Save the duck!

JMH, all rights reserved

02-20-07-The photo is from my collection of doors. The sign said: Don't even think of parking here!

AFLAC Duck-No more AFLAC duck?! Say it isn’t so! I’ll never forget my grandson’s comment—he was about 5—when he ran over to me and said, “Gramma, I know how they do that. They teach that duck to say that!”

Words-The rescue of the climbers on Mt. Hood yesterday brought into focus the definitions of two words that we all know: rescue and recovery. How different they are! By the time the day was over, I was even glad to see that skinny black dog! We’ve had far too many recoveries lately—and way too few rescues. Good job, guys!

On my TV- Cabin in the Sky, with an all black cast that I could watch over and over (and will). Ethel Waters, Lena Horne, and all the other greats are tightly packed into a movie that is a treat for the ears, a feast for the eyes, and a gift to the mind. Don’t miss it! Thank you, Comcast On Demand!


Baseball-The players reported to spring training this week. Ask me later on if that’s a good thing. I’m having trouble being enthusiastic about players who make millions being unable to catch a ball—even when it hits them in the hands. Even so, it is baseball—and this is America…play ball!

Quote du jour:
“Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball, the rules and realities of the game—and do it by watching first some high school or small-town teams.” Jacques Barzun

Still looking for the Font Fairy...

Quanah Parker's House, copyright JMH

2-15-07-This is my new plan: if I don't have anything to say, I'll just throw up an interesting picture. This is the house that used to belong to Quanah Parker, a Comanche chief.

What I'm really doing- is looking for an acceptable size font for this blog. They say this is large.

Quote du jour:

"Some of us are becoming the men we wanted to marry." Gloria Steinem

D. C. is full of monkeys!

copyright JMH

2-15-07-The photo is from a trip to St. Thomas years ago. It reminds me of that saying about when God closes a door he opens a window. Here, windows abound--pick one!

Font Fairy-My Font Fairy deserted me yesterday. After I'd signed off, I realized that Google's new format shrinks fonts smaller than usual size. This font is labeled huge--I'll be the judge of that!

Custer and His Naked Ladies-The book is still waiting for permissions. Meanwhile, I've started the first novel with a Northwest setting. It has no title yet, but I'm calling it Ralph, for reasons I can't explain. It's going to be difficult for me to change settings, but I imagine my relatives are breathing heavy sighs of relief that I've finally stopped writing about them!

Quote du jour:

An example from the monkey: "The higher it climbs, the more you see of its behind." Saint Bonaventure

Listen to your Font Fairy!

copyright, JMH

2-14-07-The photo above was taken from my files. I used to be an organic gardener. The berries were in my back pasture.

Kids- What's wrong with our kids? So far, this month, we've had Gonzaga University basketball players--on a full ride scholarship--caught with drugs! Now that's got to warm the cockles of their parents' hearts. Then, there were the students from the Air Firce Academy who cheated during a test using the text messaging feature on their phones. Somebody needs to be slapped--on their way out the door. McDonald's is thataway, podner...although, I don't even think McDonald's would want these guys.

Font Fairy-Some of you are still not reading your messages from the Font Fairy. This is cyberspace, folks! You can use a font bigger than a size two!

More later--I'm out of time! I spent all morning converting to the new Google format. Oy! I swear, the Internet Gods are playing with me...

Ya can't make a baker from hash browns...

Missin' Oklahoma, JMH, all rights reserved

02-05-07-
Spinach-So now the produce industry wants us to set up federal oversight to assure buyers that fresh produce is safe. How pesky of consumers to be unwilling to forget that spinach contaminated with E. coli bacteria killed three people and sickened nearly 200 last year!
Why don’t they just do their job? Grow healthy food. Why does our government have to bail out every sloppy businessman who screws up?
If this goes through, I want a government overseer in my office the next morning, to make sure that I am conducting my business with integrity.
C’mon! Those people knew they had a serious problem and they tried to cover it up…at the expense of innocent people. Now, it’s hurting them in their pocketbook, so they’re taking notice. I’d rather eat cake.

Presidential hopefuls-I’ve lost track of the Hopeless Hopefuls. Except for Biden. I remember him from last time. He’s definitely not an Idaho baker! He is small potatoes all the way. Heck. He’s beyond that—he’s hash browns.

Custer and His Naked Ladies-It’s finished and is in the permission stage at the moment. Ya’ll don’t miss it! It’s a winner!

Quote du Jour:
“I’ll never be strong like Popeye…my mom refuses to buy the spinach that comes in the can.” My organic gardener friend’s son at six.

Calling all Idaho Bakers!

Bear's Fish Camp, Alaska

© Janelle Meraz Hooper

01-23-07-Presidential hopefuls - Good grief! Where did all of you guys get your egos? Most of you have already risen higher in government than even God could have predicted. Go home! Shut up!

This guy, Brownback from Kansas, is the worst so far. He announced a few days ago that he and his family were going to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the White House.” And then, do what? Look for a brain?

These are serious times. We’ll be lucky if we make it through the next long, long months with Bush. We cannot afford to waste our time on a man who is Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Brownback is not alone in his uselessness. Edwards, Kerry, Giuliani, Hunter, and Mc Cain (especially MC Cain)—go home! None of you will ever pass muster. You are small potatoes during a time when we need Idaho bakers.

Quote du jour:
"Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet ." Unknown

Is Kia made in Germany?

The snow has stayed too long

photo by JMH

I'll try to post a picture later--everyone except that guy in the big White House must be on the Internet this morning (I don't think the Big W reads. Maybe we could show him some pictures).

01-17-07-The war: Is there anyone we haven’t attacked yet? Why is no one screaming? Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia…Canada better look out!

On my TV-I must have been in a fog. My husband was the first to notice the background music to the new Kia ad. They’re playing So Long, Farewell, from The Sound of Music! Has Madison Avenue lost its creative brains? Has Kia lost its corporate mind? What’s up?! What’s next? BMW designing ads with the Flower Drum Song theme song in the background?

On Warrior (my computer)-Someone is confused about blessing of cyberspace. You see, guys, the page never ends. You can go on forever—for free—no stamps needed! So why is everyone from my editor to my HMO using such small fonts?! I’ve gotten email messages so small that I had to scan the messages, enlarge the font, and print them before I knew what they said. Knock it off!

My readers- I’m thinking of getting a world map so I can track where my readers come from. Some of them email me directly and come from countries like The Philippines, UK, Italy, Nigeria (Okay, that was one of those scam letters. Maybe it doesn't count), and Canada.

Quote du jour:
“Forbidden fruits create many jams.” Unknown

1-11-07 Northwest snow storm photos

All photos by Janelle Meraz Hooper, copyrighted 2007

1-11-07- I decided to post the photos that I took of our snow in the backyard, since you'll undoubtedly see the pictures of the overturned cars and uprooted trees on the news.

The photos were taken about eight o'clock this morning, and I may save them forever because I'm seldom up before the crows are, and there wasn't a bird in sight when I took these...although they may have been at the local eatery feeding on leftover waffles.

Quote du jour:

"Announced by all the trumpets of the sky, Arrives the snow."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

(Now don't ya'll email me about that capital A after the comma...that's the way old Ralph wanted it.)

The big Northwest storm

1-09-07 storm photos , the tree nextdoor after a high wind

1-09-07-So far, not much noise here from our big Northwest storm that we've been bracing for. I've heard there are about 30,000 people out of power though. They promise it'll get ugly tonight--just in time for the evening commute.

New Year's- I noticed this morning that I still have the rhinestone pin that's a big snowflake on my black purse that I put on every New Year's Eve. Here's the funny part: we never left the house! We may actually be becoming hermits, as we're just too darn comfortable at home.

Bush-Oh, dear! I hear he's about to send even more troops to Iraq. Our poor troops. Maybe the Democrats can pass a law that he can't send anyone else unless his daughters are at the top of the list.

On my TV-The decorating shows on HGTV. I am so hooked! Not only with the gorgeous, spendy decorating ideas, but their shows where they remake a room without spending any money. And they are funny too--although they don't realize it. I've actually heard them suggest that some homeowners get rid of their books to end clutter! Sometimes, they even go and buy different books just for their decorating value. I've often described my home as being decorated in Early Library, so I find this approach way past ludicrous! Get rid of a book? I'd sooner get rid of my secret chocolate stash!

On my bed table-New research on the Comanches. Actually, the research isn't new, but my Google skills have greatly improved.

Quote du jour:

Benjamin Martin: "I will not fight, and because I will not fight I will not cast a vote that will send others to fight in my stead." The Patriot, courtesy of the Quote Geek

(What a concept!)

You're out there!!!

Bud's New Year's date...

Sculpture by Joyce Stevens

1-06-07- Oh, my gosh!!! I just realized I have comments posted that I never noticed! I guess I just gave up on anyone actually reading this thing, and stopped checking! I've always liked hearing from my readers, and would never intentionally ignore them. If you have written, please forgive me--I'll start checking the messages today.

I should mention that there is no notification of messages, and readers who post on my notes years back will probably not be seen. Maybe you could email me directly.

Quote du jour:

"The one who tells the stories rules the world." (Hopi)

The Soul Would have No Rainbow If The Eyes had No Tears

Guy A. Zona

Big soup!

2006 Christmas tree...

1-6-06-I had to bail out before I finished my thoughts about too much salt in our childrens' diets at last post. You see, my husband cooks big. BIG. I heard a distress call from the kitchen because he couldn't find enough plastic lids for the containers to put the Spanish chicken soup I'd asked him to make for dinner. After we each had a big bowl, he put away 26 (!) cartons of soup. What did he boil the water in, our hot tub?! But it is delish; I have it so good around here. The freezer is always filled with homemade chili con carne, chicken noodle soup, spaghetti, etc. How perfect for a writer!

Anyway, I'm sure we'll have lots of guidance on this salt thing. We'd better. It's bad enough that we're messing up our own health.

Quote du jour:

"The more you do, the more you can do." Thomas Jefferson

At last! something we can fix!

01-01-06--Get ready, get set, go! I mean go to work, Congress—not go to work campaigning.
Speaking of campaigning, aren’t ya’ll sick of all these never-will-win-couldn’t –win-if-they-were-three-times-as-good-as-they-are candidates? Where do they get their egos? Go home! You’re not part of the solution, you are part of the problem!
Our kids—Now comes research that our children are getting too many kidney stones from the salt in processed foods. At last! Something we can fix! How many of you moms and dads can stay home and cook nutritious meals for your family?
I didn’t think so.
I can barely find time to feed myself. But this news could be a blessing in disguise. I’m not a nutritionist, but couldn’t we scale down on the complexity of our meals and save time as well as improve the diet of our children? I’m thinking more salads, soups and sandwiches on whole wheat bread (hold the processed meats please).

Happy New Year, ya’ll! Let’s make it a good one!

On my DVD—The Devil Wears Prada—What a shallow, dumb, been done over and over movie. BUT I would watch Meryl Strep play solitaire on film, and she had the best hairdo I’ve seen in a long time.

On my TV—Still Keith Olbermann on Countdown.

On my bed table—The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman—since it was almost banned by our local school district, I thought I should reread it.

Quote du jour:
“Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.”

unknown

Introducing Warrior!

Mt. Rainier

© 2006, Janelle Meraz Hooper


12-13-06- Ole Trigger that has been my computer for the last six years is in the process of being replaced by Warrior! a new, powerful machine complete with cameras and war whoops. During this changeover, that involves software, installing digital cameras, and microphones, this blog may be ignored.

Quote du jour:

"Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none." Jules Renard, courtesy of The Tacoma News Tribune

Buy from Coldwater Creek!

Bark in Alaska

© 2005 Janelle Meraz Hooper

11-26-06- The election. Well, we did it. I haven't blogged until now because I couldn't stop giggling...I’m still not convinced the White House and the other Republicans have gotten the message. We’ll see.

Now, everyone in D. C., get to work! Enough with the political stuff. We want to see some action! If you’re short of ideas, you can start with minimum wage and healthcare. I know, I know…the Democrats aren’t in power until January, but you can start planning!

The rest of us: I wasn’t kidding about having to keep an eye on our new Democratic politicians. The way I look at it, we have just traded professional scoundrels for SITs (Scoundrels-in- Training). Watch them. Even so, I’m sure we made a great trade! I don’t regret a vote of it!

Other news (at last!)- Hooray for Coldwater Creek! I got a notice with my catalog that as of August, 1, 2006, they began using renewable energy to power 100% of their U. S. operations. This is what I’ve been talking about! We’ve got to take charge! As you know, this was an expensive investment for them. Let's reward them for their risk. I'm going to shop there soon...

Quote du Jour:
“ I’d give up chocolate, but I’m no quitter!” Christmas catalog humor

Got broom?

Vote, America, Vote!

Guess what, America? We're IT again

11-04-06- Remember when we were kids and we’d play tag outside in the yard at night until our mothers called us in or somebody cried? Guess what, America? We’re IT again. It is increasingly clear that it’s not going to be enough to throw the Republican rascals out because they could just be replaced by Democratic rascals. I don’t know what it is about DC that brings out the worst in people, but we may never again be able to sit back and assume that our government knows what it’s doing. We’re going to have to take time out of our busy lives to watch them.

Everyday. From now on, we’re IT.

Start at the polls on Tuesday. We’re IT. Do something about it.

Want good government? We’re IT. Do something about it.

Want a raise in minimum pay? We’re IT. Do something about it.

Want a better solution for Iraq? We’re IT. Do something about it.

Want better health care? We’re IT. Do something about it.

We have more problems, but you get my drift...

We have to ride 'em. Ride 'em hard. Let them know we're watching them. Demand accountability...even if someone cries.

Vote America, Vote!

Quote du jour:

"Political language...is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable; and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind." George Orwell

Stay the Course-my new, recycled mantra!

Aline Lesage and Janelle

10-29-06-The above photo was taken at Aline’s first book-signing for her novel, Gaby’s Penance in September (more below). I’m not just behind in my photos, I’m behind in everything—it’s time I get back on track. To make matters worse, I’m beginning to see that the schedule that I’ve made for myself—one book a year—has the unsatisfactory requirement that I miss summer. I am just not that driven. From now on, my summer’s work schedule will be cut in half. That means of course, that books will come out in spring, and not at Christmas. As most of my book fairs are in summer anyway, I figure this will work just as well.

Custer and His Naked Ladies-The above decision is not, however, why Custer is late. Custer is late because I decided to add Comanche words to my Southwest novel, along with the Spanish phrases (the story really required it). The problem is, I’m a language ninny. It took me four times longer to do the required research than it should have. My next novel, that is well underway but has no title yet, will use just one language: English. I hope. Maybe. Unless I decide to rewrite it

Bush- Since he’s not using “Stay the Course” anymore, maybe I can use it! I need a new mantra. My old one: money, men, chocolate--is tired and outdated. And, if I use Bush’s old mantra, it’ll be recycling. Always a good thing in this time of glut and waste!

On my bed table- Gaby’s Penance by Aline Lesage, just released. I read this book while it was still in galley form, but it’s so much more satisfying to hold the actual book in my hands. According to the tag line, Gaby is set in the early 20th century, and is the saga of an avant-garde, not-so-sweet Québécoise whose unspeakable sin and cruel consequences lead her to unlikely redemption. It's time to curl up with a good book!

On my dvd machine- family movies. I’m redoing all of our scrapbooks and video. Right now, it feels as if I’ll never see daylight, but it must be done. I’m not a detail type of person, but I am very archival. I’ll muddle through!

Language- tartaruga, turtle, Italian

Quote du jour:

“The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then they get elected and prove it.” P.J. O’Rourke, courtesy of www.quotegeek.com

The stench over DC

Our latest book event...ya'll come!

10-26-06 Ha! No sooner than I'd posted my piece about being afraid (Saturday?) there was an article about Condi Rice going to Russia and calling for free press! Fress press?! We don't even have free press here! And haven't she and Bush made enough of a mess of this country to keep her busy? Why is she telling other countries what to do? The stench over DC isn't really air pollution--it's arrogance!

But I'm losing focus--what I really wanted to tell you about is the next book event for Independent Northwest Authors. The flyer is above. Think Christmas!

Got broom, America?

4th of July Street Fair, Steilacoom Washington

Ah! I got the picture to post! We have a great time meeting our readers at the local summer fairs. It was early when this was taken, but we get a good crowd! That's me in the middle. everyone always wants to know how much of the snake chapter in As Brown As I want, the Indianhead Diaries is true. Answer: ALL of it! Except for that one teeny-weeny part about the turtle...

Elfi (on the left) was there with her two autobiographies, Dancing to War and Shadow of Defeat (Spielberg where are you?), and Aline was there with her first novel, Gaby's Penance.

Come see us sometime! See our websites for more info!

10-18-06-This is a portion of a letter I sent to a local editor in 2003. After Bush’s signing a law that nullifies the Habeas Corpus law yesterday, I figure it bears repeating:
As a writer, for the first time in my career, I am afraid. I have a long history of protesting peacefully. I wrote Nixon during theViet Nam war and told him that "America wasn't silent because we agreed with him. We were silent because we were busy praying."
I signed the letter.
I was not afraid.
Things have changed. Now, whenever I protest, I wonder if the government--my government--will say I'm a terrorist. I never dreamed that we would someday have a president who makes Nixon look good. What have things come to?
(Please burn this e-mail—I am afraid.)
Janelle Hooper

Well, what have things come to? Why is it that our Congress has betrayed us? Why do we not expect our Supreme Court to reverse this law? Why is everyone rolling over?
Obviously, I don’t know. I wish I did. Shame on Bush. Shame on our Congress. Maybe, shame on our Supreme Court.
I’m thinking of putting a broom in my living room window symbolizing that we need a clean sweep. How about it, America? Got broom?

Quote du jour:

"Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse." Lily Tomlin

Bagels in Bulgaria, who knew?!

9-13-06-
Bulgaria-So I was sitting on my couch the other day finishing off a bag of garlic-flavored bagel chips and watching Keith Olbermann sock it to the White House when my mind went on overload and I began studying the bag the chips came in. It really was a thing of beauty--New York Style bagel chips, it said across the top. Lots of nifty artwork on the shiny bag touting the garlic-flavored, thin chips--a real thing of beauty (You do know, of course, that I got kicked out of art school when I was in my 40s? So I know about graphic artwork...). Then, on the side, in real tiny letters, it said: a product of Bulgaria. Bulgaria! What does Bulgaria have to do with bagels? Or even Jews, for that matter? I still don't know, and will have to find out if I ever quit editing Custer and His Naked Ladies.
But it started me thinking about one of my favorite topics: economics. Now, I'm just small potatoes, and no one ever asks me for my opinion on anything, much less economics, but I think I have a clearer picture of what makes the world go around than a lot of professionals. Take those bagel chips. Because, halfway across the world, I bought a product made in Bulgaria, some child is eating. This is more, I'm sure than Bush has done for the same child.
Wonders never cease. Because of the Internet, and shopping networks on television, third world countries can play with the big boys--and win. For instance, I have purchased jewelry from all over the world on my favorite shopping channel, QVC. There used to be a little black man who came from the Savannahs in Africa. His little country had a ruby mine. I was fascinated to hear him tell us about the cave that his people mined for rubies in the day--and how the lions and other animals moved into the same cave at night to sleep. When the workers came back in the morning, the animals got up and walked away. No one got eaten. I haven't seen the man lately. The last I heard, the mine was just about played out. It's a shame. I'm hoping they find another vein because I never did get a Savannah ruby--they aren't cheap!--I'm saving up! There's an Indonesian woman who brings silver jewelry set with semi-precious and precious stones from the Island of Bali, and a man who travels all over the world, visiting villages, and buying jewelry fashioned from all sorts of materials--metal, wood, seashells--
They bring in other vendors from all over the world, and I've learned to love these people who are coming to America, via technology. Irish, Italian, and Polish wares are frequently shown, presented by the vendor. Most times, they sell out. When they do, I'm as excited as they are!
Some might say this is exploitation. I don't think so. These people are selling direct to the buyer, and not being sucked into the great Madison Avenue machine that spits back tiny payoffs to the crafters, then slaps a big, fancy label on the item and resells it, for big bucks.
I often complain about all of the world leaders and all of their failures, which are too many to name in our lifetime. I see this economics thing as a way the people (us!) can do something good on our own. It's a small way of taking control of a bad situation.
It is said that the business of America is business. It's what we do best, and maybe it's our true gift to the world. Hopefully, it will be remembered more than our politics and foreign pollicy, which sucks.
There's no time to edit this. Send your complaints about poor punctuation and fractured sentences to: janellemhooper@comcast.com.