Tribute to Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash and his music was the one thing my family never argued about.  We listened to a lot of country music growing up and I still love it.  Especially when I see the smile on my mom's face when his music plays. This is a tribute to a man who now lays to rest with the best.

Happy Birthday to U.S. ("us")

In freedom we trust

So, celebrate we must.

Happy Birthday to U.S!

~ Meesharie

CYCLISTS' APOCRYPHA

In the beginning God created the bicycle, saw that it was good, then went for a nice Sunday ride on the bike lanes He'd made the day before, and they were good, too, because they were new and He had the angels keep them clear of debris. Later, of course, God would get cross and have the flood wash them all away.

And God said to Himself, Let us create man, because cycling is too much fun to keep to Myself, and so He created man, him did He create, create did He him do. And God put man in paradise, and commanded him, Glideth upon the earth anywhere thou wisheth, except for that big hill over there. For on the day thou goeth down that hill, thou shalt surely die.

And God said, Man needs a companion to keep him from spending too much money on new bicycles. So God caused man to fall into a deep sleep by asking him if he wanted to go clothes shopping at the mall, then took a rib from him. Then God said to Himself, Who am I kidding, I'll never hear the end of it when she finds out she was just a rib, so He created woman from frankincense and myrrh and a certain je ne sais quoi.

And God said, Let man have dominion over lathe drills and Philips head screwdrivers, and let woman have dominion over everything else, and as long as thou art naked and unashamed, thou might as well be fruitful and multiply.

Lastly, God created the chicken and the egg, in that order, which should clear up that matter.

Now the serpent, he was a wily one, and he said to woman, Yea, hath God said you may cycle anywhere but down that hill? And the woman said unto the serpent, That's about the size of it: go downhill and die. And the serpent said, Ye shall not surely die, you probably won't even fall off. For God doth know that on the day you go downhill, you will not need to pedal for a long time. Go on, give it a try.

And the woman saw that the hill was good, she did not need to pedal for a long time. She told the man about it, and he also went downhill. Their eyes were opened, they saw they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves into padded cycling shorts because sometimes it got bumpy going downhill.

And they heard the voice of God as He was offroad, fully suspended of course, and they hid their bicycles at the bottom of the hill and started whistling nervously. And God called unto the man, and said, Where art thou? And the man said, We art down here. And God said, Hast thou cycled downhill, whereoff I commanded thee that thou shouldest not? And man said, It was her idea.

And God said unto the woman, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow whilst climbing hills; in pain shalt thou perch upon thy saddle.

And God said unto the man, Because thou hast harkened unto the voice of thy wife, cursed is regular bike maintenance. The inner workings of the hub gear will be beyond thou to repair. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou service thy freewheel.

And God said, Behold, the man doesn't listen very well, so he kicked him out of paradise and guarded the entrance with a sign of a picture of a bicycle in the middle of a red circle. And He had a Cherubim with a flaming sword stop by a few times a week for good measure.

This is the book of the generations. The first bicycle was a single speed, Godspeed, but after that it got complicated. Sprockets begat sprockets and cables begat kinks. Celerifere begat Draisienne begat Macmillan begat Michaux begat Ariel begat Bayliss Thomas begat Lawson begat Rover begat Boneshaker begat Ordinary begat Raleigh.

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth in a critical mass, God saw that the wickedness of man was great and he did not like to give way to anyone on the road even his mother, so He directed Noah to build an ark made out of renewable resources. There went in two and two unto Noah into the ark every type of bicycle: one to ride and one for spare parts. And Noah gathered two touring bikes and two mountain bikes; two recumbents and two tandems; two road racing bikes and two cross bikes; also four unicycles, just in case there was a misunderstanding, and a brace of Bromptons, as their folded countenance pleasethed Him. And God said there might be Some strong winds in the Southeast. And it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, then drizzled for another fortnight.

And God remembered Noah and asswaged the waters, and Noah opened a door on the ark and set loose Japheth on a unicycle, and God said This is a covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature: that a man on a unicycle is a hilarious sight. The waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

A bit later, God spake unto Moses, saying, Here are a few ground rules, I hath numbered them for thou for easy reference:

1. Thou shalt hold no other races above the Tour de France.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee helmets which cost more than £100.
3. Thou shalt not take My name in vain everytime thou gettest a flat tyre.
4. Remember to oil thy chain, to keep it rolling.
5. Honour the Zebra Crossing and those walking upon the face of it.
6. Thou shalt not ignore other road users, nor cycle recklessly upon the pavement.
7. Thou shalt not steal bicycles.
8. Thou shalt not kill, except bicycle thieves.
9. Thou shalt not hang onto moving cars.
10. Thou shalt not covet they neighbour's new Cannondale, nor his groupset, nor his £3000 mtb, nor even his stylish shades.
    

Forget not the Titanium Rule: Signal unto others as thou wouldst have others signal unto thou.

And moving right along, there came four horsemen of the Apocalypse, and they were the Taxicab Driver, and the Motorcycle Messenger, and the White Van Man, and the Man Opening a Car Door Without Looking.

Amen

Cycling Plus, January 2001

To Johnny Cash... my belated "Thank You"

A long overdue "Thank You"

The following is a letter I wrote to Johnny Cash to thank him for the picture I have of him and and his wife with my son. Unfortunately, the day I finished and was going to mail the letter, he died.  My mom told me to mail it anyways, but I didn't. I felt so sad and so bad that I didn't send it sooner... way sooner. Lesson learned.
I sent a copy of the letter and picture to Roseanne Cash and she gave me permission to post it. (Thank you, Roseanne!) So, here is my long overdue "Thank You" to a man I will NEVER forget.

September 1, 2003

Dear Mr. Cash,

I have waited much too long to write you this "Thank you" letter. I'm not one to write letters and I am very sorry it took me so long to write this one. It's hard to put into words what I have to say, but I know it's more important to say something than to have said nothing at all.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for graciously accepting my request for a picture of you and your wife at the Salt Lake City Airport Thanksgiving weekend of 1989. The picture has been on my family's piano ever since. My 18 month old son was upset and crying from a long plane ride and I was scared and surprised when you kindly responded to my request for your picture by saying, "With the baby, of course!" Nervously, I placed him in your lap and immediately he calmed down. Wow! Thank you for that, as well! My son Cody, is now 16 years old and continues to amaze me with his wholesome, admirable character and calm spirituality.

My condolences go out to you and your family for the loss of your beautiful wife. I can only imagine how much you miss her. If it's of any help, I remember the day my close friend, Candy, passed away and what she said to my son, who was only five years old at the time. She said to him, "Please don't be sad. Soon I will have my wings and I will be with you always, watching over you forever."

Mr. Cash, I can not tell you how much your music has carried me through life. I feel honored and blessed for having met you and your wife. Thank you for giving me a memory I will cherish forever.

My Birthday

Today my mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I said, "to be younger". Getting older isn't as easy as they say it is... at least not for me, but today, on my pre-birthday, I feel better than ever!

To start with my son called and wants to take me to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" tomorrow, on my birthday, and then out to dinner. My son, who is 19 years old, wants to take his mom out to a movie and to dinner on one of the rare nights he has off from work or school. Forget about the getting old crap, I have a wonderful son who always finds the time in his busy schedule for his mom on the important days like Mother's Day (he gave me the most wonderful smelling oil burner), Valentine's Day (2 DVDs with Johnny Depp, "Benny And Joon" and "Chocolat" - he knows who I love!), and my birthday (a movie and dinner). How old am I? Funny, I seem to have forgotten!

Then, my sister came by with some flowers and a birthday card for me. She apologized for not getting me freesias (my favorite flower, the white ones are really fragrant!) but brought me the most beautiful off-white, light pink-tipped Dahlia/Mum-type flowers I have never seen! I cut them too short for the vase but both my mom and sister reassured me that they looked perfect. When she left I felt badly because all I seemed to do was interrupt her stories with my own so I called her to apologize. She told me it was ok... I probably don't have many people to talk with and she understood. If you knew my sister you would know how much of a compliment that was coming from her. She's not easy with her words and I have always admired her for that. If she says something she means it even if it's not what I want to hear. That's a sister... that's MY sister and I love her soooo much!

Happy Birthday to me! Thanks to my family!

Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting video

Ok, I know a lot of people don't care for the guy, but I love Kid Rock! I don't know what it is about him, but if Johnny Cash liked him that says a lot.

I found this video of Kid Rock live at the Kennedy Honors performing Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting". Non other than Elton John himself is in the audience along with other notable celebrities, including Jack Nicholson, who you can see dancing near the end of the video. Everyone seems to approve of Kid's performance, even Sir Elton himself.

Funny how the guy that nobody wants to like is sure getting a lot of people to dance!

Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting

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Biopoem from Darcy

The following is a Biopoem a friend wrote about me. I was surprised at how much she noticed. The funny, little things I didn't think anyone paid attention to, but she did. It meant a lot when she first gave it to me some ten years ago, and it means even more today.

Energetic, Bright, Talkative, Generous

Lover of... love, beads, Dreamsicles
Who feels the need to... send & receive lots of mail
Who needs... freesias, dancing, honesty
Who fears... betrayal, a new career, ignorance
Who would like to see... her rarely seen selfish side, more good people in the world, all the money people owe her
Resident of... a happy, hopeful home

No more Dew for you!

My friend had a cat that looked just like the one in the picture. His name was Jax. Unfortunately, the she lost him to the coyotes so this is my tribute to Jax.  Bless you, Jackie... long live your memory!
P.S.   I love Mountain Dew :)

Never Mind Me...

.. I'll be fine after listening to some music

 

"Don't remind me I'm not crazy. Don't rewind me then replay me. I'm just fine."
~ Big and Rich

American Indian Proverb

"Only when the last tree has been cut down;
Only when the last river has been poisoned;
Only when the last fish has been caught;
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."
~ American Indian Proverb

 

Otters holding hands

This has got to be the most touching video I have EVER seen. These otters aren't just holding hands, one actually reaches out for the other one after they get separated!

Time for an Escape!

I've used visualization before. I believe it's what helped me get my Camry. Yes, I visualized myself owning a Toyota Camry and the next thing I knew I had a Toyota Camry!

I've been without a car for the first time in my legal driving life for over two years now. My last car was declared "totalled" after it was hit while parked in front of my home.
Believing in the philosophy that "everything happens for a reason," I have learned to appreciate alternative means of transportation and it couldn't have come at a better time with the rising gas prices and all. But even so, having your own vehicle does allow you a certain freedom. A freedom I once took for granted and now highly appreciate...

... going where I want to go when I want to go there!
And what better way to get there than in my own Ford Escape!

Is it coincidental or can you actually acquire anything, even materialistic things, through visualization?

If we create what we desire, and our desires are of good intention, then I believe it works with all things.

So... here is a picture of my new titanium green, metallic Ford Escape. (the windows are tinted, but I'm the one in the driver's seat!)

Just feel better...

Music is full of emotion... I am full of emotion.

Music can be loud... I can be loud.

Music can make you happy... I like to be happy.

Music can make you cry... I feel better after I cry.

My son....

For one reason or another I've been having a difficult time putting my thoughts into words. Not verbally, that rarely happens, but in writing. It has been frustrating, VERY frustrating and the more frustrated I got the harder it was to write... so I didn't ... until now.

I was blessed with the most amazing child, my son, Cody.  In his second year of college he made the President's Honor Roll.  He didn't do it by taking easy classes either, he had Calculus, Chemistry and Physics!  And not only is he keeping his grades up, he works full time, is financially independent, and spiritually sound. He sees the light through the tunnel and does not let that veer from his sight.

That's him in the picture. It was taken during his baptism. It has not been retouched with Photo shop or anything else. That's exactly how the picture came out. Prior to taking it, Cody had been crying and yet there are no signs of tears or unhappiness in his eyes.

Yes, I believe he is my angel and that I have been given a gift.  As to why?  I haven't a clue.  I am no one special.  I haven't done anything extraordinary in my life but yet I have been blessed with a child who has touched my heart and brightened my world so immensely. The world can be pretty ugly and mean and people aren't always nice and respectful. I haven't kept my son sheltered from  all the hatred and ugliness. He has seen many sides of humanity and yet he is prevailing and shining in spite of it all. He gives me strength just by his presence. He listens to my incessant babbling even when I can't listen to myself anymore. He’s steady and steadfast and has grown into a fine young man.

Is it how I raised him? I tried but it sure wasn’t by example. Maybe by an example of what NOT to do. Yes, I am his mom and I believe he is my angel but I also believe we all have faults and it's our faults that make us strong and compassionate.  I have never tried to hide mine from Cody and there are times I just plain couldn't. It wasn’t always the right thing to do but it happened and we survived. To quote Izzie from Grey’s Anatomy,  

"I believe in the good.

 I believe we survive.

I believe that believing we survive is what makes us survive.”

Cody wants to be an Oceanographer. I don’t know a whole lot about Oceanography, in fact I don't care for the ocean much at all. But it's not what I like that's important, it's what he likes. There is no doubt in my mind he will succeed in whatever he chooses to do. That’s just how he is.

Cody,
There are no words to describe how proud I am of you!

You deserve the world and more.

You make things shine with your peaceful serenity and I know that you will achieve whatever you believe.

Stay strong, calm and true.

I love you!

"Always and forever" ... Mom

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

"There are only four questions of value in life, Don Octavio.

What is sacred?
Of what is the spirit made?

What is worth living for and what is worth dying for?

The answer to each is the same: only love."

 

 ~ from the movie, "Don Juan DeMarco"

 

 

Today and every day...

Cherish and honor the ones you love,

and the ones that love you.

Nobody Dances Anymore

I love music. As far back as I can remember I have always loved to sing and dance. Not that I can do either one very well, but as the saying goes, "If it feels good, DO IT!"

I remember a day when my son was around 8 years old. I was in the kitchen cooking spaghetti... dancing and singing "opera" and playing air drums with my wooden spoons. In the middle of a twirl, I saw two of my friends, male friends, staring at me. Surprised and embarrassed, I asked how long they had been there. They replied, "Long enough!" When I looked at my son who had let them in, he just smiled at me in admiration. No look of embarrassment or "I gotcha!" on his face at all. That's just what his mom does when she cooks, right?

Looking back, that was a big moment in my life. A time when I realized how important it was to be myself. That showing my vulnerable side to others allowed them to be more comfortable around me. I made three people smile that day... two friends and my son and that made me feel good... real good!

The video below is by a group called Brandtson. It's called "Nobody Dances Anymore". I love it because it's real. I hope it brings a smile to your day... and if you feel like it, dance!

History of Giving the Finger

Hist0ry of Giving the Finger

Before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, the French, anticipating victory over the English, proposed to cut off the middle finger of all captured English soldiers. Without the middle finger it would be impossible to draw the renowned English longbow and therefore be incapable of fighting in the future.

This famous weapon was made of the native English Yew tree, and the act of drawing the longbow was known as "plucking the yew" (or "pluck yew").

Much to my bewilderment of the French, the English won a major upset and began mocking the French by waving their middle fingers at the defeated French, saying, "See, we can still pluck yew! PLUCK YEW!"

Since 'pluck yew' is rather difficult to say, the difficult consonant cluster at the beginning has gradually changed to a labiodental fricative 'F', and thus the word often used in conjunction with the one-finger-salute are mistakenly thought to have something to do with an intimate encounter.

It is also because of the pheasant feathers on the arrows used with the longbow that the symbolic gesture is known as "flipping the bird."

And yew thought yew knew everything!

Forwarded from Frieda Norris.

It's going to be a good day!

To all who know me well this may come as a surprise, but sometimes I'm at a loss for words. Or it may be that I'm full of words but don't know how to express them very well.
For those times, I listen to music...

As I Wander...

"All that is gold does not glitter.

Not all those who wander are lost."
~ J.R.R. Tolkien

 

 

(Pictured: Edited version of "Wandering", by Patricia Gale)

My nephew

Andy

picture by Andrew Hull

My nephew, Andy, will be graduating this year with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts. He will be continuing his education at one of 3 very notable Universities of which he will receive his MFA (Master of Fine Arts) degree.

Amazingly gifted, Andy has been the inspiration of many, including my own son and I am certain he will be a positive contribution to the artistic industry.

I love you, Andy, and I am sooooo very proud of you!

~ Aunt Sheryl