Feed

I checked out FEED by M. T. Anderson at the library yesterday and I'm almost finished. It won a Los Angeles Times Book Prize 2002 young adult fiction award, and was a finalist for the National Book Award. I recommend listening to the audio book at the same time that you read the book so you get the full nuance of the voices of young people to capture the full experience.

It's a disturbing book, not only because of the deterioration of our society and young people but of the consequences of choices to ignore warnings about our environment and using harmful chemicals. I shudder to think that my grandchildren might have to live in a society like this with a "feed" implanted in them at birth giving them instant access to computer knowledge with streaming commercials. When I think about this, I think about the research at Oregon State University and Hewlett Packard in Corvallis into nanotechnology. I think about how invasive and what a danger this has the potential to be to civil liberties and individual rights. Sometimes I'm glad I'm 60. The choices made by the leaders in this country are taking our country away from a path of freedom and individual rights.

Screenwriting

I'm taking a class on Tuesday nights at the Benton Center in Corvallis on screenwriting. The instructors are Linda and Gary Hamner. This is part of the Linn-Benton Community College. The assignment last Tuesday was to bring a 5 minute scene in an elevator. Here's part of mine entitled FACE YOUR NEMESIS. The man in the scene is a composite of about five people. I'm changing the formatting due to the limitations of this blog.

A middle-aged man and woman in their late 50's walk into an elevator in a large building and the door shuts. Immediately the elevator halts and the door jams.

GREAT ARBITRATOR (booming, echoing, haunting voice over loudspeaker)
You are on the new reality FOX show FACE YOUR NEMESIS from the producers of Survivor.
(audience CLAPS)

GILT E. MANN
What's going on? I didn't sign up for this?

GREAT ARBITRATOR
Oh, yes, GILT E. MANN....You were both selected by the producers to be on the show.

GILT E. MANN
We'll see about this. I'll call my attorney. I was expecting to meet a client.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
Your attorney and wife have already agreed on paper to this alternative, in lieu of costly court litigation and a possible jail sentence.

GILT E. MANN
How dare you! Let me out of here! I didn't do anything!

GILT E. MANN leans over to grab CELESTE L. REIN around the neck and a plexiglass breathable shield covers CELESTE as a protective barrier from harm.

CELESTE L. REIN
You're going to listen to me.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
You're not going anywhere GILT E. MANN. You are here until the door opens.

GILT E. MANN
Outrageous! I've never heard of such a thing.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
At the end of two hours or however long this takes, you both have the choice of a spa vacation at a premier resort at a Caribbean location, a seven-day cruise on Cosmos Cruise Lines, a new wardrobe or room make-over, $50,000 cash, or a brand new Mustang convertible.

GILT E. MANN
This is a horror show!

GREAT ARBITRATOR
You are both on camera with microphones. (audience CLAPS) CELESTE L. REIN has at her disposal the buttons of torment, the Guilt-O-Meter, and a full range of sound, smell with visual and motion effects to alter your reality.

The elevator shakes, vibrates, and starts to drop. The lights go out and lights flash as if there is no ceiling and lightening could almost touch both participants. One side of the elevator becomes a video screen. Both back away to the other side of the elevator. The side of the building seems to disappear with no railing for safety giving the illusion that they could both fall hundreds of feet. CELESTE pushes buttons at random bringing rain, heat, and wind in rapid succession.

CELESTE L. REIN
I think I'm going to like this.

CELESTE L. REIN presses more buttons that change the video screen giving the illusion that an airplane is going to crash into the elevator within seconds, then switching to under water with great white sharks swarming. Next the illusion of snakes coming out from every corner of the elevator quickly changed to STENCH from garbage and rats appearing on the floor.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
There are a few rules. CELESTE L. REIN has the choice to select buttons of torment for effect that bring no harm for the purpose of soliciting a public apology, retribution, and commitment for change leading to a signed contract for a settlement. Guilt has already been determined by our army of criminal attorneys and a federal judge on the basis of written documents and undercover investigation.

GILT E. MANN
You can't get away with this! I didn't do anything wrong.

CELESTE L. REIN
Yeah! Saint on Sunday. Criminal and thief during the week.

GILT E. MANN
This is baseless slander.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
The time has come for you, CELESTE L. REIN, to FACE YOUR NEMESIS. Confront GILT E. MANN who has been predetermined to have hurt you most in the world so you can heal, rediscover yourself, and move forward with your life. A documentary will display on the EVIDENCE WALL. Relax, lean against the back of the wall and view your lives in conflict.

A documentary on the EVIDENCE WALL showed signed documents of illegal activity outlining criminal behavior and video of GILT E. MANN conspiring against CELESTE L. REIN causing her to lose home, bank account, friends, opportunities, and good name.

CELESTE L. REIN
See how you have hurt me! You used your power to silence me. I lost everything because of you.

GREAT ARBITRATOR
Now for the demonstration of the Guilt-O-Meter. This devise was invented by a genius who was awarded the Valor of Honor by the CIA. This sensitive instrument is able to detect the slightest weakness and gives an instant readout on the hand-held scanner with suggestions for the best ways to take advantage of weakness.

This is almost three minutes or three pages of the script. Lots more in my head where this came from.........................So many scripts to write...........so little time.................

The Greatest Gifts

I've come to the conclusion that the greatest gifts in life are the gift of time and the gift to be yourself.

The Big 60

On Monday, the 25th, I turned 60. For the last few months, I've been feeling my age. I've been noticing new wrinkles and feeling slower in my step. I've always felt very young inside until lately. I've decided I'm going to skip by threes in reverse every year from this year forward so next year I'll be 57 or maybe I should skip right to 40 and stay there.

For my birthday, my son, Benjamin and his wife, Amanda, sent my husband and I tickets on Amtrak Cascades to travel round trip from Albany to Seattle and back. I love traveling by train. After Ben and Amanda picked us up from the station on Saturday, we drove to their home in Green Lake where I followed clues to the big surprise, which was my son, Daniel in the backyard who flew out from Columbus, Ohio to spend time with me on my birthday. I know that Daniel didn't have the time to do this but it always means so much to see him. I'm grateful I got to spend the weekend with him. Everyone made my birthday so special. This was the best birthday I've ever had in my life.

After the excitement of seeing Daniel, we drove in the car to Alkai Beach where it was crowded with everyone enjoying the sun and we ate fish and chips at Spuds. It couldn't have been nicer. Then we drove back home for the Sponge Bob birthday cake with candles and the gift of a family photo taken at Ben and Amanda's wedding. For dinner, we went to my favorite Italian restaurant, Buca de Beppo for fun and great food with everyone at the table including Alicia, Amanda's sister, and Sharon and Scott, Amanda's parents. It was wonderful.

On Sunday morning, we walked to the Rusty Pelican in Wallingford where I always order the garden skillet because it's so delicious and always perfect. Next we went to visit the troll that lives under the bridge in Fremont, the center of the universe. I'm writing a children's book about him. Then it was onto the Sunshine Cafe in Ravenna where I had a delicious slice of homemade wheat bread with hummus. After that there was a surprise by my son, Daniel who arranged for me to have a manicure at the Derby Salon with Jessie who is delightful to talk to. Then we drove to downtown Seattle to see the movie, Fool's Gold and afterwards I had a delicious luau salad at the Cheesecake Factory before taking Daniel to the airport.

When we got up on Monday, we had fun playing canasta and drinking coffee. Later we walked around the beautiful Green Lake. Benjamin took Les and out for lunch to May Thai Restaurant and I had a delicious vegetable stir fry before boarding the train at 2:20 p.m. on Cascade Train 507 south bound.

This was the best birthday I have ever had in my life and I'm grateful to my family for making it so nice. Thank you.

Chow Mien

I learned how to make chow mien through the community education program through LBCC in Corvallis tonight from instructor, Chenhui Ho. Oh, it was good! What fun it is to learn how to make new dishes and meet nice people. Chenhui Ho is such a nice lady whose smile spreads across her face and fills the room. We enjoyed learning from her. I know I did. Thank you.

I learned how to make chinese noodle dishes and soups. I learned about new ingredients at the Asian Store where I shop on 9th Street in Corvallis, like dried mushrooms. I sure had a nice time.

It was fun to see people I've met before in Master Gardening and writing. There was a biologist, a children's writer, master gardeners, an engineer, a computer software CEO, teachers, and more. It sure is fun to take these classes to learn new things and connect with people in the community.

I get in a rut with my cooking. I make stir fry but I usually make it the same way. I cut up carrots, onions, broccoli, celery, and cauliflower and mix it up in a big bowl and stuff quart size plastic storage bags to put in the refrigerator. I also add mushrooms, bell pepper, zucchini to a small bag that I put in the top of the quart bags for stir fry during the week when I'm home. I add slices of barbeque pork or teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice with the veggies. Now I can mix it up and try something new.

Oh, the fun I would have.........

I rolled on by Alsea School at 20 mph and saw the sign in front that says they are searching for a new Superintendent. My mind exploded thinking of all the fun I would have as Superintendent. First of all, I would treat all the kids as if they were gifted and talented. I would want ALL of them to win. I would set the school up to teach on three levels on every subject--review, learn at the level at which the student tests, and to teach above the level of the student for enrichment to introduce advanced concepts. This would be every day for every student. I would model the school after the curriculum I developed for my homeschool in Arroyo Grande, CA from 1978 to 1982. It would work like the classroom of Marva Collins in Chicago and the best schools where all children win.

First of all, I would concentrate on individual sports so everyone would be healthy. I would buy everyone roller skates and turn the gym into a roller skating rink for one hour a day for students and teachers. We would also use the track for walking and running that includes all students and teachers. Events for walking and running would be set up and students would be encouraged to participate in local and state running and walking events. Nutrition would be taught to everyone and the meals would reflect healthy choices.

Next we would move on to the school lunch program. Alsea School doesn't have a federal free school lunch program but it would with me in charge. I would march myself over to Salem and have a talk with the Governor to fix this. We would set up a hydroponic greenhouse to grow all the fruits and vegetables needed for all the students. If Epcot Center at Disney World can grow all the food for the resorts and restaurants, we could grow all the food needed for the school. Master Gardeners would be encouraged to teach and give special expertise plus horticulture students from OSU. Students would learn about gardening by working in the greenhouse.

The money saved from team sports would be put into taking buses to the Portland Art Museum, OMSI, the Portland Zoo, the symphony, and other trips like this. We would have band and orchestra starting in grade one and by the time the kids were in high school, they would be amazing.

Every day, the whole school would read for an hour, including teachers. The school would participate in the National Spelling Bee, the National Geography Bee, the NASA Robotics competitions, math competitions, and more. We would send up rockets and kites. The students would write every day and participate in a school newspaper from grade one through 12th where they would end up submitting articles to magazines and participating in National Novel Writing Month and National Screenwriting Month.

Anyone in the area from elite distance runners to biologists and experts with advanced degrees would be invited to share knowledge. I can see the fun it would be talking to the kids about the escape speed of a ball needed to travel out into outer space from earth and never drop back down to earth would have to be at least 7 miles per second, and that if you squish the earth into a ball the size of a ping pong ball that it would become a black hole which is where the escape speed is greater than the speed of light. I believe that you can teach a five year old anything, IF you explain advanced concepts clearly enough and show them how fun learning can be.

We would debate Supreme Court law cases to teach forensics. We would learn about world leaders, history, and the Constitution. We would play chess. We would all learn ballroom dancing. We would teach logic and reasoning. We would film movies and write plays. We would learn about all the ologies, like entomology. Oh, the fun we would have and the things we would learn. My heart skips a beat just thinking about the possibilities and the joy. The best way is for me to write about my school that exists only in my head with all the students winning, who love to learn, and all go on to college, 'cause it's not going to happen in the real world. Oh, well....back to reality.

My Treatise

Be kind to all people for you
know not their experience or pain.

Work hard to be the best you can be
to gain knowledge and understanding.

Concern yourself with mastery of self,
not with control of others.

Safe guard the land and
abuse not your body.

Harm no person but
speak out when harmed.

Respect others and
demand respect for yourself.

Seek out people who encourage your best
and see your best.

Shield yourself from bullies who
limit and diminish you.

Stand in your strength and
let nothing stop you from being
unique as an individual.

The Neverending Novel

A soap opera is a never ending novel allowing you to peer into the lives of people who live exciting lives and remain at a safe distance. Most writers scoff at soap operas because dialogue is "on the nose" meaning it lacks subtety or mystery. Characters say what they mean and clearly tell the story without veils or hidden meaning.

I love the Young and the Restless. I've been watching for years. Soap characters replace real friends when you stay home all the time. To the shut-ins, isolated, and the lonely, soap operas supply a real need.

Is this really any different than the kid who locks himself in his room playing video games or who spends hours on the Internet? I think not...so don't judge.

I applaud soap operas. They serve a real need and they often give out important information that helps people learn about everything from the importance of keeping your child safe in hot tubs and fire safety to medical information that can save your life.

It sure would be fun to write for a soap opera and be part of a team of writers who create.

Dialogue

People don't talk anymore face to face.
They instant message, text message, or e-mail.
Some write in code and speak in code.
Some hint not wanting to own their words.
It would be nice to find people who talk and have opinions.

Probably the best place to find people with opinions
is in the library.
The library is filled with volumes of books standing
side by side in coexistence with a wide range of opinions.
Maybe this is why people retreat to nature to read a book.
Books don't disappoint or betray.

Maybe I should just stay home 24-7 to read, write, and garden.

Photos

I think I have given up adding photos to this blog. I have dial-up. I have problems sending photos to my family at any of my e-mail addresses. I've given up on this too. Dial-up stinks when you have had the taste of high speed Internet. It isn't even fun to be on the Internet anymore since everything takes so long.

Alsea

"Where in the heck is Alsea?" you ask. To which I reply, "Out in the middle of no where!" Alsea, Oregon is not incorporated so you won't find it on a map. It has about 600 people in the general area with a school serving students K through 12, a general store called John Boy's Mercantile, a gas station, a post office for zip code 97324, a library, the Hope Grange, 2 churches [Assembly of God and Baptist with a nearby Church of Christ in Lobster Valley], and a restaurant. Alsea is on Highway 34 on the scenic route to Waldport on the central Oregon coast. That's about it. I live about 2 miles from the post office. Nice people live here and the kids are the luckiest of all who go to a school where everyone has the opportunity to go on to college thanks to the Clemens Foundation set up by a timber family years ago.

Alsea, Oregon was listed in a book on the best places to retire in the United States, probably because it is unlikely that taxes will ever go up.

I always say that it takes me about an hour to drive into Corvallis because I like to leave early to make sure that I get to my destination. There are 2 1/2 miles of severe, narrow curves at Mary's Peak with a speed limit of 20 mph. You can reach Corvallis in 45 minutes but sometimes you have to wait for road construction or farm equipment rolling along at a slow crawl. The sign says that Alsea is 25 miles from Corvallis or 20 miles from Philomath, and I've checked it with my speedometer. During the snow and ice last week, I was crawling along at 10 mph to 35 mph. If all conditions are just right following all the speed laws, it is possible to almost make it to Philomath in almost 30 minutes but I like the slow, lazy, looking out the window at the trees, mountains, and scenery pace.

Hydroponics

The first time that I became aware of hydroponics was when I visited Disney World for the first time in Orlando, Florida with our children, and went to Epcot Center to see the hydroponics exhibit which grows all the food for the resorts and restaurants in Disney World. It was amazing. The vertical growing techniques in nonsoil mediums in PVC pipes was exciting to witness. They grow everything you can imagine.

Later I attended a workshop through OSU Master Gardening about hydroponics and even helped out at the Oregon State Fair in Salem at the exhibit answering questions. Although I have never had a hydroponic setup at my home, I believe in hydroponics and all the possibilities to grow fresh tomatoes, herbs, and salad greens year around in your home ready for the dinner table. I would love to do this someday but can't afford the electricity for the grow lights plus my house isn't big enough for plants and two housecats to coexist.

I would love to have two windmills on our acreage that pays for all my electricity with extra left over to sell, IF I decide to stay here. I'd love to set up a greenhouse using hydroponic equipment but all this takes money.

I've never understood why our country doesn't invest in hydroponic equipment and greenhouses. There should be tax incentives. In Canada there are massive hydroponic greenhouses heated with solar energy and the same in the Middle East. With our water shortages throughout the United States and the need for fresh food, why don't we do it here? Hydroponics uses 1/30th the water because it recycles the water. The growth rates are up to 10 times that of soil gardening. It works and it uses less space.

Invention

I have had several ideas for inventions through the years but have not had the money to do anything about it other than dream. One of my best invention ideas came to me in 1997 when my husband took me to Disney World in Orlando, Florida for our 25th wedding anniversary. My mother had been refusing physical therapy and her legs were starting to atrophy so my concern generated an invention for passive exercise which I later shared with several professors in the engineering department at Oregon State University asking for help to get my invention off the ground to no avail. This invention could also work for long distance flights for passengers who sit for hours with the potential of creating blood clots in the legs because of lack of movement. I told my son, Benjamin who recently traveled to Singapore 17 hours each way to be sure to walk the isles several times during the flight and to raise his legs up and down while sitting to which he said, "yes, Mom," while probably rolling his eyes on the phone.

My invention for the day is for a new type of shower which I'll share with you since I have no money to do anything about this or anyone to work with me. My shower is a cylinder with several layers of jets up and down the body of the inside that recycles the water with a large ceiling shower head. There might even be a heat option so you don't even have to dry with a towel. There could be different choices of intensity for massage features that could be beneficial for everyone. My shower would have a nonskid bottom. This shower would make it possible to shower in minutes or longer since you don't have to worry about the water useage.

Writer's Strike

The Writer's Guild of America is on strike. The Writers Guild of America East [WGAE] and WGAW who represent film, television, and radio writers are fighting for all writers and putting themselves on the line for copyright infringement, more money, and intellectual property rights. I wish I could join the writers on the picket line to show support. They deserve everything they are asking. They are the ones that write the words that make people laugh and cry. They inspire and encourage. They write the original scripts and stories that everyone profits from. They deserve to profit.

Not too long ago I read that Publisher's Weekly listed the average freelance nonfiction writer as earning 4,000 bucks a year and the average novelist earning a whopping 9,000 bucks a year. You can make more on minimum wage than you can as a writer in most cases.

Boston Legal

My TiVo is clogged. I'm trying to watch some of the shows that I've been saving. Some of the television shows that I enjoy watching, I like to watch slowly to savor since I don't want them to end.

Boston Legal is one of my favorite shows. I just finished one episode, "No Brains Left Behind" 2007. I love the statistics sprinkled by James Spader playing Alan Shore the litigator with heart who constantly skates the edge of being held in comtempt of court.

Here are some alarming facts of the consequences of the Iraq War and how the money spent could have been spent to better use: 450 billion was spent on the Iraq War, 650 billion counting the invasion of Afghanistan, 2 trillion if you add all the indirect costs of war. This would have paid for free health insurance for every uninsured family--124 billion. It could have converted every single car to run on ethenol--68 billion. It could have given a primary education for every child on the planet--30 billion. It could have ended hunger in America--a mere 7 billion.

In this show two studies of National Geographic were revealed to determine the literacy of young Americans. They found that half couldn't locate NY on a US map. Even after Katrina, 1/3 couldn't find Louisiana. 29% couldn't find the Pacific Ocean, 58% didn't know where Japan is, 69% couldn't find England. Out of all the other countries tested, the U.S. came in 2nd to last, ahead of Mexico.

No Child Left Behind is tackled in this show: less than 40% of high school seniors can read proficiently. Mississippi on a national test showed that only 18% of the kids could read proficiently so they made a special Mississippi test so that 89% could read proficiently. I think this is done more often than people know. No one wants to tackle the hard challenges. Our mantra becomes cover up, change the figures, and claim victory. Is that what we really want in this country? We only suffer the consequences and mop up the mess later.

Who was the shining example in education? Marva Collins from Chicago who headed all her students, that no one wanted on the South side of Chicago, straight to college. Every child can win [as long as they are not brain damaged]. Every child deserves a chance. Every child deserves to have a future and have someone advocate for them to have a place to shine. Our kids are much smarter than we think. A baby in the first six months of life is capable of great learning and it is rare to see anyone teaching babies. How sad that we ignore this time when children are a sponge for all knowledge.

Singapore

My son, Benjamin Haber flew to Singapore for work on the 8th of January and returned on the 14th. He spoke at a medical convention for one hour representing Zymo Genetics.

I'm so proud of my son and all he has accomplished. He has worked hard for everything he has achieved. He's brilliant and amazing plus he's fun to be around.

Ben, keep your Canasta fingers limber for our next game................Get ready to lose.

Health Care

I've been having chest pains the last couple of weeks and now I have symptoms of an active bleeding ulcer.

What does one do when you don't have health care, savings to pay for a doctor, or know which doctor go to, if you do have the resources?

My husband, Leslie has been calling about his medical bills coming in the mail questioning bills from doctors he didn't see and asking for an itemized bill. One person said, "welcome to the horrors of our modern health care system."

Days of the Week

I wrote a poem this morning that I'll share with you.
It's called DAYS OF THE WEEK.

Cheat your fellowman on Monday,
Ignore the homeless on Tuesday,
Lie to your children on Wednesday,
Judge your neighbor on Thursday,
Fight with your wife on Friday,
Kick the dog on Saturday, and
Pretend to be a Saint on Sunday.

Jewelry Television

A couple of weeks ago I walked into a jewelry store and looked at the selection of colored gemstones. When I told the salesperson that I enjoy watching Jewelry Television, she said that one of her customers who used to buy from JTV, now buys exclusively from her. I wondered why to myself because I wasn't impressed with the quality of the selection and I didn't see a lot of choices.

I've been impressed with the few low-end priced gemstones we have purchased from JTV. I can't imagine finding a better buy for better quality than buying from JTV. I love watching the gemstone shows because of the information I learn about gems. I can't afford to buy what I want right now but someday I will. I know that JTV offers the BEST prices because it has the quantity to give you the bargains. Right now they are selling champagne diamonds. I never knew about the colored diamonds, like yellow and red.

I purchased a three carat yellow labradorite for under $20 to save. It's gorgeous. When I can afford to put it in a setting, I will have a ring that will make me feel beautiful. What does it matter if I didn't pay a lot, if it is beautiful to me and makes me feel happy? I know it is an amazing investment because the yellow labradorites are at bargain prices right now.

Gemstones are an investment that is possible for anyone. You can hold them in your hand and some are as rare and valuable as the highest end real estate.

Take a look at the website at www.jtv.com and do a search for gemstones. Watch the gemstones show when you get a chance. You will learn more about gemstones as you sit on the sofa than you have ever learned before.

Starbucks

I've been wanting to send in a contribution to Starbucks for a long time to be considered for their quotes on the coffee cups. I went online yesterday and discovered that they no longer ask for contributions from writers.

This is what I wanted to send in so I will include it in my blog:

The way I see it...the job of a parent is to teach your children to become independent, contributing adults within the safety of the family

• by providing enriching experiences,
• by being an advocate so your children get the education they need to reach their potential,
• by being consistent in establishing boundaries,
• by giving the greatest gift of time,
• by teaching logic and decision-making skills so your children learn to make responsible choices,
• by reading to your children and showing them an example of a reading adult,
• by stressing self-improvement and learning in your home, and
• by being an example of the character, values, and work ethic you feel is important.

If you want a great cup of coffee, go to Starbucks! Starbucks is more than coffee. It is a corporation you can feel proud to support. It gives health insurance to part-time employees and cares about people.

Willamette Writers

I drove into Salem on Thursday night for the first official meeting of the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers, the largest writing organization in Oregon. I've been on the mailing list out of Portland and received news of this meeting. I have been a member in the past and have attended meetings once in awhile in Eugene and Newport.

I'm so glad I went. It was glorious to walk into a large room crowded and buzzing with writers. I knew that everyone would be fun to talk to and that everyone had a great story. I knew that I had something in common with everyone there. I knew that everyone loved words and creating stories. I felt comforted being in their midst.

The speakers were two agents from Baker's Mark Literary Agency in Portland--Bernadette Baker-Baughman and Gretchen Stelter. I was grateful to be in the audience. I was impressed and inspired to listen to them. They are what every writer hopes an agent will be. I spoke briefly with Bernadette Baker-Baughman and wanted to talk to Gretchen Stelter but so many people were crowded around her. They are young and brilliant, like my own children, with great drive and ambition to work hard to promote writers. I'm glad I was there.

I need an agent. I need someone to care about my writing and about me. I need someone to give me a kick in the ___ once in awhile to keep me on track. But maybe that isn't the job of an agent. Maybe I just have to care about myself and keep myself on track. It's hard to be a writer and go it alone sometimes, especially when there are so many choices in the world of other ways to spend your time and when life throws you curve balls. I love writing. In my opinion, writing could never be boring, for the possibilities are endless. There is no greater power than to create an original story or write down your own thoughts. Words in books have changed the world and have inspired for centuries.

A screenwriter will speak at the next meeting of Willamette Writers in Salem and I'm excited to attend. The meetings for the Salem Chapter of Willamette Writers meets in West Salem at Roths on the second floor--the grocery store with the bakery that makes the best chocolate frosted donut in the entire world!

www.salemchapter.com or salemchapter@aol.com

Why are all Willamette Writer meetings on Thursday night though? If I wanted to attend a meeting in Eugene, I would have to make a choice.

Breast Cancer

I received a phone call about a half hour ago from a woman asking me to donate to breast cancer. I interrupted and said, "Let me tell you my story." I went on to say that I am a breast cancer survivor since 1993 and that I am without health insurance or money in the bank. She quickly got off the phone. I think I made her feel uncomfortable.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 6-1-93 at the Marion County Health Department in Salem, Oregon and a 1 1/2 inch lump was removed by a great surgeon who works with the Health Department, Dr. Van Rozlen. About two or three years prior, I had asked my primary care physician to check a lump in my breast. He said, "don't worry about it. It's probably a cyst." So I didn't worry about it. I was very trusting back in those days and put doctors on a high pedestal.

My surgeon was able to remove all the cancer since the lump was incapsulated so I didn't have radiation or chemotherapy. You can't really tell that I had the surgery since I'm pretty fluffy right now.

The lesson is you must advocate for your own and best health care. You must keep at your doctor to get the care you need and ask the questions to get the answers to your medical questions.

My husband of almost 36 years has been really sick for most of the year in 2007. He was in the hospital at Good Samaritan in Corvallis for 6 days and has been looked at, prodded, poked, cut, blood was drawn, and tissue was analyzed but no one still knows what is wrong or what was wrong to the tune of over $50,000 and climbing. We received bills from doctors who hadn't even checked my husband.

I haven't been checked by a doctor in years. I'm beginning to think that it's best, cheaper, and safer to stay away. I think the answer is healthy food, vitamins, and exercise.

We have a health care crisis in our country. I am one of those without medical insurance. It makes me feel like I don't matter and that no one cares. In my opinion, I believe it goes back to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs--if your basic needs aren't met, how can you be expected to perform at your best?

If someone's support system was pulled out from under him, losing his job with family and friends turning away so he ended up homeless on the street, how can this person be expected to be at his best? Even if this person has the potential of accomplishing great goals, EVERYONE needs support, care, encouragement, and help sometimes.

I remember a quote. It was from Aristotle or Confucius. It went something like this..."a life without friends is a life not worth living." I think it's interesting that this is Sunday and many people went to church today feeling good about themselves and how good they are. However, when there are people who are in great need, lonely, and need friendship and support, is the definition of a good person to turn a blind eye to those in need? Many people love to help anonymously without "getting their hands dirty." They don't want any complications to mar their life. They are willing to give a buck or donate something but they don't want to listen or offer real help and support. I don't think people heal without real communication with a real person and a real friend.

Just my two cents...............

Snow in Alsea

We have snow in Alsea this morning. We had a couple of inches yesterday and this morning it looks like there is two inches of new snow. It doesn't look like it is slowing down or there is an end in sight. It sure is beautiful. The outside temperature near the window says 30 degrees.

Pathway Oregon

I was listening to NPR or OPB on the radio the other day and I heard about Pathway Oregon. This program allows any student who can get into the University of Oregon who is a resident of Oregon, and who can't afford it, a free education for four years. I was thrilled about it and happy that we have this program in Oregon.

The Greatest Presidential Debate

This was the BEST Presidential debate I have ever watched on television.
Thank you, ABC!
Thank you, New Hampshire!
Thank you, St. Anselm College!

We need more and frequent presidential debates just like this one in each state to keep democracy strong and alive. This is the BEST reality television and one that is the most important to our nation. We need to hear all the candidates. We need the interaction. We need debate. As Obama said, we need to "end the politics of fear." We need more debate in our country with people unafraid to stand up for their opinions to keep our nation strong.

It is debates like this and the caucus in Iowa that keeps the democratic process alive in our country. I still want to know why no one is concerned about protecting the integrity of the voting process and dealing with the tampered voting machines of the last two presidential elections.

This kind of debate allows the American people a look at each candidate without the script and shielding that often occurs among people in the public eye. We saw more truth tonight than in any other debate. This is good and needs to happen more often. Thank you ABC! Please have more of them and have them more often.

I didn't expect to like Huckabee and I liked him best among Republican candidates. My feelings and opinions about Romney were confirmed. I would never consider voting for him. In my opinion, he came in last among Republicans. I liked McCain and his strength. Of course, Guliane was a strong candidate and has a great background to handle the problems in the office of the President. The only Republican that I would consider voting for is Guliane, but I am going to vote Democrat.

I didn't know our country was up to 9 trillion dollars in debt. Bill Richardson mentioned this figure. That could pay for a lot of health care and take care of a lot of problems in our country. Richardson also pointed out that we are 29th in the world in math and science.

Yes, a vote for Hilliary Clinton is a vote for strong women every where in this nation. I have been seriously considering supporting Hilliary after listening to Susie Orman on OPB. Women don't even have equal rights under the U.S. Constitution in 2008. But I keep thinking back to the failure of Hilliary Clinton to bring about change as First Lady when she was given the project to create a health care system for our nation. Not only that, but she didn't partner and work with Al Gore as the Vice President, who could have been a real agent of change to put forward health care reform. Yes, she is a strong woman and has accomplished many political goals to make things better in this country. She is qualified to be President, unlike some of the men for whom it is questionable. I may still vote for Hilliary.

The clear winner to me was former Senator John Edwards from South Carolina. I could have stood up and cheered in my living room as he came alive telling his personal story about fighting for justice and how he will fight for the middle class and all Americans. He was the clear winner, in my opinion. He is strong and he has courage. I want John Edwards as the candidate for the Democratic party. He has a clear message of needed change for this country. America needs him. We all need him to win. He understands the heart of America and what needs to be done. I didn't know this about him until the debate tonight. I'm grateful that I watched the four hour debate on ABC. John Edwards is my candidate of choice out of all the candidates running for the office of President.

As far as the economy, Bloomberg is the one with the greatest background to handle the difficult problems ahead, but I think John Edwards will do just fine. I am confident he will do what it takes to make our nation strong again. I still like Obama but I liked John Edwards the best last night.

AWSP

I believe there is a need for successful mentors to sponsor talent in art and writing so I'm thinking of starting The Artist and Writer Sponsorship Program. No one moves forward without support, encouragement, and a mentor, or at least it is almost impossible to do so without someone in your corner to offer help. I thought that this would make the process easier for anyone ready to take the next step in achieving greatness in art and writing.

Anyone with documented potential and who is ready to go for it might apply to be matched with someone who has already achieved success and would like to mentor someone. We often hear of the starving artist and writer in this country because artists and writers who exhibit talent are not subsidized. I believe that should change. I believe there should be a support system and help for anyone who has talent in art and writing. [I believe the same is true for athletes, like runners but I've decided not to mix the categories at this time.]

The writer categories might be screenplays, plays, creative nonfiction, novel writing, short stories, etc. The artist categories might be sculpture, glass blowing, oils, watercolor, etc.

This is how the program might work at its best. A mystery novel writer or screenwriter who has achieved success and who is willing to mentor a writer might offer a stipend for living expenses for a period of time from 1 month to 6 months.

I've decided to test the waters for this idea and ask for comments and opinions.
Please write to me at:
Wendy Haber
PO Box 288
Alsea, Oregon 97324-0288

Great Harvest Bread Company

I love anything at Great Harvest Bread Company. It is one of my favorite stores. They have healthy, delicious breads in plenty of choices, great muffins, and goodies of all sorts. I tried this morning a new product--pancake mix. It was a gift from Jessica, one of Daniel's best friends. The pancakes are delicious! It is made with fresh ground wheat, rolled oats, non-fat dry milk, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. It couldn't be tastier and it's a healthy choice for breakfast.

The one thing that I like best about Great Harvest Bread Company is how kind they are to people who are hungry by giving them a slice of bread. They offer bread to anyone walking in the door. I really love to try their different breads. I've shopped in the Salem store, the one in Corvallis, and the one in Ballard, the Scandinavian section of Seattle.

For the BEST bread, the healthiest bread, shop Great Harvest Bread Company. It is the better choice, the healthier choice for bread.

2008

I've decided that 2008 is going to be a great year for me. I'm going to make it a good year. It is my wish that this coming year will mark significant writing accomplishments earning enough money so I can write full time and travel. It is my wish that this year will mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life filled with joy, happiness, laughter, and accomplishments.

What I want and need:
I need to be appreciated and to make significant positive contributions.
I need to feel loved and valued.
I need family.
I want loyal, smart friends who have character, integrity, and high standards.
I want enough money for all my needs and wants.
I want to travel and see the world.
If I have to work, I need a job that pays benefits and enough money so I can live independently.
Since I'm not happy here and don't have great memories of Oregon, I want to live outside of Oregon where I am wanted, appreciated, and can have a chance to be happy.
I need to write and to read everyday.
I need an agent for my writing.
I want to write bestselling novels and screenplays.
I need to feel safe and protected.
I need to learn and to grow in all areas of my life and areas of knowledge.
I want to be wealthy.
I want to go to art museums, the symphony, the zoo, science museums, and to see live theater and Broadway plays.
I want to dress up and go to great restaurants.
I need to be able to belong to a great gym with a pool like Timberhill Athletic Club.
I need to be able to eat healthy with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables.
I want to learn about gemstones and collect them.
It would be fun to speak in front of large groups.
It would be fun to have a talk radio show.
It would be fun to have my own show on jewelry television.
It would be fun to be able to go back to school to take classes and get my MFA.
I have always wanted to teach at a college.
I need encouragement and people surrounding me who want me to win and who talk to me.
I love to play Mah Jongg and Canasta.
I want to live in a 5,000 square foot house that is on a hill overlooking water.
I need to live near clean, drinkable water that is abundant.
I want a big garden with flowers, fruits, vegetables, and strange plants from all over the world.
I want to be happy.

My four top priorities in 2008 are eating healthy, exercising, writing, and reading to nurture my writing.

December 23, 2007

When families join other families and blend, it isn't always possible to celebrate holidays on the exact day. This year, we celebrated Christmas on December 23rd. Daniel flew in from Columbus, Ohio. Benjamin and Amanda drove down from Seattle. Gretchen, and Chris drove down from Salem with Jack and Lizzy. We were missing Joseph and Alexander who live in Florida.

Daniel was named Haber Family Hero for 2007 to honor his hard work, dedication, great example, and accomplishments for the last year. He was presented with a certificate signed by all family members. After all, Time Magazine has a Person of the Year Award so I decided to start a Family Award of the Year.

VISO WILL

When I picked up Daniel at PDX, I looked for something to drink at one of the many great little shops. I found diet VISO energy WILL. I was impressed by the taste but most of all for what it has in it.
Listen to this:
100% vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes.
sugar free
0 calories
0 grams total fat
0 sugars
0 carbs
0 sodium
100% Vitamin A 5000 IU
100% Vitamin D 400 IU
100% Vitamin E 30 IU
100% B1 1.5 mg
100% B2 1.7 mg
100% B3 20 mg
100% B6 2.0 mg
100% B12 6.0 mcg
100% Vitamin C 60 mg
100% Biotin .30 mg
100% Folic Acid 40 mcg
100% Pantothenic Acid 10 mg
100% Manganese 2.0 mg
100% Zinc 15 mg
25% Calcium 250 mg
10% Magnesium 40 mg
5% Potassium 175 mg
Caffeine 300 mg
http://www.drinkviso.com/

Canasta

Everyday, my husband, Leslie and I play Canasta and drink coffee. This is usually a morning daily event. We use two decks of cards and I deal out 21 cards to each of us. You need two canastas to go out and we play to 5,000 points, if we have time. Who won this morning? Les.

Jewelry Television

I'm listening right now to Scott and Nicole sell gemstones on Jewelry Television. Wow! They are fun to listen to, plus you learn about gems. The bargains on gemstones are amazing. I wish I was wealthy and could order what I want. Anyone with money out there should be investing in gemstones. This is not a renewable resource. When they're gone, they're gone.

Scott and Nicole just sold a 9.75 ct. 18X13 mm emerald cut yellow labradorite for $73.98. Such a deal! A gorgeous stone, clear, stunning, and would make any woman happy. My favorite cut is a trillion cut and I don't like anything lower than a 3 ct.

Oregon and Washington are part of the Ring of Fire, a term to define the volcanic region along the west coast that circles around through Japan. In looking at a book on gemstones and seeing the conditions needed in order for the earth to naturally produce gemstones, it seems logical to me that Oregon and Washington probably have untapped deposits of gemstones that could be mined.

McGrath's

I was at McGrath's yesterday for a Christmas party for work. Our boss took us out to eat. I had such a nice time. The service and food couldn't have been better. Great conversation, nice people, and great food made it a perfect lunch.

I love good food and I LOVE fish. I started with a cup of Fishermen's Stew. I've never ordered it before but I've been thinking about it ever since. I know I will enjoy going in to eat a bowl of Fishermen's Stew often. Delicious! Perfection! Then I had the wood fired Salmon with garlic and basil butter. It was cooked to perfection. I love Salmon and enjoy eating it often at home. My favorite fish is halibut. I also had fresh steamed vegetables and sliced tomatoes with strawberry lemonade.

Alexander

My grandson, Alexander the Great turned 8 this November. He's amazing. He wants to be a film director. He's smart, curious, and has great ideas. He's full of fun and he's my sunshine. Alexander lives in Florida. The last time I got to see him was at my son, Benjamin's wedding in Seattle a year and a half ago. I sincerely hope that he has teachers that recognize his potential and encourage his talents to be the best he can be. His Dad, my son Joseph has been an amazing Dad who plays, reads stacks of books, and teaches him. Joe's a great father and I'm so proud of him too. Alexander is a good boy who is so precious to me. He's my sunshine and I love him so much. He's inventive and could easily be a comedian. He enjoys being in front of people.

I wish all my grandchildren lived on the same street with me. I'd move anywhere in the United States. I'd read stacks of books, bake cookies, play games, help them create movies, take them to movies, laugh, take them to art museums, science museums, to see Broadway plays, to the Symphony, and more. We'd have fun learning and discovering things together.

Survivor China

What a show! I love watching Survivor. I wanted James to win. He's a nice guy and got out because he trusted. It's interesting that deceit and trickery won.

I liked Peih Gee and also wanted her to win. My favorites were Peih Gee, Erik, and James. The big surprise for me was that in the end, I actually liked Courtney. She is her own person with her own opinions, and has the courage to just be herself no matter what.

What a great show. You test your limits. You learn about yourself and about others. It would be fun to be on the show.

I think the greatest player of Survivor China was Peih Gee.

About James: James knows how to work hard. He's trusting. He doesn't care to make trouble. He's a good person. He's strong and beautiful. Somewhere along the way, someone sure didn't encourage him or allow opportunities to open up. He's smart and careful. Someone out there who is a Fortune 500 CEO should offer James a position and train him. You have the basics to work with. He could easily become the face and spokesperson for a fitness or health product. I know that James would have to believe in what he does but I don't see limits. I only see problems for him if unscrupulous people take advantage of his goodness. He could also have his own talk show. Who wouldn't want to sit down and chat with James? It might be interesting to see him with Kelly, as in Kelly and Regis. Why doesn't Oprah mentor him?

I'm glad James won the $100,000.00 and that Denise won the $50,000.00.

It was sad to hear that when Denise went back to work that she was removed from her position of lunch lady to the janitor because she became such a distraction since the kids love her so much. I hope someone out there offers Denise the training and a job where she can turn her good work ethic into inspiring kids to be the best they can be.

Jewelry Television

I watch Jewelry Television on channel 313 on Direct TV. I love learning about gemstones from Cheryl Ellis. I first started watching her show in the wee hours of the night in Ohio this last summer. I wanted to call in and order a gem stone parcel to try it. Later when I got back home to Oregon, I did and I was astounded at the beauty of the stones. Cheryl is intelligent and is constantly teaching.

There are so many gorgeous gemstones out there that aren't expensive. You can buy a 3.5 or 4 carat beautiful stone for $20 to have made into a ring that is genuine and you will feel proud to wear.

It seems like everyone at Jewelry Television is part of a family. I have looked at a few of the bios of several of the people who have a show. Many have advanced college degrees and have lived excited lives before coming to JTV. One of my favorites is Wendy who is an attorney and who tells great stories. Scott is enthusiastic and makes me smile. He has a masters in music.

I trust Jewelry Television. I know I won't get cheated or talked into something I don't want, when we call in. I know I will be treated fairly. I know I will receive a bargain price because they buy in quantity. It's fun to watch. You learn. You grow and the people are nice.

http://www.jtv.com/ to shop the great bargains.

It would be fun to have a show and teach people about gemstones. I would love to do this. I would love to be part of the big buying trips and go to gem shows to talk to vendors. They travel all over the world. The biggest show is in Hong Kong. How exciting!

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG

On page A-6 of the Wall Street Journal today is the headline, "Where Bloomberg Fits in Election." I picked up a copy at a convenience store in Corvallis. This perked my interest since I want to see Bloomberg run as a presidential candidate in 2008. This is the first presidential election where an independent candidate can win and would generate the interest of the American people at a time where respect for Democrats and Republicans have plummeted. We need a candidate who is a proven winner and who is qualified to handle the complex problems of this time. A candidate who goes the distance and who gets the votes isn't the always the best candidate to serve in the Oval office. We need Michael Bloomberg.

Would I vote for Romney--No!
Would I vote for Clinton--No! I won't vote for Hiliary because she didn't support Al Gore as Vice President when he was serving under Bill. Gore was capable of putting together a health care program and Hiliary failed at this quest.
Would I vote for Obama--maybe but not if Bloomberg is the candidate.
Would I vote for Edwards--maybe but not if Bloomberg is the candidate. My husband, Leslie is going to vote for Edwards and believes he's the best candidate.
Would I vote for Giuliani--maybe but not if Bloomberg is the candidate.

I'm always astounded when I hear people say that they want to vote for someone because he tells jokes and is funny or will not vote for someone because they are boring. I guess this really attests to the ignorance of the voting public. There really should be a test and training for candidates who run for the office for the President of the United States. There has to be basic qualifications because the wrong decisions made out of ignorance, drives the United States off course. We need someone who is qualified, brilliant, and the best person for the oval office.

I want to vote for the best candidate for President in 2008. I want to vote for Michael Bloomberg.

Our nation is in debt billions of dollars. I believe we have reached the trillion mark. We can't afford to allow mismanagement and poor decisions to keep happening. We need someone to watch out for this once great nation, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the needs of the people of the United States, and our environment. We need to make sure our vote goes to the person who is qualified to make the best decisions to get our country back on track.

The Golden Compass

Last Saturday I went to the movies to see the Golden Compass, which is now one of my favorite movies. It has it all--the adventure, intrigue, great cinematography, and great characters. This movie is a blend of fantasy, physics (quantum mechanics, string theory, and partical theory), and a tale of the consequences of what happens when one's opinion is different than the masses. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing the next movie.

Lizzy's Birthday

This is my beautiful granddaughter, Elizabeth. I call her Lizzy. She is my sunshine and makes me so happy. She's such a good little girl. She just turned three in November. I love watching her smile, laugh, discover new things, and play. She's so much fun. I would love to spend time, much more time with her.

I love you, Lizzy. You are so precious to me. You are so smart and such a good little girl. You are my sunshine.

[I have had so many problems with my computer. I've been trying to download this picture every time I get on the computer but I have dial-up, which is frustrating. In fact, I have had problems sending photos on all three of my e-mail addresses for the last two months.]

Jack's Birthday

This is Jack's birthday party. Gretchen is my daughter and is in the light blue top and Jack is my grandson. I made the blue superhero shirt he is wearing. It was a great birthday party with all the bells and whistles. All kids should be lucky enough to have parents who give their kids such a nice birthday party.

Jack is such a cutie and I love him so much. He always makes me happy. He's my sunshine. I love seeing him and spending time with him. He's fun and thoughtful, wants to help, and full of energy. He's a good little boy and is so precious to me.

You are a smart little boy, Jack. Read stacks of books and learn everything you can to get ready to be Jack who can handle anything in the world and solve any problems. You are my sunshine.

Dogs on a Leash

There are many municipal laws on the books about dogs on a leash but this law is rarely enforced. Dog owners often do not feel the need to have their dog on a leash if their dog will obey a verbal command, but is this responsible? A dog is an animal. With so many variables to distract can one be certain that their well-trained dog will not cause harm even under supposedly innocent circumstances? I am also aware how easily it would be to use a well-trained dog to accomplish a goal to cause harm and make it appear innocent.

My son, Benjamin was running in a cross country event for Seattle Running Company to get ready for the National Cross Country event in Columbus, Ohio in December. At 1K, a dog appeared out of no where and collided with my son who fell to the ground, broke his wrist, hurt his knee, and had to stop. Blood ran down both of his arms. This dog should have been on a leash. My son is an elite distance runner. This year he finished the Eugene Marathon in 2 hours and 30 minutes. He runs cross country to bring speed to his distance running. The owner of the dog who allowed his dog to be off a leash should pay for the medical bills but how do you pay for lost dreams when you are at the top of your game? This dog took away more than the running dream because it effects my son at work on the computer.

A seemingly innocent act of allowing your dog to run off leash during a 10K running event is not so innocent, in my opinion. Often I wish I had gone to law school. Attorneys are the defenders of the law and innocent victims. Yes, some attorneys bend to greed and the highest bidder but I still believe in the law and that there are attorneys out there who fight for what's right.

Penske

On the trip of a lifetime this summer, my son, Daniel drove across country from California to Ohio on I80 in a Penske moving truck. Everytime we saw a Penske truck coming our way on the freeway, we raised our arms in unison and said, PENSKE!

I'm impressed with Penske. We had zero problems and Penske made the move easier. The spacious air-conditioned cab made it easier going through hot temperatures with plenty of large cup holders for big soda pop drinks with ice. The cab had plenty of space to put some luggage or bags of books or items to keep me occupied during the trip.

Here's a photo that I took at a rest stop at the Utah salt flats. I met the nicest family at this rest stop.

Thank you, Daniel. I'll never forget the fun, the laughs in the Penske truck along I-80.

Jewelry Television

Jewelry Television on Channel 313 on Direct TV has opened my eyes to the potential of making jewelry by buying loose gems and creating your own jewelry. All gems are genuine and I'm impressed by the bargains. You can buy 25 carats of 8mm sky blue topaz for only $19.98. This is a beautiful stone and you can get it for less than a dollar a carat. This is amazing. Check it out.
www.jtv.com Such a deal!

Firefighters

On the front page of the Corvallis Gazette Times on November 24 is the headline, "Firefighters take on role in terrorism surveillance." It goes on to say that "unlike police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel don't need warrants to access hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings each year...."

The potential abuse brings to mind the book, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and it makes me wonder why firefighters want their hero status scarred.

We don't seem to be the same United States of America anymore where the Constitution and Bill of Rights matter.

Merit Pay for Teachers

On the November 20th front page of the Corvallis Gazette Times [www.gazettetimes.com] the headline reads "Teacher merit pay may be on '08 ballot."

Bill Sizemore is pushing this agenda who seems to be hated by anyone who wants to make sure the money keeps coming for their own self interest.

Many say that merit pay is an enemy of public education but is it? I really wonder about teachers who are threatened by merit pay. Shouldn't the goal be to reward teachers who inspire kids and clean house of those teachers who don't? I haven't seen headlines spash across newspapers saying the education in the United States is the best in the world. Shouldn't we work hard in this country to keep reaching for the best ways to inspire students and reward it when we find teachers who do?

High Blood Pressure

A couple of weeks ago, my blood pressure was checked. It was 155 over 120. I have a headache almost all the time. I can feel the pulsing in my head. When you don't have a doctor and zero health insurance or savings, you ignore symptoms. It's too bad that people aren't valued in this country. Everyone should have access to a basic level of health care and emphasis should be placed on prevention.

Kennedy Space Center

My son, Joe is on the right. Alexander the Great, my grandson is on the left with his best friend, Chance, who is in the middle. They are visiting Kennedy Space Center.

Joe lives in Florida and is a great father. He is an Assistant Manager for Wal-Mart in one of the big stores in Orlando. Joe loves his job and loves Florida.

Leslie

My husband, Leslie has been sick all summer and ended up in the hospital on October 31 at Good Samaritan in Corvallis. He was in three different rooms. Heart disease and cancer was ruled out. The big question is what would cause a loss of blood platelets. The number was only 8,000 when he was admitted, instead of the normal range that starts at 300,000. After tests and experts for days, he was released on November 6 without answers. His doctor, Dr. Kenyan is supposed to be one of the best in Oregon who is tenacious and will not stop until answers are found so we are happy. It still might be the Valley Fever. So far we know his body is allergic to itself. He has Evans Syndrome, Eosinophilia, Lymphadenopathy, and a history of Coccidiomycosis.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints talks about family values. Presidential candidate, Romney, a Mormon, talks about family values. He is running on a platform based on family values. Sounds good....

I recently watched the PBS Frontline special, The Mormons, the last in a series inside the Mormon faith. At the beginning, Dallin H. Oaks, one of the twelve apostles said, "It's wrong to criticize leaders of the church, even if the criticism is true." He later said, "Intellectualism is a danger to the church...." Boyd K. Packer, another one of the twelve apostles said, "Gays, Feminists, and Intellectuals are enemies of the church."

This sounds a little like Hitler's Nazi empire to me. Hitler didn't like gays, feminists, and intellectuals either and we all know how that turned out. Don't think for yourself. Don't question authority figures. Don't have an opinion.

It isn't possible to hold a temple recommend, if you criticize leaders of the church or question them.

[I learned all this first hand when my husband and I were serving as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were helping people find employment on a service mission in Salem covering an eight stake area driving back and forth from Alsea on our own dime. Les finished the two year mission. I quit after six months. We saw behaviors of leaders that warranted big questions. We became members in 1995. After letters to Salt Lake City in 2001, we were shunned.]

Is this really the kind of family values that we want to teach our children? In my opinion, if doctrine can't stand light and debate, it isn't valid. If leaders aren't doing what they ought, the church should clean house. To teach vulnerable and innocent children to not question authority figures and to follow blindly is to create robot children who will fall prey to predators.

Israel

On the right is Daniel, my youngest son. In the center is Josh, his friend that he met in Israel. I met Josh. He's a great guy. Josh helped Daniel unpack the moving truck when Daniel moved to Columbus. Josh is getting his masters degree in architecture at Ohio State University. A great catch for some lucky gal out there. So is my son, Daniel.

Battelle

Here's a photo of Daniel in his office at Battelle in Mountain View, California as he is packing up his work to take to headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. I got to meet some of the amazing, talented, and brilliant people he has been working with. They are fun too with a great sense of humor. An official certificate was created, signed, dated, and given to Daniel saying that he is released from his debt of 50 million donuts promised in an e-mail. Great words of praise and expectations for Daniel were shared with me by everyone I met. Daniel was working with PhD's in CA and when he left, several said they thought he'll be President someday, not President of the US because no one would want that job, but President of Battelle. He worked hard with 12 to 18 hour days to find solutions, common ground, and answers to difficult questions as a research scientist working on projects with NASA and the airline industry as a graduate of Oregon State University. I'm very proud of the work that Daniel is doing and that he is part of Battelle. Now he's working hard in Columbus at Battelle and is now a proud Buckeye at Ohio State University working on his MBA.

I got to meet his new boss in Columbus and his two beautiful daughters. Eight year old Aleah is a beautiful blonde princess and is very precocious. She showed me her pure white teddy bear dressed in a bridal gown. His boss couldn't have been nicer or more supportive. He said that Columbus is a place to settle down and I agree that the quality of life in Columbus is excellent.

I love Columbus. I love it that you can see a Broadway play, see an exhibit on Monet at the Art Museum, listen to the symphony, visit a replica of the Santa Maria in the harbor, eat at some great restaurants, and the housing prices are reasonable. The shopping is amazing. I'm impressed with Columbus and I'm so happy for Daniel.

http://www.battelle.com/

My cousin, Victor

This is my cousin, Victor Gess who lives in Lafayette, California. Daniel and I stopped to see him before leaving California on our way to Columbus, Ohio. Victor is the son of my Dad's sister, Alma. He's an amazing man who has accomplished a lot in life. He's intelligent, political, and a strong leader. Victor is a big supporter of Hilliary Clinton, so I was interested in hearing his take on her race for the presidency. He spends a lot of time researching family geneology and has written books about our family originating from Sweden.

Daniel's Friends

These are all the great friends who came to help my son, Daniel move in Mountain View, California. Each one has an amazing career. It was so much fun to meet and talk to them all. Daniel always has the BEST friends. He sure knows the secret of how to pick great friends and attract them. Not only are they intelligent with great ideas but they have a kind and generous spirit, and work hard to acheive their goals, like Daniel who is sitting in front. I liked them all very much.

skybus.com

Skybus is the best news for consumers who fly that I've heard about in a long time. On the website it says there are ten seats on every flight for $10. Wow! That's great for someone like me who loves to travel and can plan ahead but doesn't have a lot of money to spend. Flights originate in Columbus, Ohio and fan out to cities across the country. Skybus doesn't fly into Oregon yet but I sure hope to see news of it soon.

Grades

It's great to get all A's but the most important thing is to learn the lesson in the book. To do your best and to understand it's okay to get a B once in awhile is better than to be like the student who is so consumed about getting A's that later in life he never cracks a book or cares about learning. Life happens. If you don't have lofty goals, you will never even come close to achieving them, but be kind to yourself along the way to make sure you get proper rest, exercise, healthy food, a dose of friends, and time alone to see answers. There are many lessons to learn in life and not all of them can be measured by a grade. The drive for excellence must come from within but it must be encouraged and valued.

Crowded Skies

On Saturday, September 23rd, I flew home from Columbus, Ohio on Southwest Airlines via Chicago's O'Hare Airport where I changed planes arriving in Portland, Oregon around 11 a.m. I didn't experience any delays or problems on September 23rd, nor did I experience any delays or problems on September 11th flying out of PDX on Southwest Airlines to San Jose, California. I had an enjoyable flight both days.

Delays and problems with the air transportation system have been plaguing the news media in the last few months so when I turned on C-Span on September 28 to watch the Senate, my interest heightened when testimony was being given about this very issue. According to testimony, we seem to be at a crossroads in the aviation transportation industry.

First to give critical testimony was Patrick Forrey, the President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association speaking for only six minutes. My first concern is why was his time limited to only six minutes when this is a potential critical issue for air transportation and public safety? Why were other experts giving testimony limited to only a few minutes, especially when I often turn onto C-Span only to find classical music playing with no debate on the floor of the House or Senate?

Mr. Forrey gave important testimony stating that "controller fatigue rates are increasing at a frightening level as air traffic continues to grow." He said there are 1,100 fewer certified air traffic controllers than the infamous 9-11 and yet delays have increased 150% with identical traffic. Working record amounts of hours under high stress and under-staffed conditions, three air traffic controllers are leaving every day and 70% of the current work force will retire in five years.

Jim May, Air Transport Association President and CEO wants to increase low altitude and departure routes out of major hubs and says that the 72% delay rates that exist now are not acceptable. Listed across the bottom of the C-Span screen as Mr. May was speaking was the factoid that there has been a 20% increase in air traffic in 2006. He said that the air transportation industry will move a billion passengers a year in the next five years. There will be 760 million passengers that fly in 2007.

Air traffic controllers say that "demand exceeds capacity." Mr. Forrey said, "airline schedules are often out of line with reality." The example given was if 10 aircraft can leave in a fifteen minute period, why are more than 10 scheduled to leave in this time period causing backups and delays?

Steve Brown, the Senior Vice President of the National Business Aviation Association talked about JFK having enough capacity in the early morning hours for 44 departures but 57 are scheduled creating a "conga line" on the runways of aircraft waiting to depart causing a backup of jets in the air that are forced to circle the airspace until they are given the permission to land. Mr. Brown says the U.S. Department of Transportation lists weather and commercial airlines scheduling practice as responsible for delays. He said that most business travelers avoid major airport hubs so they aren't responsible for delays.

So I'm wondering as I listen to this testimony what is going to fill the need with 70% of the air traffic controllers retiring in five years and the critical need to expand service? Mr. Brown was the first to mention ADSB or the Automatic Dependent Surveillance System which is viewed as the "cornerstone of modernization" for the future. But can computers acequately handle emergencies? The ADSB can only work as a tool used by experienced air traffic controllers, in my opinion.

Patrick Forrey, the President of the NATCA mentioned the three hours of lost communications at the Memphis Traffic Control Center covering an eight state area recently with over 1,000 flights in the air space. The experienced air traffic controllers ignored the FAA ban to use cell phones and used them to safely direct air traffic during this critical three hour period.

I didn't experience any problems or delays on Southwest Airlines. I had a great time and enjoyed my flights.

I question whether smaller airports are being utilized to their potential after listening to this testimony and after my own experience this month. Salem, Oregon has only one airlines flying into the airport to provide needed service. In the past, it used to be a busy airport. Now only Delta flies into Salem. Why? Everyone in Oregon shouldn't have to be shuttled to Portland to fly out of Oregon. Why isn't the Corvallis airport utilized by regional and smaller commercial airlines? Why aren't there more flights out of Eugene and Salem? I wonder what airlines are flying out of Medford and Bend?

If the airlines are overscheduling for profit which threatens public air safety, why aren't they fined and held accountable?

These issues peak my interest but I trust solutions will continue to be found as air transportation continues to be the safest means of transportation.

Road Trip

I'm excited to travel this week. My youngest son, Daniel is flying me down to San Jose today out of PDX on Southwest to start the trip of a lifetime. I feel privileged to have been asked to spend the time with him driving to Ohio. I always say that spending time with my family is the most precious gift.

There isn't anyone better than Daniel. He starts a new job in Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday morning at Battelle and will be working on his MBA at Ohio State University starting this fall. He has worked for 6 years with Battelle in Mountainview, California and Corvallis, Oregon. Daniel deserves the very best in life and I'm so proud of him. He's the BEST person I know.

I fly back to PDX on Southwest next Wednesday. It's going to be a great adventure.

Family

Here's a photo of the last time our family got together on the weekend of August 24 and 25. Let me introduce you--starting at the left is Chris--my son-in-law, Gretchen--my daughter holding LizzyBeth, my granddaughter. Then comes Benjamin, my son from Seattle and his wife, my daughter-in-law--Amanda who is holding Jack--my grandson. Then comes me and my husband--Leslie on the far right. In the background is Chris and Gretchen's new Jeep that is pulling their travel trailer that was in our driveway for the night. It sure is fun getting together and I look forward to the next time. Les is 200% better now.

Chris just lost over 80 pounds with LA Weight Loss. Gretchen dropped down to a size 6 and 8 by following the program too. I'm proud of both of them. It's not easy to lose weight. They look healthy and have added years to their life. Now they eat differently and look for opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together as a family.

It sure was fun seeing Ben and Amanda too from Seattle. Of course, I always love playing Canasta and winning but I didn't this time. A big loss to Ben. I'll have to wait for the next time.

BEST BUY

We bought a new computer at Best Buy in Salem and I'm sure happy with it. It's an emachine and the Geek Squad at Best Buy installed the Windows software and the virus protection. I'm impressed with my problem-free experience on the Internet so far.

Best Buy seems to have everything you could want and I saw many things that would be nice to buy someday. Expert friendly service...what more could you want?

Medical Update

Leslie went to the Lincoln Clinic yesterday. I thought he was doing much better. On Sunday he went outside to work out in the yard for a little bit. He looks better. He's moving around more. However, Dr. Williams told him the blood test came back with cause for concern with the elevated white count level. He said that no one has seemed to get to the bottom of what is wrong with Les for a very long time and he wants to find another doctor who might be able to help him. Les goes for a CT Scan at the end of the week.

I thought that it was interesting that when Les asked about his cardiogram taken several months ago that the test wasn't in his folder and Dr. Williams had never looked at it. Les had asked the nurse about it before and she said it wasn't in his folder either. Why?

I'm impressed with Dr. Williams because he doesn't pretend to know something he doesn't and he cares to find out the truth. He cares about his patients.

The whole health care system needs to be changed so that the best care is provided to all people in need for health care. This in and out system in 10 minutes with a hit or miss diagnosis just doesn't cut it.

Republican Party

My husband of 35 years, Leslie received in the mail a questionnaire for the Republican National Committee. I thought it interesting when he told me that health care wasn't even listed as a cause for concern. My husband wrote it in as his number one cause for concern during the election.

I think Lou Dobbs has it right when he says that neither the Republicans or Democrats seem to have the answers or solutions.

So You Think You Can Dance

One of my all time favorite shows and one of the most important shows on television to encourage the arts is SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. It's down to four young people and I'll be voting for Sabra or Danny or Neil.

I was so impressed when Nigel Lythgoe spoke briefly about the right to express an opinion. He said, "Art should be allowed to make statements and until we find a way of living with people we disagree with, we are never going to find peace. We've got to work at this." Nigel is a great man who has encouraged the love of dance in millions and now begins the great effort that should be rewarded with a Nobel Peace Prize of sharing dance with kids all over the United States by using the best choreographers to teach dance to the teachers who work with young people in inner city programs. He is working to change the world to make it a much better place by channeling energy into dance, instead of violence.

All the dancers who have participated and were chosen have been great and will go on to amazing careers in dance. My favorite was Hok and I was sad to see him leave. The dance of the hummingbird and the flower was nothing less than the highest art expressed through dance.

Israel

Daniel spent two weeks in Israel with the Taglit Birthrite Program. I asked him to put my name in a space in the Western Wailing Wall for a blessing and he did. He stayed with a group of young people his own age to explore and learn about being Jewish in Israel. He brought home a large bag of seven cosmetics from the Dead Sea for me, and a beautiful Star of David with a blessing on it for our home which reads, "May this home be a place of happiness and health, of concernment, generosity and hope, a home of creativity and kindness. May those who visit and those who live here know only blessing and peace."

I'm so proud of Daniel how he embrasses life and is beginning to have friends all over the world.
He's perfect in every way and he works hard to do his best at everything he does. He's a brilliant young man with a kind heart and has a keen ability to find solutions.

BLOOMBERG

In the Corvallis Gazette Times this morning in the religion section is the headline, "Bloomberg: America's first Jewish president?" Bloomberg is the only candidate smart enough to be president. It's important that he's Jewish, especially in a time when some around the world want to annihilate all Jews.

Hilliary? Why would I vote for Hilliary? I don't know what she stands for since she's so busy kissing up the last three years. When her husband was president, he gave her the project of putting together a national health care system and she failed so just why would I think she would do any better this time plus her husband gave away the store and couldn't control his personal life.

Edwards, the pretty boy? I don't know. I think he would be too busy looking in a mirror.

Romney? I would never vote for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after my experience in this church. Am I nice to members? Yes. Do I keep my distance? Yes.

Giuliani--maybe I'll vote for him, if Bloomberg doesn't run for president.

COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

Coccidioidomycosis can be dangerous and life threatening. Imagine having fungal spores inside your body that multiply and shoot off like popcorn in the microwave and then continue to multiply in all parts of your body. It weakens the immune system, causes respiratory problems, can lead to meningitis when not stopped, and during the 1950's was actually considered by the U.S. Government to be a biological weapon. It isn't contagious. You must breath in the fungal spores. You aren't supposed to get it again but that obviously isn't true since my husband has a new full-blown case of Valley Fever. Was it caused by the residual disease that was dormant in his body or is this a new infection from spores that he breathed in when rototilling our garden? I don't know. I guess we would have to test the soil to know for sure. Interesting.

Since Coccidioidomycosis is endemic to the SW of Texas, California and Arizona, I can see that seniors should be careful when relocating to this area of the country. Stay inside when they excavate for new buildings and stir up the dirt.

LINCOLN HEALTH CLINIC

My husband visited the Lincoln Health Clinic yesterday and I'm pleased with his care. Dr. Williams searches for answers and asks for advice. When consulting with an expert at OSHU and was told that nothing should be done to control the Valley Fever, Dr. Williams didn't stop there but went on to talk to the medical professionals at the University of Washington Medical School. Les is now on fluconazole and is already seeing positive results.

Les is now taking Adviar, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Fluconazole, Hydroxy, and tapering off the Namenda.

Namenda has the potential of shutting down his immune system which could allow the Valley Fever to progress into meningitis again. Dr. Broskie, Les' doctor in Salem called to take him off the Namenda. She has been in constant touch to help him. She is another medical hero who has directed his care.

Susan, the nurse at Lincoln Clinic was amazing on Monday, July 2nd because Les was in the examining room for 2 1/2 hours. This is unusual in the time of a "one symptom and ten minute visit" medical era. By giving him a nebulizer treatment for his lungs, it helped him to breath better. The blood tests taken during this visit made a positive diagnosis of active coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever.

It takes many people to heal a person which includes Thayne, the Pharmacist at Safeway who got the fluconazole started on Saturday.

Les is starting to get better. He hasn't been sleeping for the last month so I look forward to his getting better, sleeping, and starting to recover so he can enjoy life again. I'm grateful to everyone who has helped.

JOANN FABRICS

I enjoy working at Joann Fabrics and dreamed of how it could be even better.

I would sit with customers in a large sitting area with refreshments to encourage and answer questions with full access to all resources to give outstanding service with other team members. Computer software and a large screen monitor would allow us to take customers in virtual reality to find what they want in any part of the store. A map would be printed out so they could easily find all the items they want. Any questions about craft projects could be answered on the large screen with visual directions and then printouts with all instructions. Samples of all types of crafting would be available in notebooks to show as examples.

There would be classes in Corvallis, just like in the large Super Centers in the big cities.

Any person who has difficulty walking from one end of the store to the other would ride in carts.

There would be a play yard for the children so mothers could shop without worry or concern with plastic tunnels over the fabric near the ceiling with slides. There would be large tables with teachers and crafting supplies for all children.

After all the team members go home after helping customers, all the merchandise that is brought in the semitrucks would be put away by retail robots. All merchandise would have a microchip with directions of the exact spot in the store where it belongs and robots that scan the bar code would know the exact location of where to put the merchandise.

Maybe in the future something like this might be a reality in all retail stores to give excellent customer service.

ON THE LOT

I've been saving the FOX reality show ON THE LOT on my Tivo. They were backed up and I decided to skip ahead and watch tonight's show so I could vote.

This is my favorite show on television. If this show doesn't spark the imagination and light a fire under all screenwriters and filmmakers, I don't know what would. It's perfect. I love the format of this exciting show with executive producers, Mark Burnett from Survivor and Steven Spielberg, the BEST Director of all time. No wonder it's great!

The opportunity to see Carrie Fisher, Gary Marshall, and guest directors react and to see how they critique the films is invaluable to all screenwriters and filmmakers.

The short film, TIME UPON A ONCE directed by Zach Lipovsky was pure genius and magic. I love the way his mind works.

The charming fairy tale, THE LEGEND OF DONKEY-TAIL WILLIE directed by Hilary Graham was fun. I agree with Gary Marshall and was "engaged and involved with it."

SPAGHETTI directed by Will Bigham was my favorite of the first three. I've always loved westerns. When I was in grade school, I used to write my own scripts for Gunsmoke. I always included a commercial and a joke. I loved the story bringing the clash of the new with the old.

It makes me dream of a digital video camera, editing software, and a new computer.

FIRST SIGHT by Shalini Kantayya was an important film with a message. I wonder what kind of films with value and character Shalini will create in the future that will evoke thought and self-examination.

Of all the filmmakers, Adam Stein is my favorite. WORLDLY POSSESSION was clever, inventive, and amazing with the special effects.

Everyone's so gifted and amazing. ON THE LOT will inspire young and old filmmakers all over the world. Everyone will win because of the great films that will be created.

That's a wrap. Fade out.

Family Medicine

The Leslie is almost covered with the rash from Valley Fever or Coccidioidomycosis. He's in severe pain. He doesn't sleep. The Leslie has been directing his own care to get what he needs. The Benjamin researched medications with the least side effects for his Dad yesterday and came up with fluconazole. Ben has a degree in biomedical engineering and works for Zymo Genetics in Seatte as a manager. The Daniel looked up information on the internet, also researched medications, and found someone at Stanford doing research on Coccidioidomycosis. Dan is a research scientist with Battelle in Mountain View, CA. The Wendy diagnosed the coccidioidomycosis, supports and maintains to keep everything going. Now the trick is to get the care The Leslie needs so that he will get well.

Is The Wendy getting a little tired of always putting her dreams on the back burner? Yes!

Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever or San Joaquin Valley Fever common in SW California, Texas, and Arizona in semi-arid climates now has an identified case in Alsea, Oregon. Yesterday my husband, Leslie was positively identified as having coccidioidomycosis from a blood test taken at the Lincoln Health Clinic in Corvallis.

Coccidioidomycosis is caused by inhaling fungus spores. My husband contracted Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever in Arroyo Grande, California in 1978 when he was cleaning up the yard of the house we bought on Tierra Street. He inhaled the spores. Even though this disease is common to the area, especially when there is major excavation, it went undiagnosed. It progressed up into the brain and arrested. He survived. He has had problems with his joints ever since and a CT brain scan showed major damage to the frontal and parietal lobes of the brain.

This time I suspected that it was Cocciodioidomycosis again, even though it was highly unlikely. This is why. After rototilling in the dry soil in our garden area, my husband got worse and started having similiar symptoms to the time he was so gravely ill in 1978. For some odd reason, I did not want him to rototill this year and I made the decision not to have a garden, even though it would not be to our advantage. He did so anyway, stubborn man that he is and who never listens to me. He rototilled a smaller area so he could plant tomatoes. I refused to have a garden this year and didn't want to encourage it.

Medical literature says that you aren't supposed to get Cocciodioidomycosis or Valley Fever a second time. Insurance companies sure don't want to discuss the liability issues of this disease. We don't have medical insurance.

Yes, The Wendy was right and accurately diagnosed it. I told several people what I suspected, including the nurse at the Immediate Care Clinic in Corvallis and the nurse yesterday at the Lincoln Health Clinic. This time it was diagnosed correctly and it will save his life.