Taylored Memorial Creations

My first thought was Robin Williams. I remember the sadness and pointlessness of it all--a man so comedic and entertaining could struggle at such great lengths with depression. It emphasizes the fact you just do not know what another person might be struggling through at any given moment.  But, why pick someone famous? On the same day Arnold Palmer passed away, a homeless guy, James, passed away as well. James was an interesting fellow with wild, curly blonde hair and a VERY deep voice. But once you started talking to him you learned at a very young age he learned to play guitar. His eyes lit up underneath all those blonde curls when he talked about guitars. And once again I feel the enormous sadness for the soul who passed in the bathroom at the local grocery store.  As much as I am moved by these, when I focus on the question of whose death has affected me the MOST (and besides Jesus, whose life and death has greatly impacted millions, hands down), I must pick my mot...

The Necklace I wear this necklace today, as I wore it every day for years. The shiny, silver, embossed pieces that endured cold weather and hot, sweat and tears, dust, dirt and blood; and dangle unremarkably on their chain around my neck. The same necklace my father wore, my grandfather, and many of my uncles, cousins and my nephew. Although it identifies the wearer, it’s purpose is to identify the remains. There are many just like it dangling from the necks of those brave brothers and sisters who serve side by side and are willing to die for this country. I wear it to honor those I served with, those who serve now, and for those who served before me.

It was about four years ago, and I was facing the dreaded “C-word” diagnosis (thyroid cancer). It was very traumatic, as I was dealing with surgery, radiation, a possible protracted illness, and maybe even death. Also, I was facing the possibility of being temporarily incapacitated and unable to care for myself and my family. And, being the strong, independent, modern-day woman, mother and wife that I am, all of these things were very daunting. So, when my church family heard the news, several people asked what they could do to help. Being that strong, independent, modern-day woman, I told them I would be fine (did I also mention proud...and stubborn?). A few days after the thyroid surgery, I was at a meeting at a local shelter where I served on the Board, and the shelter’s case manager, who was also my friend, asked me how I was doing. I gave her my usual pat answer. “Just fine.” She asked if there was anything she could do for me during my recovery or while I was receiving r...

Top Ten Reasons to buy a fruitcake candle or, Nothing says "I love you" like a fruitcake candle 1.   The fun of receiving it.   There is nothing like the surprise on someone's face when they find out they have been TRICKED and actually have the fruitcake candle in their possession, instead of a gift, or an item in your refrigerator, or something edible. 2.   It is the fun of hiding it for someone.   Doesn't everyone want be sneaky and hide things and then wish they could "see your face" when their cleverness was discovered?   There is a certain amount of skill that goes into finding the perfect place for disposing...I mean, “hiding” the candle for someone else to discover. 3.   It creates awesome memories for adults and children alike!   Who didn't reminisce about either their own or someone else's clever way of passing on the candle.   Even the kids can join in the fun of helping to hide or helping to discover.   And in some c...

Here is why: In my 50 years of planetary occupation (yes, I’ll admit it, I'll be 50 this May!) I have learned it is not about me.   I have met many people during this half-century, and I have discovered I am a very blessed person.  There are people who are without a home, so they do not have a warm, comfortable bed at night or the simple luxuries we take for granted like showering or washing our clothes when we want.  I own a car, so I do not need to walk or bike in difficult weather conditions in order to travel to work, to the grocery store, or to enjoy coffee with a friend.  And if I am hungry, I walk to my fridge and find something to eat, fix food in my kitchen, or hit the Wendy's drive-through and buy a grilled chicken sandwich.  When it comes right down to it, I have a nice roof over my head, plenty of food and clothes, and a cute, little red car that runs well and gets me where I want to go.   I am very blessed. However, I am not blind ...

Starlog Day 2, 4 hours Second Day, Second Life, “Charlie’s” First Lesbian Experience?             I decided to learn more about the Second Life culture, and see if I couldn’t better equip myself to maneuver this foreign world.   I searched and watched a few Youtube videos so I could learn more about the basics.   My goal for this next attempt, I needed to learn how to communicate.             For whatever reason, when I logged into Second Life, there were plenty of people walking around and several were helpful.   I was excited, I was communicating with people in Second Life!!   I asked for help.   I changed my shape (apparently, to do some of these things you need to upgrade to “advanced” mode, which does NOT cost anything!).   I had a Miss Sweetwater ask why I was so short.   I changed the view to see the front of me.   I had morphed i...