2009/06/22

Busy Day

DaGoddess @ 02:41

Early meeting to discuss my bid on a job. If I get it, I’ll post about it and beg all you locals to visit the restaurant! The food looks wonderful, but more than that, I want to be a good cross-promoting vendor.

Then it’s a trip over to my mom’s to drop stuff off.

Then downtown for another meeting.

Back up to my neck of the woods for P.T.

Followed by either a show or gig calendar. Work on the calendar takes priority. But if I get things done early, I could be having a relaxing evening. Or I could just continue uploading images. I have a few hundred from the blues bash on Saturday. Found new bands for all of us to enjoy. Believe you me…I’m writing and asking permission to play a song or two here so you can jump on board.

Also have a couple other things to tell you about.

2009/06/21

Greatest Fatherhood Moment on TV

DaGoddess @ 15:03

The Mr. McBeevee episode of The Andy Griffith Show.

Opie’s sent to his room for lying about the man who walks in the treetops, makes smoke come out his ears, and many other “magical” things. Andy walks in the room and tells Opie he better confess to making up his new friend. The boy tries. He tries to tell his pa what he wants to hear, but it’s in direct conflict with another lesson Andy taught him: Always tell the truth.

“I can’t tell you Mr. McBeevee is make believe, Pa. He’s real. Don’t you believe me?” Opie asks in all earnestness.

“Don’t you believe me?”

That line right there, delivered with a heapin’ helpin’ of heartache, is enough for Andy to believe in his son, right or wrong. A father…believing in his son…even though it seems impossible that Opie could be telling the truth. It’s an instant where a father makes that great leap of faith — for the sake of his kid — and wins his child over. It’s a magic moment. And a great reminder for all parents to sometimes suspend disbelief and just follow your child. Just listen. Just be there for them.

Andy did. And he got to meet Mr. McBeevee.

Father’s Day

DaGoddess @ 12:00

Dads are an interesting bunch, aren’t they? When you’re really young, they’re superheroes. As you get a little older, they’re heroes — just not as super. Then you become a teen and you think they don’t know anything. Somewhere along the way, you grow up and find yourself in need of advice and suddenly you turn to your dad because you figure he knows a little something about life.

I wish I could say that I always thought my dad was the best guy in the world. I’d be lying though. I was a typical kid and wasn’t exactly the most well-behaved during my teens, which caused plenty of friction in my family. However, I have to admit there were a few times when my dad really surprised me.

When I got caught by the cops sitting in a parked car with an open beer in my hand as a teenager, instead of freaking out, my dad said (in my defense), “it’s not like she was driving. And the police did say there was maybe only a sip taken out of it.” My mom was upset, but my dad kept his cool.

After a car accident (again, when I was a teen), my dad was the one who told me, “a car can be replaced; you can’t.” Sure, I didn’t drive again for a while, yet when it was time, he made me get behind the wheel and regain my confidence.

I’ve realized more and more over the last couple of years just how much more patience my dad had than I gave him credit for when I was younger. There was plenty of yelling, but there were plenty of times when there wasn’t. I don’t know how he managed to keep from throttling us kids. He managed…however he did it, he managed.

And now he’s a grandfather. What a grandfather he’s turned out to be, too. When Mojo was five years old, my dad’s 1966 Mustang (he’s only the second owner and still as the original window sticker) was declared to be Mo’s. They have a fun relationship, at times, reminiscent of the I had with him, but without all the pressure and expectations. Mojo’s really the reason my dad shines as he does. She’s everything his own daughters were, weren’t, might’ve, could’ve, and should’ve been in one person. She brought us all closer as a family and she especially brought my dad and I closer. I saw a different side to him, a side eager to please and amuse a child. That reminded me of those early years I had with him. They were similar, but not the same. So in a way, I got to eavesdrop my way back into a bit of my childhood whenever they were together.

Then LD came along and this young man brought out a different side of my father. He talked to my son like one would talk to a boy, but it was with a soft gentleness that I think he learned from granddadding Mojo. Still, there’s enough of a difference to the way they interact that says volumes about how they interact. Their relationship is different, as it should be. I see a man who opens up to this young man of mine and shares stories of his life, stories I never heard. Dad brings out the inquisitive side of my boy and I’m proud of what they come up with. There’s genuine encouragement there. And I know when I get stuck in the “but I’m a mom! How am I supposed to explain that to him, Dad?” “With facts, patience, and questions. Just like you would if you were telling a patient in your hospital. Take your time. He’ll listen. He’s a better listener than you were, have some faith in yourself. You can do this. It’s not really that much harder than it was with Mojo, so just roll with it.” And I do.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about my dad. I learned about what drove him to be the man he is today, to act as he had in the past, to respond as he responded, and to learn that I was still learning from him.

That’s pretty much what you want from a father, isn’t it? To learn that there’s still more to learn from him! Whether you’re a son or daughter, he has something to teach you. Lessons aren’t always easy. And they don’t always fit into your life the way you want them to, but he’s sharing and that’s pretty amazing, don’t you think? He could have walked away and left you to figure it all on your own, but he didn’t.

I wish I had a brand new old car to give my dad for Father’s day. Or could write him a book that would guarantee to make him laugh. Or to sing him a song guaranteed to bring tears to his eyes. Oh wait…I think I did that last one. My song, or songs, are my children. And they do bring tears to his eyes, to all of our eyes. That’s so much better than just showing up alone with a card.

I love you, Dad. I’m not the brightest kid. I’m not the richest kid. I’m not the greatest kid; I’m far from your favorite kid most of the time. But I am the kid with kids. And that makes our relationship special.

I love you. I hope you have an amazing day, Dad. Really. It’s summer and we’re all here and accounted for. We all must have been doing something right. And we all love you.

Roles have often changed over the year, but we’re still all here. And mostly, we’re reading an or two from this book on fatherhood. There, buried beneath other words and activities are words that mean everything to us. Hidden messages in books. Who’d have thought that? It’s a good way to compare stories and give you something to talk about. Doesn’t matter how we get to the talking, at least we’re talking. There’s lots to talk about, too.

Now, while I’m at it, I’d just like to say, I’m glad you’re my dad.

And because you’re mine, I walk the line.

Black Jade

Jan @ 04:00

Black Jade( target=”_blank”>large)

Jan/CascadeExposures

Fix-it Friday #17 – on Saturday

DaGoddess @ 03:59

I went painterly in this weeks Friday #17 (done on Sunday) cuz that’s how I roll.

Original:

Original

My version:

I went painterly!

Usuing Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 Ultimate
Cleared up/brightened eyes
Adjusted levels
Added painted overlayers in various colors and levels
Added a bit of a background swirl
Then added a crackle texture.

Check out what others did! I like to think I went way outside the box this time.

2009/06/20

Lurking in the Candytuft

Jan @ 04:00

Lurking in Candy
( target=”_blank”>large)

Jan/CascadeExposures

Beautiful Girl

DaGoddess @ 04:00

Mojo in the park

Mojo in the park

Mojo in the park

I spent a few hours yesterday taking photos of the kids. They were goofy and playful and lots of fun. Of course, I had to practically beg for a shot that wasn’t silly from Mojo. She came through when I said, “it’s for Grammy and Papa.” Still, there’s a little hint of mischief if you look closely. Even when she’s playing at being angelic.

2009/06/19

Shhh!

DaGoddess @ 21:01

I secretly like Don’t Forget The Lyrics.

The woman who’s singing for half a mil was stuck on “Fly Like An Eagle”. I totally know this song! I know almost all the songs on the show. I have one of those minds…like Rainman…I know lyrics. For more songs than I should. And had I been this gal’s friend, I could have helped her win. Silly her.

If I could sing, I’d totally go on the show. But I can’t. So I won’t. I don’t even sing for people if I’m drunk (which happens once every two or three years), so you’re all safe. But I totally know the lyrics for way too many tunes.

Maybe I should take voice lessons.

Free Shipping For End of June

DaGoddess @ 04:00

is again offering free shipping with no minimum purchase.

To qualify for this free shipping offer, one or more Zazzle products must be purchased. The coupon code JUNESHIPFREE must be entered during checkout to receive the offer. The free shipping offer is for standard (or economy if standard is not available) shipping. Shipping charges will apply to oversized orders and orders being shipped on an expedited basis. Offer is valid from June 19, 2009 at 12:01am PT through June 30, 2009 at 11:59pm PT. Your order must be placed during that time to qualify for this special offer. This promotional offer does not apply to past purchases and may not be combined with any other Zazzle promotional or discount offers. Offer is not valid on Smilestore.com.

My Zazzle store is open for business. If a photo you like isn’t in the store, let me know! I’ll add it for you.

2009/06/18

Still

DaGoddess @ 14:43

And he's still for a moment

Jump

DaGoddess @ 14:38

Go ahead and jump

Might as well Jump

PROMPTuesday #60 – For Real (wherein I’m supposed to lie or something)

DaGoddess @ 02:48

There’s some challenge this week to answer questions relating to the seven deadly (or at least slightly injurious sins) and we’re supposed to lie in our answers. Or not. Or maybe we’re supposed to answer some truthfully and others fallaciously and then gather around the blogfire at the end of the week to figure out what was true, what was false, and who had us most convinced. Or something. lie to me”, Deb says. But I hear Jonny Lang singing it faintly in the background…as if he’s serenading her from the shower.

More truth than anything in here. The couple of lies…you’ll spy them easily enough.

Pride
What is your biggest contribution to the world?
My two children who have such big, kind hearts. I cannot take sole responsibility for them, but I can take some credit and pride in helping to have created them.

I’d like to think on a more personal level that I have tried to be a good, honest friend, helpful where I could be helpful, caring without conditions, and as patient as possible when situations go wrong.

Envy
What do your coworkers have that you wish was yours?
Amongst my photography cohorts? Marriage. And gear. Silly, isn’t it? Amongst the nurses I know? Their jobs and healthy backs. Others? Slimmer bodies, brighter smiles, perkier breasts, tighter tummies and bottoms, hot husbands…any number of things that may or may not make their lives any better but that I remember having once at some point in life, wishing I had again.

Gluttony
What did you eat last night?
Totinos frozen pizzas followed by popcorn (during Mythbusters in which they tested a popcorn myth).

Lust
What really lights your fire?
Jonny Lang singing to Deb me from the shower. Maybe not. I know the drummer. I’ve been to a concert. That ain’t gonna happen.

Someone who is absolutely into me more than they are into anything else in their life. They would rather be with me than light up a cigarette, open a beer, turn on the TV. That can all come later, but not before he has had his fill of me.

The way he looks into my eyes, seeing a myriad of colors at play in them. The way he places his hand on mine or around my shoulder. The way he knows exactly what words to say to trigger my smile and delight. The kiss that lingers and tempts. The ability to make me forget the craziness of the day for a while as we make the most of our uninterrupted time together. The escape we provide for each other.

Anger
What is the last thing that really pissed you off?
I don’t believe I can answer that honestly at the moment without creating an international incident.

Greed
Name something you hoard and keep from others.
Secrets. Trust funds. Love. Lottery winnings. Good stories. Take your pick. Only a couple are true.

Sloth
What’s the laziest thing you ever did?
I went a week and a half without showering because I didn’t feel like driving over to my mom’s house to get a shower while ours was out. It wasn’t pretty. Baby wipes only go so far.

It’s not exactly the most revealing post ever, but I have reasons.

2009/06/17

It Started With a Headache

DaGoddess @ 13:18

And quickly moved into sinus cavities, which means EVERYTHING hurts.

Decongestant, Vicodin, and rest.

Finally feel almost human again.

I should have known it would come to this when I awoke to rain yesterday morning. Rain that didn’t last. And now we begin the gradual warming trend that will likely cause horrible things to pour out of my nose. We don’t like.

Poor LD. He felt crappy last night, too, and went to bed in the middle of Deadliest Catch.

I have a week to feel better. Actually, I have less time than that since I have a ton of things on my schedule between now and the time I leave for northern climes.

2009/06/16

Another Pretty Sunset

DaGoddess @ 04:00

From Saturday at Camp Pendleton

Camp Pendleton Sunset

Sunset at Camp Pendleton

PROMPTuesday #60 (my cutoff age for dating…the guys, I mean, not me) – Lie To Me

DaGoddess @ 04:00

There’s some challenge this week to answer questions relating to the seven deadly (or at least slightly injurious sins) and we’re supposed to lie in our answers. Or not. Or maybe we’re supposed to answer some truthfully and others fallaciously and then gather around the blogfire at the end of the week to figure out what was true, what was false, and who had us most convinced. Or something. lie to me”, Deb says. But I hear Jonny Lang singing it faintly in the background…as if he’s serenading her from the shower.

Pride
What is your biggest contribution to the world?

Envy

What do your coworkers have that you wish was yours?

Gluttony

What did you eat last night?

Lust

What really lights your fire?

Anger

What is the last thing that really pissed you off?

Greed

Name something you hoard and keep from others.

Sloth

What’s the laziest thing you ever did?

My answers will take a while to prepare.

I’ve tempted to publish this blank and leave it at that….especially since I’ve twice tried to sprain my ankle while sitting on the divan (okay, fine…sofa or, couch, or chaise, even a damn fainting couch if you must). The thing is, I’m in a precarious position where ankle injury is prevalent. I think it best to leave mine blank for now while I figure out which furniture likes me better.

Go ahead and share yours while you’re waiting. Have some coffee, tea, cookies, scone whilst you wait and create and share. I’ll just jerk about as my brain overload is and sending random movements to legs and arms and apparently my mouth, too.