Hierarchy of Needs

It's amazing how your whole thought process changes when you don't feel well. For instance, with this dreadful cold and cough, the only thing on my mind is relief. Halls, Vicks and Kleenex are the deities at whose altar I pray today. Of course, the fact that my electricity will not be turned off (because I finally DID get paid), is a side bonus.

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Fellow bloggers - If you're looking for a cool way to help support your blog or website, do what I did and visit iHype.com -- where expressing your opinion on a huge variety of topics can be lucrative and fun!

Peace out -

~LT~

Favorite Things Part Trois

Favorite things at the moment:

Dooney & Bourke "It" Handbag

Copamarina Beach Resort, Guanica, Puerto Rico

Super-Fabulous Donna Karan Silk Cashmere Cozy

Deseo Fragrance by Jennifer Lopez

Ginger tea and sympathy

I have a ridiculous, stupid cold. And I know it's because my immune system is compromised from all the stress! I've done a great job of trying to maintain a sense of humor about it all, but I guess an opportunistic bug still found its way into this vulnerable host. Well, bug, you are NOT welcome here. I will not make you cozy and comfortable, no way.

I've just grated some fresh ginger into a paste, and from that I will make some hot, sweet ginger tea. Good for evicting unwanted tenants and boosting the immunities.

Later.

~L~

Another Shade of Grey

Here we are again, it's the same old scene
We've played it out so many times before
You would think by now
That we would have it down
But I can't ever seem to find the door

Oh the lines are well-rehearsed
And yet we are
The victims of our destiny
If there were a way
To change these roles we play
That somehow have become you and me

The watercolor sunsets seem much too far away
And everything I touch becomes another shade of grey
When it all comes down and you can't face another day
Can we say goodbye, and blame it on another
Another shade of grey

You may think the answers are very clear
But mine are wrapped in mist and gloom
My head says go, but my heart says no
And there's no way to leave this empty room

Oh you say you've taken all that you can now
And there's no more for you to give
Can't we try again
For the happy end
The times are changin', let's begin to live

The watercolor sunsets seem much too far away
And everything I touch becomes another shade of grey
When it all comes down and you can't face another day
Can we say goodbye, and blame it on another
Another shade of grey

You Don't Have Me

You're a book with a pretty cover
I'm reading between your lines
To find your story vague and simple
Insincere apologies
May never mean a thing

You take me out to a black tie party
Where pretty people meet and tell all their
Sweet lies - to each other
Take them out of my life dear
And don't come back, you

Always know the style
Always think you see
Well you think you have it all, but you don't have me
You think you see the answers
You think you are so free
Well you think you have the world
But you don't have me
No no no

Feelin' like I missed something
Watching all your photographs in my dreams
Face distorted, marble features, looking plastic
Never mean a thing

Well I was never a paper doll
Cut out cardboard in the mirror
So Strange
All around and upside down
Just take them all and go now, go now

You always know the style
Always think you see
Well you think you have it all, but you don't have me
You think you see the answers
You think you are so free
Well you think you have the world
But you don't have me
No no no

Over You

December rain, it tingles my skin
Feels just like this mood I've been in
Don't know lately if I'm coming or going
Sometimes thinkin' that I've lost my head
Might be better if I bailed, instead
But for the moment, I guess I'll be stayin'

Would you tell me if I asked you
What you think about at night?

I'm watchin' you sleep
Keeping your secrets safe and locked up tight
While I pretend it's not true
That I'm not spinning in circles, crazy
Over you.

Guess you're thinkin' I'm the girl who fell
Head over heels, well I'll never tell
This is something far to strange to imagine
Not the chick who's gonna be your fool
Always the one who had to play it cool
You can probably guess why I'm a little bit shaken

Would it scare you if I told you
What I think about at night?

I'm watchin' you sleep
Keeping your secrets safe and locked up tight
While I pretend it's not true
That I'm not spinning in circles, crazy
Over you.

Something New

Hey baby, that's all you said
And just like that your words got stuck in my head
Across the water, nights in June
Bet you didn't think you'd be a song so soon
Something not quite real about this
Maybe I dreamed it
But now I doubt this
Game was good
And every card played exactly like it should
But when I saw that moonlight shining on you
Was it me you wanted,
Or just something new?

After midnight
Wine and guitars
Talked and sang about life and the stars
Funny thing, around you
I kept breakin' things
Glass, fences, hearts and what the new day brings is

Something not quite sane about this
Maybe I'm crazy
Why do I doubt this
Game was good
And every song played exactly like it should
But when I saw that moonlight shining on you
Was it me you wanted, or just something new?

When worlds like ours collide
There's no choice but to enjoy the ride....

This game was good
And every card played exactly like it should
But when I saw that moonlight shining on you
Was it me you wanted, or just something new?

Sweet Contradiction

is there comfort in your chaos?
does beauty lurk in a bad dream
is this real, or just imagined, 'cause you know
i'm not exactly how i seem

got on that train and rode it all the way down

was it you, was it me? was it anything that you or i could see
or just a sweet contradiction?
were you there? was i not?
will you watch me fall apart?
can't see the forest through the trees
beautifully shattered
sweet contradiction

is there sadness in a daydream
is there magic in a fight
does freedom ever make you wonder if you really got it right?

jumped off that cliff, i'm laughing all the way down

was it you, was it me? was it anything that you or i could see
or just a sweet contradiction?
were you there? was i not?
will you watch me fall apart?
can't see the forest through the trees
beautifully shattered
sweet contradiction

looked in the mirror and i turned right around
got in my car and drove it straight out of town

was it you, was it me? was it anything that you or i could see
or just a sweet contradiction?
were you there? was i not?
will you watch me fall apart?
can't see the forest through the trees
beautifully shattered
sweet contradiction

Sorry Now

Been around this crazy world
and the things I've seen could fill a million books
about our strange humanity

But every time I try to find the words to sing, a place to fly
I can't, because we're never truly free

Things have changed and so have I
I can't scream and I can't cry
Still I know it all comes down to this...

Can't keep us down
'cause it's gonna come back and
Life will turn around
Karma gonna kick your ass and
I tried to be the clown, but the laughs have faded and
Guess who's sorry now

Used to have a notion that your love was like the ocean
And its endless nature never would run dry
But for every hour that I felt alone, I felt your power
Now, I only feel a little high

Things are not the same this time
Waste the night in talk and wine
Still I know it all comes down to this...

Can't keep us down
'cause it's gonna come back and
Life will turn around
Karma gonna kick your ass and
I tried to be the clown, but the laughs have faded and
Guess who's sorry now
Do you think I'm sorry now?

Not sorry now ~

Remember You

Shake me, gently from your tree
Make me, blind so I can see you clearly
Time is a circle, I could lose control
A lifetime that's taken its toll

There was a place we used to hide
Save us from the demons and the fears inside us
Prophets and angels, I've tried to befriend
But some things I don't understand ~

I remember walking in the sand
I remember how you held my hand
I remember everything you do
I remember you

I'm not the kind to fear much pain
Say what you mean, and I will always try to
Shelter you, rescue you out of the cold
So we're not afraid to grow old


I remember walking in the sand
I remember how you held my hand
I remember everything you do
I remember you

I remember playing in the sun
You could put a smile on anyone
I remember everything, that's true
I remember you

Shake me~ gently from your tree

Realizations

It hurts when you realize that you may not be quite as unforgettable as you thought you were...just a distant memory, destined to fade to grey. It's hard to understand when someone is so able to move on, that you might as well never have existed in the first place. It's easy to delude oneself into believing otherwise, but the reality is, you're quite possibly not that special.

I hate these realizations.

But then I re-approach from a position of strength. I realize that I have too much to offer to give my power away with self-defeating inner monologue. That I don't really care if some people forget me, because others will never do so. And I take back that which is mine...my cool, my wit, and my energy...there to offer back out to the universe with loving arms.

These realizations are the ones that stick, the ones that conquer, and the ones that will prevail...at least in this mind.

Peace.

On The Bert Show Today

I love the Bert Show, and finally they have acknowledged Sugarland (well, Jennifer, at least) as the superstars they are!!! This interview is a must-listen.

This from Q100atlanta.com today:


Jennifer Nettles On The Bert Show!

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles took time out of her busy schedule to talk to The Bert Show. She performed Sunday for the 'We Are One' Inauguration Celebration in Washington D.C. with James Taylor and John Legend. But before she did that she got Jeff's parents in trouble with Jeff! Listen below to hear what happened.

Listen to Jennifer Nettles part 1

Listen to Jennifer Nettles part 2

(Source: www.q100atlanta.com)

Truckloads of trash...

are what I am schlepping to the dumpster tonight. This is going to be an ongoing process until "the big move", which still has an uncertain date and destination, but WILL happen, likely this year. Until that magical date, however, the truckloads continue.

At least I am getting my exercise.

Til tomorrow,
LT out.

Hudson Miracle, Arctic Chill, Cat Madness, and other tales

Watching the commentary and footage this morning about US Airways Flight 1549, I was overwhelmed and choked up. Nothing short of a real-life miracle, this was the kind of feel good story America (and the world) needed at this very pivotal time in history. Several days in advance of a historic presidential inauguration....in the heart of the worst economic crisis since the great depression...with severe weather that is uncharacteristic of all the geographic areas it's affecting...I could go on and on. Yes, I think it was some sort of a sign. Divine intervention? Perhaps. I am sure every one of those passengers and their friends and families are thanking their own version of God or a higher power today.

And the weather - it's just too cold. I can handle 40s. Even 30s - hovering around freezing. But 1s and 2s...no Everything hurts. I feel my age. I limp. It's no fun.

My cats are just going mad from being cooped up, too. Magic's eyes turn to black moons and he attacks me for sport. Taylor paces back and forth like a caged lion. They are not at all pleased, and somehow it is all my fault.

Ah well. A little discomfort is good for the soul's development. Along with things like filing and scrubbing floors.

How much development does my soul NEED, anyway?

Don't answer that.

xoxo
~lis~

White Horse

I've loved this song since the first time I heard it on "Grey's Anatomy". I was surprised to learn at the time that it was Taylor Swift, but I should have known. It's probably the best song suited for her voice that she's done to date. And, her whispery emotional delivery never fails to stir my own memories of how many times I have felt like this. Surprising, coming from someone of my age, but the dreamer in me never dies. Somewhere, I'm still waiting for the white horse...at just the right time. So sue me.

Draggin'

The week is just dragging by! I woke up this morning thinking it should DEFINITELY be Saturday by now, or at least Friday. Alas, nooooo.

Still, as the perpetual soundtrack of my life is always playing in my head, this brings to mind the fabulous Stevie Nicks/Tom Petty Collaboration:

written by t. petty, m. campbell
- duet recorded with Tom Petty
- appears on Bella Donna (1981); Timespace - The Best of Stevie Nicks (1991);

Baby you'll come knocking on
my front door
Same old line you used to use before
I said ya...well...
what am I supposed to do
I didn't know what I was getting into

So you've had a little trouble in town
Now you're keeping some demon down
Stop draggin' my...
Stop draggin' my...
Stop draggin' my heart around

It's hard to think about
what you've wanted
It's hard to think about what you've lost
This doesn't have to be the big get even
This doesn't have to be anything at all

I know you really want to
tell me good-bye
I know you really want to
be your own girl

Baby you could never look me in the eye
Yeah you buckle with the weight
of the words
Stop draggin' my...
Stop draggin' my...
Stop draggin' my heart around

There's people running 'round loose
in the world
Ain't got nothing better to do
Than make a meal of some
bright eyed kid
You need someone looking after you

I know you really want to
tell me good-bye
I know you really want to
be your own girl

Baby you could never look me in the eye
Yeah you buckle with the weight
of the words
Stop draggin' my...
Stop draggin' my...
Stop draggin' my heart around

Surreal

I must say, yesterday got even stranger. The T-Mobile drama was eventually settled, and my service restored, thank goodness. However, an unexpected deduction from my checking account caused an overdraft, and one of my checks is still late in arriving. My 22 year old bird, Tiny, went into heart failure last night, and I was certain she was in her last hours, but she rallied and is wide awake this morning and eating and drinking normally. My miracle bird. Had several conversations with friends, good and bad. Many people I speak to seem to be in some kind of personal upheaval or crisis, and I'm not sure if there is some kind of magnetic pull from the full moon the other night, or Mercury retrograde effect at play here.

As always, though, things shall unfold as they are meant to, and I slept deeply and without any anxiety-awakenings for the first time in several nights.

Today must be fully devoted to work. I need to accomplish something real before end of week.

Post Script

As the post script to yesterday, this morning, T-Mobile cut off my service. When I attempted to call and speak to a human person, the recording said "I'm sorry, I can't connect you with a representative until you take care of this past due balance. Would you like to take care of that NOW?". "NOOOOOO!", I screamed. I think at that point, my head started spinning in circles, spewing green goo, Linda Blair-style. Things were not pretty here this morning.

Back to work now, lalala.

More Customer Service Fun

I had to call T-Mobile, again, because the damn $288.11 is STILL appearing on my account. This was the charge for the G1 phone that never arrived. Well, the box arrived, but it was completely empty, except for the booklets. No charger, no headphones, no phone. As I explained to the lovely woman on the phone today, I refuse to pay for a phone I didn't receive! Bollocks on the fact that they originally wanted me to pay it and then the onus was on me to prove I never got the phone (well, howzabout the fact that I never ACTIVATED it? That my SIM card was never used in the phone? Geez, get a clue). This has been going on since October, and frankly, I am a little peeved. And...every month, some nice person at T-Mobile tells me that it will be taken care of within 72 hours. And, it never is. We'll see if this one is any different.

Maybe not the nicest way to start Monday morning, but it definitely got my energy flowing in an assertive direction. Probably a good thing, since I am a slow starter in the AM.

Cats are being super finicky, which is annoying when I don't have much money. I opened three cans this morning, and neither one was impressed (mind you, these are foods they usually will eat). So I told them that was it, take it or leave it. Taylor started crunching on some dry food, and Magic went to sleep in the bathroom sink. Lovely.

Happy Monday, all.

Just For Fun - Which Tarot Card are You?

This fun test comes to you courtesy of two blogs I read: Hurricane Art, and Confessions of a Music Junkie. Enjoy!

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

I giggle over stupid things

Facts about me (well-known and unknown)

- There is a certain point of uncontrollable laughter I reach, where I simply cannot stop. In the past, this has proven troublesome in church or in business meetings. There are three people who can definitely make this happen, and you know who you are ( hint: Peter, Robert and Maureen).

- I live and work in utter chaos. I do get fed up with it about once per quarter and get completely organized, but it lasts about 3-4 days, tops.

- My weight is a constant, omnipresent battle, and has always been. I hate it.

- Other than that, I'm pretty happy with the genetics I was handed.

- I am pretty much a walking contradiction. Anyone who knows me will attest to this.

- I work hard, am diligent and tenacious, but I don't ever really feel like I've done enough. It's a quality that employers love, but isn't always so good for my stress levels.

- "If there was no music, I would not get through"..thanks to Shawn Colvin for summing that up for me.

- I am truly blessed with the people (human, feline and avian) in my life, and am ever grateful for all of them.

torch out.

Shakin' Up The Sadness

It's got me today, the sadness. I don't understand it. Never did, maybe never will. It seems to have a life of its own.

Therefore, I will now attempt to shake it up and out.

Hmmm. YouTube Videos. Maybe there's a new Mean Kitty video. Let's check.

Ah, yes. This is working.



Lalalalala. Little smile.

Peace out.

The Song That Started it All

This is the song that turned me into a Sugarland fan and got me writing again. Prior to this, I had little or no interest in Country music...with the exception of the occasional Keith Urban or Faith Hill song. But the minute I heard Baby Girl, the universe spoke. This song can still bring a tear to my eye, and that's saying something!

Those that can, do. Those that can't, b!#@h about it.

Blogging. I blog, obviously...and in more than one place. I am also an avid reader of blogs. I don't have a lot of time to read books these days, so reading well-written blogs gives me that slice of life and alternate perspective that I'm not getting elsewhere.

Opponents of blogging, on the other hand, think that blog authors are a sick combination of exhibitionists and narcissists - and that blog readers are all stalker/voyeurs.

Where is the truth? As with everything, it probably lies somewhere in the middle. I am sure that some bloggers simply like to talk about themselves, and that some readers are stalkers, but in general, I think that the blogosphere has enriched us. I definitely feel a mental stimulus when reading certain blogs (see my list to the right) and I learn new things about my friends and colleagues every day. My blog time is learning time. And on the flip side of that, my own blogging helps me to become a more disciplined and focused writer.

So, draw your own conclusions, dear friends and readers. I will continue to blog, and to read blogs, as long as there is a place to read and post them.

Good Sunday -
lis

Shameless Self-Promotion

So January is here, and it doesn't look like the economy (or my income) is going to bounce back as quickly as I had envisioned, so I am committing to writing (and to the blogosphere) my projects to bring in ASO (alternate streams of income).


1. My new PRexpress service. This is a "junior" service for smaller businesses that would like a kick-start to their branding and visibility, but can't afford monthly retainers of $1000 or more. $450 includes the following:

:: a step-by-step, customized plan to implement your own Public Relations program in-house.
:: a professionally-crafted press release distributed to over 90 national outlets
:: improved search-engine visibility
:: professional pitch to the top 10 media outlets in region
:: review of marketing materials and website for optimal visibility. complimentary rewrite of web home page or brochure copy to improve brand recognition.

Any business can benefit from this service - please tell everyone you know.
www.dfmpr.com

2. Selling AVON products. I have a website - if you need Avon products, please order them from my site at http://YourAvon.com/ltorch. Depending upon the campaign and how much you order, shipping is free (or at most, $5). Alternatively, if you are looking for a fun way to boost your own income, talk to me about starting your own AVON business. It only costs $10 to get in, and you don't need to carry inventory.

3. I'm continuing to place my songs with licensing libraries. Let's hope for a big placement in 09.

4. Freelance writing - I write search-engine optimized marketing copy for websites. If you know of a need - please send them my way.

Wishing everyone who reads this a Peaceful, Prosperous and Healthy new year.

lis