp. Cool completely on the tray in the oven, with door slightly ajar. 8. When the pavlova shell is cooled slide a flat bladed knife underneath and carefully ease pavlova onto a serving plate 9. Place cream in a mixing bowl. Using electric beaters, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Spread over the top of cooled pavlova shell. 10. Decorate Another recipe is by our own blogger friend Peter who lives in Australia who was so kind and served as my consultant in this article. Ingredients 1 kilo mixed dried fruit. 2 cups of orange juice 2 cups of self raising flour Method Soak dried fruit in orange juice overnight. Mix in the self raising flour Put mixture into 2 greased slice trays (approx 12x8) Preheat oven Cook for 1 hour at 160 degrees Slice into suitable size Eat Enjoy By the way, Peter has invited us all to stop by and visit him so come on over here. He is a nice guy for someone who talks funny and after a time or two you just might get a real invitation to visit the Down Under....I'm still waiting. However I have best friends who I stood up for them when they said their vows in Las Vagas a few years ago that live there so I have my invite. Tomorrow we will travel on if you will return to set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

A Special Request Please

2005-12-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

I am back after being away from posting for several days but not yet ready to travel to Australia and Bethlehem as I had promised. Instead I feel this is much more important to share with you. Last month over at Follow That Star, we were linked to a blog about a young mother who was experiencing difficulties that were of all natures including emotional , financial, child care, health and school. This lady is a dear friend of mine, Sallie and has been since my very early days of blogging. To see just what I am talking about go read some of her blog during the month of November and the until, now in December, it will not take you long You wonder just how much more could one deal with when you were there last. Well yesterday her dad passed away . I ask you to please visit Sallie, keep her and her family in your prayers. If you have any extra money to spare or if you know anyone who does please ask them to help Sallie provide for her boys Christmas. This will be one less thing for her to worry about and is one of the many things she is concerned about and also we all love kids and want them to have a special Christmas. Sallie, my friend I love you and will be in touch very soon. Please now go visit Sallie and show her some respect . This is a poem I hope will have as much meaning to you as it does to me, I used it when my dad passed away .

My Dad

Forever I believed there were angels above, I sit and watch my angel, my dove. Dad, I love you and I know you have to rest, so now is your time to spread your wings and fly with zest. Hear my words and cherish my tears, as I hold your hand and release my fears. You will forever be my guiding star, and your spirit will live on never too far... take a deep breath and close your eyes, know that we love you and hear our goodbyes. You will now be free to walk and dance, and when we look into heaven we will feel your glance.

William Penn once said, " They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it.

I will return to my normal posting when I feel most people have been by and read this important post. I appreciate your understanding and will return to pull up a seat and set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

Merry Christmas from Albania and Argentina

2005-12-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

Wish we could be together Thinking of you Makes the miles disappear, Together we're looking at bright decorations, Enjoying what we like to do, Thinking of you makes the miles disappear~ For you're missed very much All year through… So just because you're Far away, don't think For a moment that you're forgotten. I'm thinking about you because loving thoughts travel far, And wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year Full of wonderful things. Wish we could be together

Welcome, pull up a seat set a spell with me, Ms. Vickie the Southern Bell for a glimpse of how Christmas is celebrated in Albania and Argentina. Albanians respect family values very much. So whenever they decide to celebrate, they do it together with their entire family. Albania has a mix of Christian and Moslem population. Although New Year's Eve is the most celebrated day, Christmas is very well celebrated, as well. The tradition of gift giving is maintained on the New Year's Eve for a long time. Feasting takes a prominent place during the Christmas. Almost all Christian families go for special cooking for their Xmas meal or dinner. There's the turkey, stuffing, and different side dishes. And desert takes a special place. Albanians call it "bakllava" which here in America is known as "baklavash." It's like a pie, but far more complicated. Yet it's delicious. Albanians also have their big and nicely decorated Christmas tree, in the center of the capital, Tirana. It is like a small version of the Tree in New York City. Argentina is a country with many cultural influences. So its Christmas traditions are diverse and is very difficult to generalize. Following are some broad local traditions. Argentina, has a summer time Christmas unlike that of the United States. Despite this the traditions are quite similar. People celebrate it with devotion and joy. The tradition of Nativity scene and Xmas tree, gift-giving, banquets and picnics, cakes and champagne, and fireworks at around midnight. "Feliz Navidad" means "Merry Christmas" in Argentina. People usually select any artificial or live tree to display in home. These trees are decorated with colored lights, ornaments and candles. All Christmas gifts are placed under the tree. Many set up the Nativity scene, a model of the manger where Jesus Christ was born. The devout Argentines also attend a Christmas church service, if this is part of their family's holiday tradition. Many plan a barbecue or picnic as their Christmas meal to take advantage of the pleasant weather. Along with the special and usual holiday items, cakes topped with sidra are served with dessert. Champagne also finds a key role in Christmas drinks. Merry Christmas or Gézuar Krishlindjet as it would be said in Albania or Feliz Navidad as you might hear it in Argentina return the next time where you just might find me talking about Australia and Bethlehem. If you have anything to add, please by all means share for this is not my place but our place and I invite you to be a big part here. So pull up a seat, set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Bell and share.

Santa knows I've been naughty

2005-11-29T02:02:00.000-05:00

Do you know it's Christmas, A Little after Thanksgiving And a shade before New Year, A Day of triumphant light and love, Love ~ the feeling you and I share, and Light ~ it has brought to our lives. This Christmas is very special ! I have been granted my secret wish I have your lovely company.

Caroling, feasting, and gift giving along with the prayers and wishes - the Christmas is celebrated with high spirits all over the world. Though the mode of celebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the main spirit remains the same everywhere. For instance, the Christmas flower. If poinsettia is a Christmas flower here in United States, it is a white rose in the British Isles. If gifts here and in Britain are given on Christmas, it is done on New Year in France and many other countries. While most of us celebrate it as a festive season spreading over a week, for some it is a month long festival that starts with the Advent on Sunday next to November 26 and ends on January 6 with the feast of Epiphany.Yes, Christmas celebrations are different in the world depending on where you live. I will share with you some research I have found about celebration of Christmas in different parts of the world over the weeks ahead. By the way have you visited, Santa's blog if not you should. I was very disappointed to find out after my visit to Santa's place and leaving a comment that he felt I should be placed on his naughty list. Yes y'all I am on Santa's naughty list. I found this disturbing information out when Santa was so kind and responded in an e-mail. There is good news in the respect I do have a chance to recover in time for Christmas. You can count on me being just like Mae West. Who remembers what she had to say? She was good or better all the time so you can see why I will be acting just like her. You better be good, you never know who is watching. Come on back tomorrow, pull up a seat, set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

Naughty or Nice

2005-11-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

Naughty or nice how do you describe yourself, we all know according to the Nursery Rhymes just what little boys and little girls are made of. Just in case you need a reminder, we are all about to step back in time and for some it will be way back, wait a minute, no names here please.

What Are Little Boys and Little Girls Made of

What Are Little Boys Made of? What are little boys made of? What are little boys made of? Frogs and snails, And puppy-dogs' tails; That's what little boys are made of. What are little girls made of? What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice, and all that's nice; That's what little girls are made of.

Now with Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas Fast approaching, everyone knows Santa is watching us and we are on our best behavior. Yes and just a few lyrics to get you in the mood:

Artist/Band: Christmas Songs 2 Lyrics for Song: Santa Claus Is Watchin' You Lyrics for Album: Traditional Christmas Songs 2

Now babydoll, sweetie-pie, sugarplum, Honey-bunch, angel face, You know you better be good And act like two fine lovers should. Be careful what you say and do 'Cause Santa Claus is watchin' you. (He's everywhere, he's everywhere.) You'd better kiss and hold me tight. An' give me good lovin' every night. 'Cause you'll be sorry if ya make me blue 'Cause Santa Claus is watchin' you. (He's everywhere, he's everywhere.) Well you may thing you can sneak around and get away with something But there ain't no way, 'Cause Santa's no fool, he's really super cool. He's the secret head of the CIA. Eesh, Iish, crime don't pay (You can't do nothin' cause you're never alone He's even got a wire tap on your phone.) So baby if you ever but do me wrong. Break my heart and leave me alone. When Christmas comes, you be crying too. 'Cause Santa Claus is watching you. (He's everywhere, he's everywhere.) [Interlude] Oh, Every Christmas season, he climbs on his sled full of toys, With fuel exhaust and side mirrors, the foxtails, the mud flaps, the leopard-skin seats covers And spreads Christmas cheer to all good little girls and boys. Then he says on Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, and of course, Comet, Cupid, Donner and old Blitzen, Ha ha… and Bruce and Marvin, buddy Leon, and Cledus and George and Bill and old Slick Tatum, and Do-right, Clyde and Ace and Blackie and don't you ever forget Miss Queenie either, and Prince and Spot and Rover (And so eh where's Rudolph at He's on a stakeout at your house.) You can run, you can hide, but you can't get away Got binoculars focused on you everyday. So baby if you ever but do me wrong. Break my heart and leave me alone. When Christmas comes, you be crying too. 'Cause Santa Claus is watching you. (He's everywhere, he's everywhere.) Yeah Santa Claus is watching you (He's everywhere, he's everywhere) Santa Claus got his eyes all over you. Baby…I mean it's over for you You better watch out - Ooh, Lord have mercy look out there's Santa Claus is peepin' around the corner at you Shoot, you in deep trouble. You I mean deep you know that? These lies do you baby come sneaking around like you're somebody… You ain't gonna get away with it do you understand me I mean you gotta be true true blue, through and through Or Santa Claus is gonna get you. So y'all gonna get some of that

Can y'all tell I am getting ready for Christmas? By the way have you been naughty or nice? Return here to see what is in store and just grab a seat set a spell with Miss Vickie the Southern Bell.

Phenomenal Woman

2005-11-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

The author of this poem is an epitome of the Phenomenal Woman. She is a poet, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director. She lectures throughout the US and abroad and is Reynolds professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina since 1981. She has published ten best selling books and numerous magazine articles earning her Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominations. At the request of President Clinton, she wrote and delivered a poem at his 1993 presidential inauguration. She once said "The honorary duty of a human being is to love," may I present to you one of my heroes Maya Angelou.

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

I walk into a room Just as cool as you please, And to a man, The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees. Then they swarm around me, A hive of honey bees. I say, It's the fire in my eyes, And the flash of my teeth, The swing in my waist, And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Men themselves have wondered What they see in me. They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say, It's in the arch of my back, The sun of my smile, The ride of my breasts, The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed. I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say, It's in the click of my heels, The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, The need of my care, 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, That's me.

Maya Angelou

Did you know I am a Phenomenal Woman, well consider yourself well informed, for you have now been told. Yes I am a Phenomenal Woman! Have a great day, smile, and hope you will return tomorrow to pull up a seat, set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

Saturday's Smiles

2005-11-26T07:14:00.000-05:00

We have been hearing a lot about blaming the hurricane's on Bush well here is the real story.... so consider yourself well educated. Now for the real smiles and they were received from one of my long time friends who I seldom see now that I have moved, Tom. He is also one who recently returned from Iraq and life is not treating him well as he attempts to make adjustments. The one time I have visited with him in person, he did share with me first hand some very up close and personal encounters he experienced while there and all I have to say is no one should experience these things. Once experienced life is never the same, he can never replace the brother I lost but in so many ways Tom has filled that void and as he grew up in a house with only older brothers I am the sister he never had. A very special friend he has always been and one who suffers right now but still manages to bring laughter to my life as he always had. So here is some of the jokes he has provided: Symptoms of the BIRD FLU... The Center for Disease Control has released a list of symptoms of bird flu. If you experience any of the following, please seek medical treatment immediately: 1. High fever 2. Congestion 3. Nausea 4. Fatigue 5. Aching in the joints 6. An irresistible urge to shit on someone's windshield. ************************************** SOMETHING TO OFFEND EVERYONE What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover ? The position of the dirt bag Why is divorce so expensive? Because it's worth it. What do you see when the Pillsbury Dough Boy bends over? Doughnuts? Why is air a lot like sex? Because it's no big deal unless you're not getting any What's the difference between a girlfriend and wife? 45 lbs What's the difference between a boyfriend and husband? 45 minutes What's the fastest way to a man's heart? Through his chest with a sharp knife. Why do men want to marry virgins? They can't stand criticism. Why is it so hard for women to find men that are sensitive, caring, and good-looking? Because those men already have boyfriends. What's the difference between a new husband and a new dog? After a year, the dog is still excited to see you What makes men chase women they have no intention of marrying? The same urge that makes dogs chase cars they have no intention of driving. Why don't bunnies make noise when they have sex? Because they have cotton balls. What's the difference between a porcupine and BMW? A porcupine has the pricks on the outside. What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant? "Are you sure it's mine?" Why did OJ Simpson want to move to West Virginia ? Everyone has the same DNA. Why do men find it difficult to make eye contact? Breasts don't have eyes. Where does an Irish family go on vacation? A different bar. What does it mean when the flag at the Post Office is flying at half-mast? They're hiring. What's the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo? A southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage along with... "a recipe". How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the F word? Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell *BINGO*! Why is there no Disneyland in China ? No one's tall enough to go on the good rides What's the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale? A northern fairytale begins "Once upon a time..." A southern fairytale begins "Y'all ain't gonna believe this shit..." I hope you find a reason to smile today and return tomorrow to pull up a seat, sit a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

A special notice and Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

Today over at my special one's place I was warned that my title HEAD CONCUBINE is tenuous at best so I quit. This leads to a very large void in my life as only few if any can imagine, so I will be looking to fill this and very very soon. Applications will be accepted so just apply to me. Very good benefits--great cookies, good conversations and you have just helped me get one up on Bob. Now who will help here, come one come all, please!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving Night

Twas the night of Thanksgiving and in my sleep. Strange dreams in my mind, began to creep Thanksgiving leftovers beckoned --- The dark meat and white, But I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with anticipation...... The thought of a snack became infatuation..... So to the kitchen I did race, Flung open the door, And gazed at the fridge full of goodies galore .

I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground!

I crashed through the ceiling. Floating into the sky.... With a mouthful l of pudding and a handful of pie, But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees. HAPPY EATING TO ALL! PASS THE CRANBERRIES PLEASE! author not known

Those celebrating Thanksgiving enjoy it have a great time, if you are traveling be safe. Those who this is not a holiday for it is still a nice time to be thankful for the many things you have and even things you might have lost for this could have made you the person you are today. Missy developed me into Ms. Vickie, the Southern Belle you are meeting here and she continues to work on me and then along comes my blog buddies to pick me up during difficult times and for that I am very thankful.

My sign of respect

2005-11-22T07:12:00.000-05:00

Please visit Hoss and let him know you are thinking of him during his loss. Just follow the link to do so, it matters not if you have visited before. Do Not Weep Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints in snow; I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn rain. I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight; I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there. I did not die. William Penn once said, " They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot take what never dies."

A Little about Thanksgiving and a little about sex

2005-11-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

In peeling back the onions you are about to discover something very important about me, I keep my word. Yesterday I said if you returned today I would be talking about sex and that is just what I am about to do. You are also discovering I like to tease and can do it well. Ten Reasons Thanksgiving Dinner is Better than Sex : 10. You're sure to get at least one of your favorite dishes. 9. The turkey never suffers from modesty. 8. You can nibble before dinner even if mom sees you. 7. You are expected to pass the dishes around. 6. There are always at least two kinds of desert, with or without whipped cream. 5. They give you the day off WITH pay to have dinner. 4. Thanksgiving dinner is a "sure" thing. 3. Seconds are encouraged. Take home, too!! 2. You're expected to fall asleep after dinner. And the number 1 reason why Thanksgiving dinner is better than sex: 1. You are EXPECTED to watch football BEFORE and AFTER dinner. And now .... I saw you across a crowded room. Among all the others that were there, The lights seemed to shine down on you alone. I knew then I had to have you for my own. Willingly, you came with me to my home. From the car, I carried you & threw the door. Looking at you, I admire your body, your well shaped legs, and breasts. Slowly I remove what wraps, around your body so tightly, fitting you like a glove. Exposing your tender white skin. From your neck I remove your charms, and carry you off in my arms, to the warm water that awaits. The water cascades down your neck, flowing over your soft breasts then, making your legs glisten with wetness. Droplets of water cover your taut skin. My hands rub your body, ummmm running them threw the beads of water. Making them trickle down off your body. I place my fingers inside you. You are warm and moist, so ready. I carry your still dripping body, to a laying place, so that I can put inside you what was well prepared to enter you before we even came through the door. As soon as I lay you down your legs spread open wide. You are ready now and so am I. I put a little in slowly at first, getting a feel for how much you can take in. I put in more, you take it willingly. In anticipation, faster and faster I put it in, pushing it in deeply as far as I can, until I can't put any more in, you are so tight. With your legs wrapped tightly, not wanting to release any of it, I make you so hot for a very long time, until your sweet juices escape from within. Then I taste you, with my tongue at first, your skin is so soft and tender. I taste more of you with my mouth, you are so hot and moist, you taste so good. Your juices coating my mouth, making me drool in anticipation of eating you more, with every taste."Oh yes", I say to you,I must say Grace "Thank God for Butterball turkey.... Amen" Now did you really think I was going to talk about sex? With me you never really know because I do like to joke around, have fun, and I can tease with the best of you. I hope you have enjoyed this little side of me and these might be old jokes but they always come out every Thanksgiving and Christmas with the "Butterball" turkey. Enjoy your day, start your Monday with a smile,be good to yourself while you are being good to others. Come back soon and pull up a seat and sit a spell with Ms.Vickie the Southern Bell.

Thanksgiving

2005-11-20T06:50:00.000-05:00

Things work so well for my sweet one Sunday's with his posting of a Robert Service poem, I decided maybe I should use Sunday as a day for poetry. A good idea is just that a good idea so here goes.

Thanksgiving

Gettin' together to smile an' rejoice, An' eatin' an' laughin' with folks of your choice; An' kissin' the girls an' declarin' that they Are growin more beautiful day after day; Chattin' an' braggin' a bit with the men, Buildin' the old family circle again; Livin' the wholesome an' old-fashioned cheer, Just for awhile at the end of the year. Greetings fly fast as we crowd through the door And under the old roof we gather once more Just as we did when the youngsters were small; Mother's a little bit grayer, that's all. Father's a little bit older, but still Ready to romp an' to laugh with a will. Here we are back at the table again Tellin' our stories as women an men. Bowed are our heads for a moment in prayer; Oh, but we're grateful an' glad to be there. Home from the east land an' home from the west, Home with the folks that are dearest an' best. Out of the sham of the cities afar We've come for a time to be just what we are. Here we can talk of ourselves an' be frank, Forgettin' position an' station an' rank. Give me the end of the year an' its fun When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done; Bring all the wanderers home to the nest, Let me sit down with the ones I love best, Hear the old voices still ringin' with song, See the old faces unblemished by wrong, See the old table with all of its chairs An I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers.

Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959

Have you enjoyed your first week with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle? I would love to hear from you so send your fan mail to alwaysvictorianga@yahoo.com. Both negative and positive feedback will be greatly appreciated as I continue peeling away the layers of an onion. Return tomorrow, pull up a seat set a spell, with Ms. Vickie, the Southern Bell. I know you will enjoy tomorrow as I tease you about sex.

It's Saturday, time for some smiles

2005-11-19T09:10:00.000-05:00

You have all heard me talk about what Missy has done to my brain, well I thought it was time I shared it with you. Since I just had an MRI I was able to steal away a few things to share with you here. Now for the smiles. Forgive me those who are from Texas this is just how the jokes came to me. ** THESE ARE REAL NOTES WRITTEN BY PARENTS IN A TEXAS SCHOOL DISTRICT. (SPELLINGS HAVE BEEN LEFT INTACT.) ** MY SON IS UNDER A DOCTOR'S CARE AND SHOULD NOT TAKE PE TODAY. PLEASE EXECUTE HIM. ** PLEASE EXKUCE LISA FOR BEING ABSENT SHE WAS SICK AND I HAD HER SHOT. ** DEAR SCHOOL: PLEASE ECSC's JOHN BEING ABSENT ON JAN.28, 29, 30, 31, 32 AND ALSO 33. ** PLEASE EXCUSE GLORIA FROM JIM TODAY. SHE IS ADMINISTRATING. ** PLEASE EXCUSE ROLAND FROM P.E. FOR A FEW DAYS. YESTERDAY HE FELL OUT OF A REE AND MISPLACED HIS HIP. ** JOHN HAS BEEN ABSENT BECAUSE HE HAD TWO TEETH TAKEN OUT OF HIS FACE. ** CARLOS WAS ABSENT YESTERDAY BECAUSE HE WAS PLAYING FOOTBALL. HE WAS HURT IN THE GROWING PART. ** MEGAN COULD NOT COME TO SCHOOL TODAY BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN BOTHERED BY VERY CLOSE VEINS. ** CHRIS WILL NOT BE IN SCHOOL CUS HE HAS AN ACRE IN HIS SIDE. ** PLEASE EXCUSE RAY FRIDAY FROM SCHOOL. HE HAS VERY LOOSE VOWELS. ** PLEASE EXCUSE PEDRO FROM BEING ABSENT YESTERDAY. HE HAD (DIAHRE, DYREA, DIREATHE), THE POOPS. [WORDS IN ( )'s WERE CROSSED OUT]. ** PLEASE EXCUSE TOMMY FOR BEING ABSENT YESTERDAY. HE HAD DIARRHEA, AND HIS BOOTS LEAK. ** IRVING WAS ABSENT YESTERDAY BECAUSE HE MISSED HIS BUST. ** PLEASE EXCUSE JIMMY FOR BEING. IT WAS HIS FATHER'S FAULT. ** I KEPT BILLIE HOME BECAUSE SHE HAD TO GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHAT SIZE SHE WEAR. ** PLEASE EXCUSE JENNIFER FOR MISSING SCHOOL YESTERDAY. WE FORGOT TO GET THE SUNDAY PAPER OFF THE PORCH, AND WHEN WE FOUND IT MONDAY THOUGHT IT WAS SUNDAY. ** SALLY WON'T BE IN SCHOOL A WEEK FROM FRIDAY. WE HAVE TO ATTEND HER FUNERAL. ** MY DAUGHTER WAS ABSENT YESTERDAY BECAUSE SHE WAS TIRED. SHE SPENT A WEEKEND WITH THE MARINES. ** PLEASE EXCUSE JASON FOR BEING ABSENT YESTERDAY. HE HAD A COLD AND COULD NOT BREED WELL. ** PLEASE EXCUSE MARY FOR BEING ABSENT YESTERDAY. SHE WAS IN BED WITH GRAMPS. ** GLORIA WAS ABSENT YESTERDAY AS SHE WAS HAVING A GANGOVER. ** PLEASE EXCUSE BRENDA. SHE HAS BEEN SICK AND UNDER THE DOCTOR. ** MARYANN WAS ABSENT DECEMBER 11-16, BECAUSE SHE HAD A FEVER, SORE THROAT, HEADACHE AND UPSET STOMACH. HER SISTER WAS ALSO SICK, FEVER AND SORE THROAT,HER BROTHER HAD A LOW GRADE FEVER AND ACHED ALL OVER. I WASN'T THE BEST EITHER, SORE THROAT AND FEVER. THERE MUST BE SOMETHING GOING AROUND, HER FATHER EVEN GOT HOT LAST NIGHT. ** NOW WE NO WHY PARENTS SCREAMING FOR BETTER EDUCATION FOR OUR KIDS North Meets the South A girl from the South and a girl from the North were seated side by side on a plane. The girl from the South, being friendly and all,said, "So, where ya from?" The Northern girl said, "From a place where they know better than to use a preposition at the end of a sentence." The girl from the South sat quietly for a few moments and then replied, "So, where ya from, bitch?" Enjoy your Saturday, smile and come back pull up a seat, set a spell with Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle. Remember Smile yall

Just a little heavy metal today

2005-11-18T07:45:00.000-05:00

Have you ever just thought about or wondered where meanings and origin of phrases come from? Well maybe you haven't but or maybe you heard someone say something one day and it just stuck with you and left you with a little puzzle in your mind. A puzzle begging to be solved, I know different but time on my hands I have and some things do interest me and this is one of them. I have taken to digging my heels in and searching for an answer, some or very easy to find and then others are oh not so easy. Today I am sharing a phrase with you that I chose just because one of my favorite blogging friends happens to love Def Leppard music. Yes Jude I am talking about you and Tracey, excuse me why I beg apologies and ask are you a Leppard fan? In honor of all Leppard fans and any other fans of heavy metal bands I am going to share with you just what I have found out about where that came from. Just in case you are not familiar heavy metal means hard rock music, usually electric guitar-based and always loud. The origin of heavy metal goes something like this to the best of my knowledge and from my research. Heavy metal seems at first a strange label to apply to a form of music. A little investigation into the symbolism behind makes it seem a rather obvious choice though. 'Heavy' was coined in the beatnik area of the 1950s to mean serious or profound. The term 'heavy music' was then and later applied to music that was in that vein. Of course it's clear to see that meaning of heavy is derived from the usual meaning, i.e. weighty or massive. Okay, that's heavy but why should a form of music be called metal? Well, metal is heavy, especially the metals favored by the bands who played that genre, e.g. Led Zeppelin, Iron Butterfly and Quicksilver Messenger Service (quicksilver is mercury). Also, the term 'heavy metals' in the chemical sense include mercury, lead and cadmium, which have just the right image of toxicity to suit the musical style. So, heavy and metal are ideal candidate words for this genre. Add that to the fact that heavy metal had already been widely used as a military term for heavily fortified tanks/guns etc. and it starts to look like an ideal choice as a label. The expression first appears in print in William Burroughs' 1962 novel The Soft Machine. His character uranium Willy is described as "the Heavy Metal Kid". Burroughs later re-used the term in his 1964 novel 'Nova Express'. Many people have been credited with originating it but it isn't clear who first appropriated the term to refer to loud rock music. The widely quoted description of Jimi Hendrix's music as 'like listening to heavy metal falling from the sky', while true, isn't the earliest. The US rock music critic Lester Bangs, while working for Creem magazine, used the expression in 1968 to describe a performance of the band MC5 (Motor City Five) from Detroit and many regard this as the origin of the current usage of the phrase. The first use of the term in a song lyric is in the 1968 Steppenwolf song "Born to be Wild" : "I like smoke and lightning Heavy metal thunder Racin' with the wind And the feelin' that I'm under" If you have a phrase you have been wondering where it came from just let me know and I will see what I can find for you but no promises other than I will do my best. I hope you are enjoying your time here with me as much as I am an enjoying my new home . I have peeled back another layer of that Vidalia onion to share with you something more of Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

Ms Vickie Goes Political

2005-11-17T09:32:00.000-05:00

My daddy always told me if you want to keep your friends and stay out of arguments there is two things you do not discuss those are politics and religion. In my eyes when I was a child, there was no one any smarter than my daddy. Even today you still better be very careful what you say for he was pretty smart and is still very special after all he was my daddy. I was his first little angel and could do no wrong, until the day my daddy died I don't remember him calling me anything but Shug which is short for Sugar. I tell you this because today I am going to peel back another layer of the onion and dip my feet into not water but what could be fire because this will be a political post. I have always been very proud to be called an American but these days I say it with a little less enthusiasm. Wait before you jump, I support our troops and am so proud of what they are doing for me but I question our government more each day. You are wondering why I can say this well wonder no more just go read for yourself what I read. BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A month before Iraq holds elections, Washington and the government it backs in Baghdad find themselves battling for credibility, rather than being able to tout progress toward democracy and human rights. Full Article If that is not enough with Thanksgiving upon us next week there will be so much air traveling, would you like to experience the difficulty of hours trying to board the plane just because you have been placed on the WATCH list? If you want to know more about this and you really should go check here. O-kay the boxing gloves are on, come on give me your best shot but I've got back up. Today you saw another side of Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle.

Peeling the layers of A Vidalia Onion Away

2005-11-16T11:53:00.000-05:00

I am slowly peeling the layers of an onion away and sharing more of myself with you as I remove these layers. Just don't forget the type of onion I am, a Sweet Vidalia Onion, yes that is right and we grow them right here where I live. Many of you know I am a Registered Nurse and once a RN always one. This is how most Nurses view it and I am no different. So today I want to share a little something with you that just might be important to you one day but normally you would gloss over it. I will even present it to you as a joke and you might read it and remember it A special thanks to my Father-In-Law for sending this to me and nudging me to share it. During a BBQ a friend, Ingrid, stumbled and took a little fall, tripping over a brick because of her new shoes. She assured everyone that she was fine . They offered to call paramedics. She declined and instead they got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Later that evening Ingrid's husband called telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital. And at about 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ . If only someone had known how to identify the signs of a stroke perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Now for the Nurse side of Me: A Neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can reverse the effects of a stroke.. And in many cases it will be totally reversible. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed and getting the patient to a Neurologist within 3 hours is the answer and this tough. So let each of us do our part to make this happen if we can and we do play a very important part in making it happen. How you might ask? RECOGNIZING A STROKE Use the SENSE you were given to LEARN and to REMEMBER the "3" steps. READ and LEARN! Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.You a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions: 1. *Ask the individual to SMILE. 2. *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS. 3. *Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny outtoday) If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. To show you how important this is imagine if 10 of you use this and follow it at least 1 life will be saved. So please do so and don't stop here, share this information either by linking others here. Yes I need help letting people find my new place or by placing it on your site, or by e-mailing it but just get the word out and save a few people. Now you have seen another side of Ms. Vickie the Southern Belle. Please come back again as I peel away at more of those layers. What kind of onion am I?

I'm a little like Sadie Hawkins

2005-11-15T11:40:00.000-05:00

It was November 15, 1937, that someone a lot like me became responsible for the first Sadie Hawkins Day. Yes Ms. Sadie was a homely one with a very concerned dad and it was actually he who initiated this special day as he did not want her on his hands for the rest of his life. Sadie Hawkins Day, an American folk event, made its debut in Al Capp's Li'l Abner strip November 15, 1937. Sadie Hawkins was "the homeliest gal in the hills" who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin'. Her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, a prominent resident of Dogpatch, was even more worried about Sadie living at home for the rest of his life, so he decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony the consequence. By the late 1930's the event had swept the nation and had a life of its own. Life magazine reported over 200 colleges holding Sadie Hawkins Day events in 1939, only two years after its inception. It became a woman empowering rite at high schools and college campuses, long before the modern feminist movement gained prominence. The basis of Sadie Hawkins Day is that women and girls take the initiative in inviting the man or boy of their choice out on a date, typically to a dance attended by other bachelors and their aggressive dates. When Al Capp created the event, it was not his intention to have the event occur annually on a specific date because it inhibited his freewheeling plotting. However, due to its enormous popularity and the numerous fan letters Capp received, the event became an annual event in the strip during the month of November, lasting four decades. Yes it is many years later and we can still do those things if we dare to. I think today just because I happen to think of Sadie Hawkins I might have have me a little fun here....get ready there are many of you ladies out there and so why don't you do the same. I know you have your very special ones so tell all here or just a little to keep us coming back. On that note many know if they read Bob is very special to me so now the rest of you know and if you want to know just who Bob is go here and find out. Now Bob can we go truckin? Remember gals as they were called in those days, share your crushes here or there but you can today and it will be just fine because Sadie Hawkinks said we could. Enjoy life, smile. have fun, and yes Life Is Simply Good see something never change with me.

Little Orphan Annie and the Little Man visits

2005-11-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

Wow, the tornado hit here before I knew it this morning, no not that kind. The kind I am speaking of is in the form of a 2 small kids who have never known love or a normal life. Little Orphan Annie as I call J here is just 3 years old and beautiful and on her way to keep Trucker Bob company. Her little brother is only 11 months younger known as Little Man as I will call C here, already has me wrapped around his finger. I watched these kids play and thought how could their mother and father be the type to allow their kids to be taken away from them due to NEGLECT. My heart broke and it still hurts as I think someone could be so sorry that this would happen, over 700 reports had been made before these two kids were finally removed from that environment. I could never abuse or neglect an animal let alone conceive doing so with a child. These are the Grandchildren of D, my cousin she now has temporary custody of them. D is one of the most beautiful, loving, and caring people you will ever meet and will do all she can to keep these kids. She herself has had problems and is in poor health as she suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 85% of her body when she was in her 20s while married to a very abusive husband. Today as we visited and played with the kids, for a short time it was as if no one had any problems or any medical problems at all. Kids have a way of reminding us of what is important in life.....hugs, kisses and love lots of it. Yes those were given over and over. Today Little Orphan Annie called me something I have never been called before, I became Momma to her as D is Nanny. Yes - no child has ever called me Momma but today I was and no I did not smile, I cried, why? Once again things are quiet here except for the snore of my mother. My heart remains heavy but guess what I just realized Little Orphan Annie left one of her toys with me. A very good reason to see her soon, and play again. How has your day been? Bob thank you so much for the kind intro you gave me but what about the picture you used? I never told you about my twin so how did you find the picture. No more cookies for you.

A-Z helping you know me

2005-11-13T19:49:00.000-05:00

Take a seat and set a spell!!

I know my ABC's and now yall know more about me.

A is for Age - 49 is my chronological age, now the big question is do I look it or do I act it? I leave that question for you to answer. B is for Booze - Tequila....to kill you it will....serve it up.... without the salt and pass the lemon no lime. shots only.....Thank you these days I have none. C is for Career - Registered Nurse sold out to Missy for changes in my life which lead to a Career of being a better person. D is for Dad’s name - Dalton Dois E is for Essential items to bring to a party - My extremely bubbly personality! F is for Favorite songs at the moment - You want me to tell you my favorite song at the moment when I do good to remember my name.....It will be called I like that what is the name of that, now if I can remember it...better at telling you who I like. G is for Goof off thing to do - Just be myself, oh you mean a thing to do... Don't tell anyone just let me go away alone to the park at the lake , maybe take a good book to read. H is for Hometown - Lumber City,GA I is for Instrument you play - Once upon a time I played the piano but not anymore. J is for Jam or Jelly you like - Not to picky but my favorite is Peach preserves K is for Kids - Smoltz, 13 (cat) L is for Living arrangement - Mother, Hubby, and Smoltz. M is for Mom’s name - Patricia Elaine N is for Names of best friends - Jan, Melissa, Sharon, Donna, Spud and I'm pretty partial to my blog and Internet friends...even though I never label yall as "blog" or "Internet" friends. O is for overnight hospital stays - Several and I'm not writing a book here. P is for Phobias - No phobias just concerned of one day being blind. Q is for Quote you like - Life Is Simply Good R is for Relationship that lasted longest - Current one S is for Siblings - Baby sister Jan T is for Texas , Ever been? - Yes several times. U is for Unique trait - I'm unique if you don't believe me just ask me!! I have been sprinkled with Fairy dust (freckles) and some of them make cute patterns. V if for Vegetable you love - Butter beans! W is for Worst traits - Procrastination, disorganization. Don't say a word Bob X is for XRays you’ve had - You don't have all day but I know I have a brain and can even show you it just has some flaws! Y is for Yummy food you make - Peach Cobbler Z is for Zodiac sign - Gemini Make yourself at home, grab something to drink this will take just a minute. At this time Always Victoria will remain in place but there will be no new enteries. Each person has many facets to who they are and I am no different but soon after I began to write at Always Victoria I allowed myself to become known as the Inspirational site. I will admit that one of the many facets of who I am does involve being a very inspirational and motivational person but there are many others as well. Here you will see me begin to be Vickie, the Southern Belle.

Testing

2005-11-10T10:10:00.000-05:00

Test Post!!! weeeee!