Daddy...

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart,

and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for

that which has been your delight."

Kahlil Gibran

Esther...

"The wisdom acquired with the passage

of time is a useless gift unless you share it."

Esther Williams

I've missed you...

It's been quite awhile since I've written--or felt like writing--anything new for my beloved songs I sing. And I must say, even in the midst of the constant turmoil my life has become; even when I have had hardly a moment to myself to pause and think; even when I have hurt so terribly that I can hardly see straight...I have missed my small blog. Even more, I have missed you.

Though I have only met two of my "followers" in "real life," I truly feel as if I know so many of you. It is some sort of unfathomable bond...an unusual sort of friendship, but a real friendship nonetheless. I can't tell you how much your encouraging and sympathetic words have meant to me. In these, the darkest days of my life, you have reached out and touched my heart. And for that, I will always be thankful.

I'm still not sure how often I will be able to post "current" items or thoughts about my life, rather than the previously written, self-publishing posts I have been doing. It still hurts too, too much. But I do know that I need some small space in my life that is constant when everything else around me has changed.

You can expect a few "new" posts and a few new ideas for songs I sing soon...

For now, know that I'm still here.

And yes, even though my life has irrevocably changed...I'm still me.

Rock...

“The most dangerous thing for an actor

is to refuse to listen to anyone else,

to feel you know more than anybody.”

Rock Hudson

Maureen...

"Above all else, deep in my soul, I'm a tough Irishwoman."

Maureen O'Hara

Duke...

"Courage is being scared to death...and saddling up anyway."

John Wayne

Sister of the Bride...

Sister of the Bride is one of the four "older girl" novels talented Beverly Cleary penned. While admittedly remaining my least favorite of the four, it is nonetheless deliciously delightful in its entirety; a warm, witty, and beloved read of mine since childhood.

Over the years, my only sorrow concerning this "series" has been regret that Ms. Cleary didn't write more of this type of story. Don't get me wrong. Ramona is fine in her own right...but she certainly can't compete with Shelley, Jane, Jean, or Barbara MacLane.

* * * * * * * * *

"Can you keep a secret? A big one?" asked Rosemary.
"Well . . . I can work at it," said Barbara. "You know how women are."

"This is no time to be funny," said Rosemary.
"Not on my twenty cents."

"I can keep a secret," promised Barbara.

"Barby, I'm going to get married!" Rosemary's voice was filled with joy and excitement.

Barbara was stunned into silence. Married? Her sister married? She knew Rosemary had become more sophisticated since she had gone away to college, but she had no idea . . . married. Why, she was only eighteen. She still had bands on her teeth.

"Are you still there?" asked Rosemary.

"Yes, I'm here," said Barbara.

"Then say something," pleaded Rosemary.

"But who are you going to marry?" asked Barbara, wondering if she should have known without asking.

-excerpt from Sister of the Bride
written by Beverly Cleary