“Let yourself go. Pull out from the depths those thoughts that you do not understand, and spread them out in the sunlight and know the meaning of them.”
― E.M. Forster, A Room with a View
by CD-W
Always find a room with a view
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Category Archives: Dear Readers
You decide
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
my abstract art
Where are YOU going today? 🙂
Standing up to obstacles
Imagine having to protest for your right to be admitted into Officer Candidate School.
When that conflict is resolved, you become a second lieutenant in the Army. But then, on an Army bus, you confront the Army Bus driver for telling you you have to sit in the back. The military police takes you into custody. You complain about the questioning and an officers recommends you be court-martialed.
You are transferred to a different Battalion where the commander charges you with several offenses including public drunkenness. But you don’t even drink. Thankfully, months later, you are acquitted.
You leave the Army and play baseball in the minor leagues. But you are not allowed to stay with your teammates. Still, you prove yourself – big time.
On this day in 1947, you are signed to a major league team- the Dodgers. During one game, the manager of another team yells “go back to the cotton fields.”
And something strange happens. Your teammates stick up for you. Then, in 1962, you are inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Did you see Jackie Robinson hit that ball?
It went zoomin cross the left field wall.
Yeah boy, yes, yes. Jackie hit that ball.
And when he swung his bat,
the crowd went wild,
because he knocked that ball a solid mile.
Yeah boy, yes, yes. Jackie hit that ball.
Satchel Paige is mellow,
so is Campanella,
Newcombe and Doby, too.
But it’s a natural fact,
when Jackie comes to bat,
the other team is through.
Did you see Jackie Robinson hit that ball?
Did he hit it? Yeah, and that ain’t all.
He stole home.
Yes, yes, Jackie’s real gone.
Did you see Jackie Robinson hit that ball?
Did he hit it? Yeah, and that ain’t all.
He stole home.
Yes, yes, Jackie’s real gone.
Jackie’s is a real gone guy. – song by Buddy Johnson
Way to go, Jackie Robinson!
Tragedy
On this day in 1912, first, second and third class passengers of the RMS Titanic were filled with hope and excitement. It promised to be a grand adventure — not just the travel itself, but the thought of docking in New York City. They had four full days of entertainment and hopefully, fun. Then we all know what happened on the 15th. Of the 2,224 passengers and crew, more than 1500 died. The people in third class had a higher rate of casualties. To see an interesting collection of recovered artifacts, check here.
photo credit
“Not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.”
Happy Birthday, Anne Lamott! I first “met” this woman when I read Traveling Mercies. Not only did I feel the “spirit”‘ of this book, I also laughed out loud. She admitted that when she prayed, she used the F-bomb saying God didn’t care. He knew her. I love this kind of honesty.
In this same book, she also talked about the female’s image of herself. At first a bit self conscience when going to the beach in her swimsuit, she saw the perfect bodies of the young women and realized that they were more self-conscience than she was. In fact, Anne didn’t worry about body image anymore. She had grown into it.
And then, there was Bird by Bird. This book truly helped take away the fear writing.
Born on this day in 1954, I know she will continue to inspire us for many years to come. Thanks, Anne!
Nuts!
On this day, April 9, 1965, Time Magazine featured the Peanuts gang. Why? This was the Vietnam era. It was also the year of Bloody Sunday when 200 Alabama State Troopers attacked 525 civil rights demonstrators in Selma as they attempted to march to Montgomery. So why the Peanuts cover?
Charles “Sparky” Schulz’s comic strips had philosophical, psychological, and sociological overtones. In his subtle ways, he wrote of gender equality, the need for racially integrated schools and neighborhoods, and his views against the Vietnam war.
“I think I’ve discovered the secret of life – you just hang around until you get used to it.” – Charles M. Schulz.
Thank you, Charlie Brown and gang. And yes, happiness is a warm puppy.
Dazed and Confused about these Twinkies
was a stoner movie in the 1970’s. The location of one scene, Top Notch, a hamburger joint here in town, only added to the casual restaurant’s popularity. I ate there today – as I do about twice a month. But something was different.
Deep fried Twinkies? My turn to be “Dazed and Confused.”
Is this Texas’ version of Cafe Du Monde’s beignets in New Orleans?
I can’t tell you the difference. I fore-went the fried Twinkie offer.
Pablo Picasso died today
in 1973 at the age of 91.
“Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” – Pablo Picasso
Interesting fact: During the Second World War, Picasso remained in Paris while the Germans occupied the city. Picasso’s artistic style did not fit the Nazi ideal of art, so he did not exhibit during this time. He was often harassed by the Gestapo. During one search of his apartment, an officer saw a photograph of the painting Guernica. “Did you do that?” the German asked Picasso. “No,” he replied, “You did.”
“Guernica”
Here’s a self portrait he did at the age of twenty:
And here’s his self-portrait at 90:
He changed a lot in 70 years!
Tricking the Squirrels
Squirrels like strawberries but not spray painted red rocks. This trick keeps them away while your strawberries grow. Sorry squirrels!
Woodstock- “To set my soul free”
painting by me
“By the time we got to Woodstock, we were half a million strong, And everywhere was a song and a celebration. And I dreamed I saw the bomber jet planes riding shotgun in the sky, Turning into butterflies above our nation.
We are stardust, we are golden, we are caught in the devil’s bargain,
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.” — Woodstock by Joni Mitchell
Carolyn Dennis-Willingham 