A complete let down! I sat down to watch the awards show and for a minute I thought I had it on the wrong channel. The performances on last night's show were more suited to a Sci Fi movie. The performers let me down and let me down hard. Expecting to see the emotions and nuances expressed by the performances, I saw a light show that replaced talent and a whole lot of militant dancing revealing the aggressive nature of the art of music has become.
It was not an entertaining show, but a bad display of the degradation and vulgarity of mankind. I didn't appreciate it and yes, I could have stopped watching. I was hoping that eventually I was see musical talent displayed. After all it was a music awards show. A night of disappointment, the finale revealed why Adam did not win the American Idol. He is a superb performer and his true colors came through last night.
Performers remember, you can make trillions of dollars at what you do, but will you be remembered? I failed to see a Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, nor did I see a Cash, McIntyre, Elvis, Lynn, Jones, Martin, Sinatra, not even anything close to a Michael Jackson. There was no Beatles, Supremes, Commodores, Imperials. Yes, I could go on and on, but for now I don't see a performer that will withstand the sands of time to be remembered as a great artist.
Maybe next year!
Happy Reading!
Belle
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mammograms
In 1995 my primary care physician discovered a mass in my left breast. She followed up the physical examination with a mammogram and a ultrasound. A lumpectomy was performed in which a non cancerous mass was removed and a very small cancerous tumor was removed. I was 45 years of age.
I had not been feeling well for a few months, but could not say that I felt sick. I just knew something was wrong. My daughter who worked for my primary care physician made me an appointment and called to let me know I needed to come in. Bless her heart! I was scared beyond belief, but the surgery went well and back to work I went. I declined radiation much to the surgeon's chagrin, but he explained that with radiation the chance of reoccurring somewhere else in my body was 30%. Nope, I was not going to fry my breast tissue for the cancer to come back in my kidney or liver or where ever it chose.
Three months later I was advised it had returned and a double mastectomy was the preferred treatment. I requested a second opinion. Two weeks later I was at Emory and was told there was no cancer. Whatever the doctors had seen was gone. I believe it was the hand of God. More pragmatic individuals have told me that it was probably a fault in the machine. Whatever, I was back to being cancer free. I was blessed for mine to have turned out so well. There are many, many others that cannot tell their story or even listen to mine. Some of them had waited way too long to get that small lump they found in their monthly breast check, checked out. Some were too scared to go to the doctor, afraid of the bad "C" word.
The panel that just made a decision for millions of women and announced that mammograms are not recommended until age 50 and monthly breast checks are not needed just plain scares the hell out of me. Please reconsider this decision and ladies - do your monthly breast checks. Insurance is not needed for the monthly checks and can mean a world of difference if a mass is found.
The operations and functions of a woman's body is so intricate and yet so vital to the world. Without a woman, man would not be.
Happy reading!
Belle
I had not been feeling well for a few months, but could not say that I felt sick. I just knew something was wrong. My daughter who worked for my primary care physician made me an appointment and called to let me know I needed to come in. Bless her heart! I was scared beyond belief, but the surgery went well and back to work I went. I declined radiation much to the surgeon's chagrin, but he explained that with radiation the chance of reoccurring somewhere else in my body was 30%. Nope, I was not going to fry my breast tissue for the cancer to come back in my kidney or liver or where ever it chose.
Three months later I was advised it had returned and a double mastectomy was the preferred treatment. I requested a second opinion. Two weeks later I was at Emory and was told there was no cancer. Whatever the doctors had seen was gone. I believe it was the hand of God. More pragmatic individuals have told me that it was probably a fault in the machine. Whatever, I was back to being cancer free. I was blessed for mine to have turned out so well. There are many, many others that cannot tell their story or even listen to mine. Some of them had waited way too long to get that small lump they found in their monthly breast check, checked out. Some were too scared to go to the doctor, afraid of the bad "C" word.
The panel that just made a decision for millions of women and announced that mammograms are not recommended until age 50 and monthly breast checks are not needed just plain scares the hell out of me. Please reconsider this decision and ladies - do your monthly breast checks. Insurance is not needed for the monthly checks and can mean a world of difference if a mass is found.
The operations and functions of a woman's body is so intricate and yet so vital to the world. Without a woman, man would not be.
Happy reading!
Belle
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sewing Machines
If you have read previous posts, you will know that at one time I took in sewing as a living - yes, it was a long time ago, but sewing has always been an important part of me. I made hundreds of clothes for me, my sister, my children and my sister's children. That is why it was so important to me to get my sewing machine out of storage and back into use. It has been six years this month that I have gone without my machine.
Notice that I said my machine. I have had two sewing machines in my lifetime and I have been sewing for 45 years. My father purchased a used Necchi sewing machine for my mother on her 32 birthday. An Italian made sewing machine the Necchi was the top dog in sewing machines and Dad paid a pretty penny for it at the time. As much as my mother would love to sew, she doesn't have the patience. Some people are not meant to sew - it takes a lot of sitting, long bouts of concentration and tons of patience. So, I took over the Necchi and claimed it as mine - no one ever argued over the fact.
Mother gave me a new sewing machine when I was a senior in high school. I must not have thought much of it because I don't even remember the brand. I made lots of clothes for my sister and a few things for me, but it just didn't cut it - I loved the Necchi. So when the new machine died after 18 months, I begged for the Necchi and it has gone with me through my life.
Today my Necchi came out of retirement. I finally got it out, cleaned it up, and oiled it and behold, it runs like a top! The tension will need some adjusting, but it is cleaned and oiled and sleeping very comfortably until I get ready to start some projects. Can you tell this event has boosted my morale and brought joy to my heart. With three granddaughters, I plan to be busy with sewing projects.
Please let me hear of your favorite sewing machine and how your relationship can to be - for a seamstress develops a relationship with her machine. What is your favorite sewing machine and what do you normally sew?
Until next time, Happy Reading!
Belle
Notice that I said my machine. I have had two sewing machines in my lifetime and I have been sewing for 45 years. My father purchased a used Necchi sewing machine for my mother on her 32 birthday. An Italian made sewing machine the Necchi was the top dog in sewing machines and Dad paid a pretty penny for it at the time. As much as my mother would love to sew, she doesn't have the patience. Some people are not meant to sew - it takes a lot of sitting, long bouts of concentration and tons of patience. So, I took over the Necchi and claimed it as mine - no one ever argued over the fact.
Mother gave me a new sewing machine when I was a senior in high school. I must not have thought much of it because I don't even remember the brand. I made lots of clothes for my sister and a few things for me, but it just didn't cut it - I loved the Necchi. So when the new machine died after 18 months, I begged for the Necchi and it has gone with me through my life.
Today my Necchi came out of retirement. I finally got it out, cleaned it up, and oiled it and behold, it runs like a top! The tension will need some adjusting, but it is cleaned and oiled and sleeping very comfortably until I get ready to start some projects. Can you tell this event has boosted my morale and brought joy to my heart. With three granddaughters, I plan to be busy with sewing projects.
Please let me hear of your favorite sewing machine and how your relationship can to be - for a seamstress develops a relationship with her machine. What is your favorite sewing machine and what do you normally sew?
Until next time, Happy Reading!
Belle
Thursday, November 12, 2009
I Believe
I received a "you tube" clip today - it depicted different speaking engagements in which President Obama related his participation in the Muslim faith and his support of Islam and the part Muslims have played in developing this great country. Many of this nation's Presidents have not expressed any religious preference and many of our Presidents have not been Christian. Some were good leaders of our nation and some were not. Our United States is a country that is known for opening its arms to all people regardless of their religious beliefs or their lack thereof.
This clip disturbed me. Not because President Obama expressed his beliefs in Islam, but because he expounded on the accomplishments, the greatness of, and his great admiration of Islam. Then President Obama stated my/our/the United States was not a Christian nation. I know that this is a compilation of different events, but that does not change the words spoken.
"We, the people" - not we, the Catholic; not we, the Lutheran; not we, the Baptist; not we, the Methodist; but "we, the people." There are many agnostics and atheists in this great land and according to the laws of this land, they are equal to any one else with differing beliefs.
On this I will NOT back down. It is my belief that this country was based on freedom. I have the right to own my Bible. I have the right to read my Bible anywhere I want to. I have the right to attend any church. I have the right to write these words. I have the right to share my thoughts and so do you.
This clip disturbed me. Not because President Obama expressed his beliefs in Islam, but because he expounded on the accomplishments, the greatness of, and his great admiration of Islam. Then President Obama stated my/our/the United States was not a Christian nation. I know that this is a compilation of different events, but that does not change the words spoken.
"We, the people" - not we, the Catholic; not we, the Lutheran; not we, the Baptist; not we, the Methodist; but "we, the people." There are many agnostics and atheists in this great land and according to the laws of this land, they are equal to any one else with differing beliefs.
I am a Christian.
I believe that God created the heavens and the earth; that God Created man; that God sent his Son so that through him I might be saved. I believe.
On this I will NOT back down. It is my belief that this country was based on freedom. I have the right to own my Bible. I have the right to read my Bible anywhere I want to. I have the right to attend any church. I have the right to write these words. I have the right to share my thoughts and so do you.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Professional Ethics
A cop shouldn't go in a bar for drinks and then drive a vehicle or socialize with known criminals
A teacher must watch his/her actions and make sure nothing he/she she does is publicized on the internet
A banker can't gamble or live lavishly
An attorney can't socialize with a judge or anyone else for that matter
A doctor can't smoke, overeat, or drink
An accountant can't gamble, play the lottery, or live lavishly
A fireman shouldn't like fire and shouldn't drink and drive
A pediatrician shouldn't admit they like children
A journalist should never express an opinion
A computer expert should never admit to his hacking abilities
A pharmacist should never take medicine
A preacher can't smoke, drink, or do much of anything
Talk about judgmental! God sure has his hands full when a professional passes on - glad its him and not me!
A teacher must watch his/her actions and make sure nothing he/she she does is publicized on the internet
A banker can't gamble or live lavishly
An attorney can't socialize with a judge or anyone else for that matter
A doctor can't smoke, overeat, or drink
An accountant can't gamble, play the lottery, or live lavishly
A fireman shouldn't like fire and shouldn't drink and drive
A pediatrician shouldn't admit they like children
A journalist should never express an opinion
A computer expert should never admit to his hacking abilities
A pharmacist should never take medicine
A preacher can't smoke, drink, or do much of anything
Talk about judgmental! God sure has his hands full when a professional passes on - glad its him and not me!
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