Nuts About Friday Haikus!

By the graces of the Lord God and the pensiveness of Andrew Lewis Stanfield, another Friday greets us and bows away. Saturating us with the promise of the joys to come and distractions of pleasure, the most important moments for some approach on the giggling feet of anticipation. Yet before we embark upon a most ambitious weekend, what would the close of Friday be without a haiku; and how far much better with several....

...but first things first...Friday Fixins for all you nuts out there.

Boiled Peanuts
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 quarts green uncooked peanuts
1/2 cup salt
2 1/2 quarts water

Wash Peanuts until water runs clear. Put clean peanuts in
crockery pot, add salt and water; stir. Cook, covered, on
high for 5 to 7 hours. Add additional water during
cooking, if necessary, to keep peanuts covered.

mmmmmm....tasty and even kinda healthy unless you have a nut allergy. But hey, just because I am sooo wonderful; here's something extra for my beloved Louisiana and all my cajun friends. ayhieeee!!!!

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And now on to the haikus of Friday: Fridakus. Thanks Andylicious for keeping the torch alive!


Smoldering Visions
Sticky summer duel
Melting inhibition's rule
Less being more cool.

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Happy Cohorts
United laughter
All for one and one for all
Breeds joys multiplied.

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Friday Haiku
Friday haiku;
Uniting thoughts from two minds
One chord harmony.

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Fridaku
Arrive at week's end
Write haikus on friday
5, 7, 5 read.

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The Seeing Unseen
One layer away
Desperately close, we watch
Oh voyeur delight.

BLUE Monday: Titan Blues!

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Its another exciting time here in the Ville; Nashville that is, Tennessee!!! The air is really brisk today; very much unlike the sleevelessly warm day before. It was a great weekend all together! We hosted a "Supper Club" gathering Saturday night at 6:30 which always means you spend evey minute before then cleaning, decorating and cooking. This was no different. We even skipped gym. I wish I could say I had been heartbroken. We hung more pictures in one afternoon than we have in the last 10 years. I had stopped by Hobby Lobby Friday afternoon on the way home. It became terrifyingly obvious that this was one of the best Hobby Lobbies I had ever seen. I couldn't focus. Everything was screaming "buy me!" or "this would look great" and OVERLOAD. I had to leave. I called honey and told her we would have to come back together. It was a fantastic menu of sweet potato cassorole, green beans, mashed potatoes, home baked turkey, little wiennies, ice cream, homemade poundcake, pumpkin spice pudding, cresant roles, sweet tea and ice cold lemonade; all kicked of with a prayer of thanks and blessings.

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Sunday was a really pleasant day. After sleeping in til noon, my sweetie and I planted 13 trees around the homestead and have another 20+ to go. The best part is I got to play with a new toy I rented from Home Depot. They really do have ways of making life easier. Typically I would have used a shovel and post hole digger; whew, I rented a hole driller and saved my palms, my shoulders and my energy. It was just like a weedeater with a drill on the end. Sweet! In four hours I had all the holes dug. I am sure my inexperience was visible; but I didnt care. I will not be beaten by the machine. I did get the hang of it and all went well.


The bad news: after putting out all those trees, it is allegedly "freezing" tonite. The game can easily be watched while snuggling on the couch eating tasty treats. The workout can easily be scooted to another day. The workday has been good. I have knocked out an 8 page newsletter, a 40 page magazine layout and started a newspaper.

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Traffic was horrible this morning. The Colts are in town and a GET MOTIVATED siminar. I am certain that some folks enjoyed the seminar as a necessary business expense to be in town for the game a few hours later; not to discredit those motovational seminars — they are typically very good! The hard part is the jolt back to reality after you return home/work.

Thursday Thinkings: Journey to the Weekend!

Today is the launch of Thursday Thinkings of whose goal I must reveal later. Meanwhile here in now sunny Nashville, it is a day not untypical of any other. It rained in the morning and is completely different by noon. You gotta love change, it never changes. Hopefully the same innocent wonder of childhood is always within us, wondering, exploring and creating dreams in the world around us. There are magic things about kinds that they always love: bubbles, balloons, magic, glow-in-the-dark and 3-D! I must be still a kid at heart too!


My nephew is in Disneyland and I am sure he is having a great time. I talked briefly with him by phone and he could hardly contain his excitement. I wonder how I would have felt at that age seeing a giant rat coming toward me; but times have changed since then. This weekend my dearest oldest friend Tiny turns the F' word, 40! We always knew this day would come. It seems funny how old people seem when your aren't their age. I dont suppose I would go back even if I could. Nonetheless birthdays are great! Its a cause for celebration and fun. I think it will be an excellent weekend for a great IMAX 3-D movie, "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Since we already went "Zorbing," and neither of us believe in unnecessary risk (wink), I suppose skydiving is out along with bungie jumping. So lets eat!



If it wasnt Thursday, would Friday still be the end of the week? I look forward to the return of the Pensive. My friend Bendy has given me a new nickname that I think I like, "MaxiFrog." Despite sounding like a new mini tampon or FBD (female battery device) [dont steal that, its mine. I meant the acronym] it has some real potiential for a nerd like me. Its a LAM night and that too is more that fun can describe. Hmmm...much rambling about little to be quantified; but you already knew that.

ZORB again!!!!

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It would seem that each of us has an age or a date of time in mind that we "should have" or "should own" certain things by. There are some ages that we mark in our minds such as "turning 30, or 40, or 50, or 60 etc." There comes a point that you either give up or just decide that now is the time and you wont wait any longer on maybe's. This weekend was an early celebration with my BFF (Tiny). We all loaded into the vehicle and headed to Pigeon Forge, TN, the destination of the only "zorb" facility in TN. Of course, Tiny had all the maps, hotels, dining arrangements, gps navigation, sites and happenings mapped out — she's really in the wrong business. She will be turning 40 July 12 and this was one of the things on her "bucket list." As she easily admits and sometimes brags, "You (I) have been there everytime she has almost died;" so of course, I opted in again for another great adventure.




Our history is littered with great adventures. Over several dining occassions and during the drive, we retold some of our funniest stories to my highly entertained wife Pickle. Of course they were all funny ...at least now. Zorbing would be another great adventure that we would all remember. Tiny was completely committed to this event. We were often second guessing the weather conditions and the chilly temperature; but she would not be deterred. The three and a half hour drive went easily by over laughs and stories.



Upon arrival: I drove down the winding road along the massive hill. I knew the butterflies now laughing in my stomach were paying attention to the size of the hill. In the distance, we could all see a row of 4 large zorb balls. As we drove closer to the base camp, it was obvious that the hill reached deeply down into the valley, which meant that ball was going to be rolling FAST! Even better; they were taking photos that we could also purchase at the end. It was pretty funny watching the 3 of us jump through a tiny hole into a bubble inside a bubble; but we did it. Once we were all in, they added about two gallons of warm water and closed the hatch. Now there was no turning back; all the chicken was fried. I heard us each inhale deeply as the ball was rolled backward then shoved over the hill. Yeeehhaaaa!!!!!! Nashville coming thru!!! Three giggling friends are transported back to childhood while the roll down a hill with their arms interlocked. What a celebration. We couldn't wait to see the pictures commemorating the turning of 40! Unfortunately, there were no pictures; we had only our memories. The photographer had accidentally erased them in the transfer from camera to computer. I asked her to check twice. I saw the people before and after; but no us. We were bummed. I STRONGLY suggest that you leave nothing to chance, take your own photos as backup. They offered to send us back down the hill; but it wouldn't have been the same. Besides we were now dry. Matching t-shirts might have been nice; but they seemed slightly unconcerned. :( So off to the next adventure...


There's a great quote "Get busy living or get busy dying..." delivered by Morgan Freeman in one of his best movies....and thats what we did. To make the moment even more memorable; a very nice guy from The New York Times was there to interview us and catch it all on film. Boy, am I glad my hair wasn't all over my head. We still have minature hopes of seeing some clip that will make us laugh beyond the memories.

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Of course we went on to other things. Eating, laughing and then to the WonderWorks, an exercise for the mind. Oh boy....we had a blast. We walked through this rotating tunnel to get in and all got stupid dizzy, hanging on to the rails as if we could fall thousands of feet (maybe 12 inches in reality); what an illusion! We did everything we could fit on. The most fun was a two seated bicycle that you could pedal and go upside down in a 360 spin; kinda like a circular rollercoaster. The girls did virtual rides while I looked at some Echer prints and met some new people. I could hear their squeals most places I walked; they were having a blast. Needless-to-say; a lot more people got in line after them. It was a great weekend. ...boy, wait til we turn 50!!!!!!

The Mystic of Surprise

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This morning started out absolutely beautiful. The snow fell like a sky full of dandruf. It was hypnotic. It got myself and my pensive coworker extremely excited to know we might be home and warm by noon. The ground was littered with mounds of snow beginning to swagger across the street in front of the trash. I could hear the lullabye of the wind just outside my window as it skirted the corners. In moments, it was hard to see across the street; let alone, the street itself. But as they say, "no good deed goes unpunished." By 10am, the clouds broke with a grand smile and by 10:15; there was no snow. (this is the part where the grand organ plays deep low notes of doom in the background) Alas, stuck. We are still here.




On the upside of it all. Romance is like a fine symphony. The chords rush together and then hide from each other beneath textures of subtle trebles and basses until they tumble free in some dalliance of audactic extasy. I sent my wifey an extraordinary arrangement today instead of tomorrow. Everything is paled in a crowd. I felt there would be a more significant impact and truely focused attention on a day before the masses mobilize into action. This way, EVERYONE has to notice hers; not only because of their extraordinary beauty, but they were first! Phase one initiated. That's all I can say about that.

Well the snow is gone and the day is half over. Many thing to blog about today but your ears cannot bear the screeching. Love is like a river you have never been on or seen; you take each turn and bend as you will, careful to enjoy the ride, see the scenery, feast upon the catch and spin grand tales of an adventure always around the next bend. :D

Clues they aren't right: notice the pointed unmaintianed ears, the selfish eating habits, lack of personal grooming, and disregard for fine dining...."

Meanwhile, in the event you are looking for Mr./Mrs. Right, here's an entertaining read. Pickled Silly

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Ungrounded Again!

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It's hump day and I am working away on a huge project. Took a brief hiadias to let the thoughts collect and the resolutions settle in for the long haul. I don't make many resolutions cause I try to keep them all. Oh well... I was listening to a great Tom Petty song...There's just something about flying that is completely liberating. If you have ever or rember the first flight in a helecopter when you went over a ridge and your stomach drops because your mind is getting mixed messages from you eyes and your conscience....breathtaking when you should be falling, but your still flying.


My wifey got me flying lessons on my birthday and it took awhile for the right flying conditions but it finally happened. what a great present! I have always wanted to fly in everyway — to soar with the eagles and flirt with the birds. AMAZING! IT was sooo easy that I didn't believe I was in control til I shoved the wheel forward and we plunged downward. The instructor guides me through the headset on the mechanics and how to do certain flight patterns. It was natural. He answered every question except responding to my "so we could fly down there and chase cows..." no response. After repeating it twice, I decided my headset was temporarily malfunctioning.


Sweety snapped pics and video from the backseat of the small 4-seater. Occassional turbulance reminded us of the miracle/realism of flight. Its kinda like cars and plains have robbed us of the appreciation of distance that we now take for granted.Free Fallin'. After a few Miami Vice side glides, I flew to Lebanon and Hendersonville then back to Murfreesboro. Sweet! Thanks honey.

Now I am just remembering the crisp air, the freedom, the view and the tranquility. Ahhhhhh.....take it Tom....

Free fallin, now Im free fallin, now im
Free fallin, now Im free fallin, now im
I wanna glide down over mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky
Gonna free fall out into nothin
Gonna leave this world for a while
And Im free, free fallin
Yeah Im free, free fallin ...more...

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Aside from that great present, I had a fantastic dinner with our great friend Tom and Cassandra. Its always a blast. I got a great Salvador Dali, one of my favorite artist coffee table picture book. Matching t-shirts for me and wifey (yes, we prefer to match....I know its kinda hokey; but such that it is). Thanks Tom. Reminds me of a funny non-blonde story. Anyway, some day when I doodle or sketch or even better, draw, I also got a great leather-bound sketch pad. What a great year!

Fractured Frigid Friday; Frompy Friday Fixin's!

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Its another chilly Friday. The week seems like a blur. I am trying to sit quietly and listen to my self thing; but of course, its better if I just start typing. Its a heavy deadline month complicated by meetings that are what they are — meetings to schedule more meetings.

Its a great day to be alive and its only made better by being surrounded by great people. I was reflecting to an earlier time of nothingness in the before time when I knew few friends and even fewer people. Such were the days before now. I sometimes revisit the philosophies of those times and try to understand more than why; but also the ripple effect of dogmaticly carrying out my policies. Yada Yada Yada....bring on the dancin' girls.

So here's something lighter; but heavier for entertainment. GAMES

Download Fun Games for the Holidays

Get in the holiday spirit with fun and challenging games like Family Feud Holidays and Powerpuff Girls: Fast and Flurrious.

...and alas....let's eat!!!


Friday Fixins!

Easy Ham Roll-Ups

From Diana Rattray, Your Guide to Southern Food.
Easy ham roll-ups, a lunch or snack recipe with
crescent roll dough, ham, cheese, and mustard.

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough
* prepared honey mustard
* 4 to 8 thin slices ham, depending on size
* 4 rectangular Mozzarella cheese slices, or use shredded Mozzarella cheese
* sesame seeds

PREPARATION:
Divide crescent rolls into 4 rectangles and press perforated seams together. Spread with the honey mustard. Top each rectangle with 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese, or sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Roll lengthwise, then roll in sesame seeds. Cut each roll into 6 slices and bake at 350° following crescent roll directions, or until browned.
Makes 24.

Hector's Wedding

It was a joyous occassion full of nervous excitement. Its fascinating to watch two people merge into one...sorta like a swirl icecream machine blending lives, families, beliefs, hopes, dreams and futures into one treat. I met Hector's brother in the bathroom and after striking up a conversation, I was soon recounting the events of our meeting and how critical that has been to my success. In short, he's kinda responsible for me being back in church, married and happy. Well of course the brother couldnt believe such an unbelieveable story. He drags me out to his father to tell the story again. "You gotta hear this!" he exclaimed. My wifey was already greeting the father; so I tell the whole story again. Great families with miraculous promise that have already survived great odds. Tremendous! Below are a few shots from the spectacular wedding made only less spectacular by an even less spectacular photographer.









Its all grand!

"Squaaaak Shook" as the Mulch Monster Died

Sqak Shook, Squaaaak Shook as the Mulch Monster died one shovel before the last.

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Well, let me tell you; it was another spectacularly sunny warm weekend down in the 'boro. I had a fantastic weekend. Our day started at 7am Saturday morning and ended at sundown. That intense day of outsideness included mowing the lawn, weeding, 7 yrds of mulching, stipping and painting the mailbox, planting MORE flowers, and applying turf builder. WHEW! Glad its Monday! The bad news; that was only half of the yard work.




Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers; we wouldn't be here without 'em. My wife had a nice Mother's Day. She enjoyed a Keri Underwood CD, cards, visiting with youngest son Nick and Tyler and voicemails wishing her well. We laughed and talked for several hours along with some outstanding french toast, cheddar brots, poundcake, and tapioca pudding. (Hmmm...I better workout tonite) Oh yeah, pass the popcorn.



Traffic was great and this day is moving along. I cannot help but think about our flowers. There's just something exciting about "life" and watching it happen and how it works in synchronicity. With the flowers come butterflies, hummingbirds and various other little critters that we don't normally see or notice. The air wafts by with a sweet perfume. The honeysuckle permiates the air in the backyard. We have two squirril-proof bird feeders on the back deck...only one is really squirril proof — they're pretty sneaky little brainiacs! Great bird watching weekend. I saw bluejays, goldfinches, english sparrows, wood thrushes, cardinals, chickadees, starlins and a tufted titmouse. (in case you had any doubts of my nerdness....)

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The Power of Partnership

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Great Partnerships among good men make great rewards. Congratulations!!!

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Like most things with us, we encountered these two modest, cheerful chaps by accident. It was evident from the beginning that this would not be a chance meeting. We quickly fell into conversation and discovered similarities and like spirits. I have always studied and admired strong friendships. They typically are strong because of a commitment to be that way. Great friendships require something most people aren't willing to give ....a commitment to selflessness. History and legends are full of dynamic duo: Batman and Robin, Lone Ranger and Tonto, Ben and Jerry. Here's to another two, Dudley and Ray. Good luck and continued success in all you do. These guys build great houses, love their families and keep a skyward perspective nothing short of "magnificient." PLUS, they're great folks too. I could go on and on; but you could not bear the weight of such. Have a great weekend!

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