Forward

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.

-Sydney Smith, writer and clergyman (1771-1845)

Yele is an organization founded by Haitian musician and activist Wyclef Jean and all donations will go directly to where there is the most need. Thanks to Ilene for this information and the quote. Or text YELE to 501 501 to donate $5 via your cellphone

Text HAITI to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

Here is a list of charitable organizations active in Haiti.

Thinking of the heartbreaking tragedy in Haiti and holding my loves close.

Robot Plans: A One Act

Robot Schematic Diagram; First Draft by Bob and Daddy

ROBOT PLANS

BOB and DADDY sit on the floor of Bob's room loading blocks, Legos and assorted finger-puppets into the back of a battery operated dump truck.

BOB


Daddy? I need to build a robot.

DADDY


Oh?

BOB


I want to make a robot today. 


DADDY

You know Uncle Andy builds robots. That’s his job.

BOB

What kinds of robots?

DADDY

Well, he builds robots for rocket ships.

BOB

OK but I don't need the rocket ship yet. Just the robot. Can we build a robot with him? I want one.


DADDY

Let's call Uncle Andy.


(DADDY presses speed dial 5.)

UNCLE ANDY

Hello?

DADDY


It’s your brother-in-law and also your nephew. You're on speaker.

BOB


Uncle Andy! I need to build a robot with you now.


UNCLE ANDY

Hi Bob. 
What kind of robot?

BOB


A good robot, not a bad one. I want a nice robot that does not break things. And it brings snacks. I want a nice robot that will bring snacks.


END SCENE

NOTE: Later that evening, Daddy Googled "snack robot" and finds the following image on a site called Technabob. I think Bob's on to something.

Night Passport: A One Act

NIGHT PASSPORT

I am sitting on the edge of BOB'S bed, tucking him in for the night. I kiss him on the forehead.

ME

Night night, sweetheart. Now, close your eyes.

BOB

I don't want to close my eyes.

ME

Why, Poops?

BOB

Because I'll go to another country.

ME

Other countries are nice. You've been to other countries before.

BOB

When I was a baby?

ME

When you were younger.

BOB

Where? What countries?

ME

Well... you went to England and Germany and Mexico. You were in the Netherlands and Austria...

BOB

Oh. Those are good countries.

ME

So close your eyes and have sweet dreams.

BOB

Maybe I can dream about ice skating except if the water isn't freezing yet it's just water and then you can't walk on it.

ME

Why don't you dream about birthdays and cake?

BOB

Oh. That's a good idea. I really like cake. Cake would be a great country.

(BOB closes his eyes.)


END SCENE

Answer #8

I've been answering these questions from Dera's meme for the past week and the one I've had the most difficulty with is this one: If Santa could bring you something this year, what would that special something be? I'm not trying to be difficult here and I don't want to be a dick about this but, Santa - I can't really come up with anything. I am set up. I want what I have.

I've got faith and adventure, friends and family and the waves of highs and lows that come with having a full life. I have some empty pockets in my heart where I miss certain people, and animals and places but the emptiness is a result of the great fortune of having once known and loved them all. There is sunshine and clouds and the smell of fireplaces burning.

I have an education and enough to eat and a place to live and so very much more than many people in this world, especially many women. There is health here and hope and help and purpose. I enjoy companionship and laughter and understanding and tears and the time to enjoy it all. There are books and movies and poetry and television, the internet and travel and people who like swapping stories. I have memories and photographs and home movies and friends who will fill in the gaps when I can't remember all the details. I am on a first name basis with many dogs. I have the sweetest husband. I have an astonishing son. There are fresh peaches here, even in the winter.

So, I'm good, Santa. Thanks for asking.

Smacksy Sunday Link: My Cousin Rocks Hard

My cousin Kim is an Associate Professor at the University of San Francisco at the Center for Aids Prevention Studies. In addition to being a mom of three fantastic boys, she's been working as an AIDS researcher for the past 20 years. She's also fluent in a bunch of languages, has a beautiful singing voice and is an excellent cook but don't hate her for how easy she makes it look, she's just all awesome like that. She can't help it. Oh and she's nice. And gifted in the looks department. And way more modest about all of this than I would be. OK, you can hate her just a little.

This June, the gorgeous and kick-ass Dr. Page will be participating in the AIDS LifeCycle 9, where she will ride 545 miles on a bicycle to raise money and awareness to fight HIV/AIDS and support those living with the disease. This is a link to her LifeCycle page where you can learn more about Kim and her upcoming ride.

While I will not be riding, (too much exercise makes me crabby) I am pledging some dough because using a credit card is something I do really well. We all have our strengths.


This is my answer to question #7 of Dera's darling meme over at la bonita Casablanca.

Smacksy Saturday Photo: Unsolved Mysteries

Today, once again, I came upon this familiar scene: The thrice-weekly whodunit. The dog? The kid? The cat? The husband? They all look guilty and nobody's talking.

Christmas Dinner 1955

I want to go back in time to December 25 1955, dinner at Sophie's Cafe in Borger Texas. This was my paternal grandmother's restaurant. The family had made the move to Texas from New Mexico less than 10 years prior to this. My grandma cooked magnificent Mexican food, the best ever.

I'll have the green chili with sopapillas please, and a sweet tea.

Sitting at the table, my young grandparents, my Aunt Dolores, her baby daughter, and adorable 15 year-old Eddie, the boy who would grow up to be my dad. Perhaps the 11 year-old girl who would become my mother, stops in with her folks to say hello. I could table hop.

I want to to hear what they're saying, eat what they're eating. And take pictures of the whole thing.


This is the answer to question #6 of Dera's meme at Casablanca.
More good trips in the time machine over at Christopher and Tia's Flashback Friday.