**Edit: I may have to concede and say that Neptunux Lex just *might* have readers that equal mine because holy lovely comments and emails, Batman! (And thanks for the add to the blogroll. :) ) I was a little worried that we didn’t quite get off on the right footing (my fault entirely) but y’all are just wonderful and welcome at my fire ANY TIME. :) xo
I need to say thank you to you all for being so kind to me and my family on Matthew’s anniversary.
It never ceases to amaze me how simply lovely people online can be. There continues to be such a loving outpouring of support and caring for us about Matthew and I have been pondering how to tell you how I feel about you all and your generosity and love over the years.
I am convinced, hands down, that I have the best readers on the Internet.
For example?
The other day I was on a site that I pretty much lurk on.
I lurk because 98% of the time I am intimidated as hell and frankly, lack the knowledge to utter anything useful.
It is definitely not a mommy or personal blog.
It’s written by a guy named, Lex.
Someone I knew from college pointed me there some months ago and I discovered I really enjoy hanging out there on occasion.
Not just because it’s utterly different than my regular Internet world, (And I mean UTTERLY) but because I have an interest in a lot of the topics he posts. The conversation that people get going on the things he posts is intriguing and well-informed and a good read to me. I like it. I know you may be a bit taken aback if you click over there as it seems very “not me”, but if you’ve been around long enough you’ll realized I have many surprising, contradictory aspects of my nature.
(You know, like the fact that I am a fan of firearms n’ stuff.)
(And don’t recycle.)
(And am still a Democrat.)
(Oh, my!)
I like the way Lex writes. And the atmosphere of his blog. And he has a story, which is completely different than mine but that resonates with me. Even though I have limited knowledge I am able to (mostly) follow what he’s saying. (“Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them, Jenny”).
So, even though I feel eleventyhundred times too silly to even be lurking on a site like that, I stuck around.
I think I’ve commented, um, twice in 7-months.
Until the other day.
There was a big brouhaha going on (The bickering that occurs sometimes in the comments section can be amazing to observe. Kind of like mommy-drama wars and infighting, only, um, armed and on steroids.). I usually don’t stick my oar in, even though it is tempting because I am often at odds with the majority of them politically. But the other day some dorknozzle was spouting off and threw out information I knew to be utterly untrue about aforementioned person I knew from college, so I piped up, clarified things for him and then prepared to shut the hell up again.
I checked back on the fray a little while later and saw a reply to my comment.
Being the wuss that I am, I cop to feeling a bit sick when I saw it. The feeling lasted a nanosecond when I saw this:
“Loralee! What a pleasant surprise to see you here. Two of my favorite bloggers in one space. Very cool.”
WTH???!!!!
SOMEONE HERE IS A FAN OF MY BLOG?!
AND IS WILLING TO PUBLICLY COP TO IT?
SERIOUSLY!?
I was utterly shocked in the most awesome way. Finding someone who reads my blog and also loves and is a fan of it on a site like that is pretty much like the odds of Justin Beiber finding a fan in bassoon enthusiast circles.
(Dude. Not that I am comparing myself to Justin Beiber, because, EWE.)
(And yet I sort of just did.)
(I feel dirty now.)
(Hold me.)
I was beyond flattered.
Because I think Lex’s place is grand.
The comment was from a reader named, Stephen. And he is rad. I squeed at him and how happy I was to see him in such an unexpected place and that it was a bit intimidating for me at times, so it was beyond lovely to see a friendly face AND THEN HE DID THIS:
“Loralee, Lex is gracious enough to allow me to hang around and occasionally work up the courage to profer a tidbit of a comment. The folks round these parts inspire me and always give me different perspectives to contemplate. To be in the company of honorable warriors is a privilege. For those of you who don’t know Loralee, here’s a good starting point. Highly recommend. http://loraleeslooneytunes.com/2007/11/29/her/”
AWE!
The man pretty much stood up in an equivalent of a room packed with cops, feds, pilots, military types, gun enthusiasts, and big, tough dudes (and a few pricks, if I’m honest) and said, “I LOVE READING THIS MOM BLOGGER FROM UTAH THAT IS ENTIRELY SILLY AND USES WAY TOO MANY EMOTIONS, CAPS, (AND PARENTHESIS). BUT IS EFFING COOL ANYWAY AND I PINK PUFFY HEARTS LOVE HER, Y’ALL!!!”.
(Only, you know, said in a much more manly and dude-like way.)
It was the coolest blogging moment EVER.
(Ok, getting invited to The White House was actually the coolest blogging moment ever, but THIS WAS SUPER CLOSE.)
Stephen rocks. I love that he is so diverse and tough enough to wear pink. (With little Loralee emoticons and glittery puffy hearts all over it. :) )
I grinned my head off all day long.
And I haven’t stopped.
And things like that happen all the time with you lovely people.
You never cease to amaze me .
Remember how I said I am a tangible, ‘gifts’ person?
It’s my nature.
When someone means something to me or shows me a kindness, I want to show them what it meant to me and that I care and those feelings often manifests in some sort of bit or bob or beribboned little token.
Or you know, tied up in a WalMart bag and left on your porch.
(I know.)
I wish that I could be like Jay and Silent Bob and fly all over the country to each of you to say thank you. (Ok, I know that in the movie, Jay and Silent Bob flew all over the country to kick the crap out of pre-pubescent little trolls that spent their days mocking them online and likely playing D&D in the basement of their mom’s house and eating Funyons and Chocolate YooHoo but I would rather just hug you and give you your tied up WalMart bag of love if it’s all the same to you. I am not a violent person, yo. :) )
But saying “hey, thanks” just feels inadequate.
But I came up with something as I was pricing and shopping for an iPod today. (No, I don’t own one. Yes, I am remedying that. I will hopefully own this sucker sooner rather than later.)
After Matthew died, I couldn’t tolerate many things; it felt almost like acid burning my skin. I couldn’t watch television or listen to much music. I had a small handful of pieces that I could tolerate and I listened to them over and over and over again.
Music means everything to me.
There are so many new people here that I’ll catch you up: I’m a classically trained singer. (Full vocal scholarship in college, baby.) Which means that I have stood in front of audiences and symphonies and choirs in lovely dresses. (Though I am often in choir garb of to-the-floor black. Sometimes I wear flipflops or Doc Martin combat boots under them just to liven things up a little.)
It brings me more joy than most things in this world and I have had some amazing experiences.
I still sing several hours a week and perform often because it simply brings me too much joy and love to not. Which is why it is so telling how painful losing Matthew was, if I could only listen to a handful of pieces. And when I am feeling low or sad or missing him, I will sometimes pull those pieces of music out and listen to them.
There is one piece in particular that is my favorite. And as I have spent thousands of hours singing, listening to and rehearsing all sorts of music, that is saying a lot.
I first heard it many years ago in a concert I was performing in. I had a solo (I can’t remember what) and it was with a symphony (I honestly couldn’t tell you which one it was that long ago) and they played this piece RIGHT BEFORE MY SOLO.
I was in the wings literally crying with how beautiful it was.
And I do not cry easily.
(Just so you know? You can TOTALLY sing after you have snotted your head off. If you are phonating correctly, you should be able to completely plug your nose and not have it alter your sound. If you take a deep breath and sing “AH” and then plug your nose your sound should not change at all. If it does? You’re doing it wrong. :) )
This bit of music has soothed my tattered spirit countless times.
I put it on repeat last night when I was writing about my boy.
It is simply one of the loveliest (though MOST UNFORTUNATELY NAMED) pieces of music ever written, in my opinion.
And I want to share it with you as a thank you for everything you have given me.
So, please…listen.
Really listen.
(And try to ignore that the conductor freakishly resembles a hoity-toity (and orange) Gil Grissom from CSI.)
Let it give your soul a warm bath.
I hope you like it.
I wish it were nearly as wonderful as everything you all have given to me through the years.
xo,
Me.
P.S. Is this the lamest thank you gift ever?
I’m touched. I am a new follower to your blog. I am sorry for your loss. Peaceful, still, powerful and beautiful is the music. I can see how it fills your heart. Thanks for sharing your story and your soul.
P.S. A gift is something you give and is never lame.
I’m very tied to music and when I love something I LOVE it. Thank you for your condolences. They are appreciated. (And welcome to my place. It’s lovely of you to join us!)
Ah Loralee… Thanks for sharing that lovely piece of music with us. I can see how it would be soothing. It has a sad tinge to it without being at all maudlin. And it is also gently uplifting without being annoyingly perky. And also? Your back in that dress is lovely (but you know that, I’m sure.)
You are one of the people I planned to look for, but never found this year at BlogHer (as opposed to Jenny/Bloggess and Jean/Stimey who I ran into every 5 minutes to the point where we were joking who was stalking whom) but hoping I can remedy that next year.
I heart Jenny. I only saw her for just a second, unfortunately. I hope we can hang out in San Diego. I’m going to Mom 2.0 as well…are you?
Thank you for the wonderful gift! I love it!
Not even close to the lamest TY gift ever. Its beautiful :)
This is so not a lame gift! I love it.
Beautiful. Love it – thank you!
P,Michelle,Kate and Sandi: XOXO glad you like it.
No gift is ever lame if given from the heart, no matter how small or inexpensive. Sometimes those are the best gifts ever!
This was from your heart. It is beautiful.
Thank you.
I feel exactly the same way. I carried a scrap of paper with a few words scrawled on them for years in my wallet, it meant so much to me.
I’m a faithful reader. And lurker. I hardly ever comment because I never want to say the wrong thing and end up hurting someone more than helping. However, I WILL comment for Elgar’s Nimrod. I have played the flute my entire life and the most memorable performance I ever had with an orchestra was Elgar’s Enigma Variations, which has 15 (I think) movements, each dedicated to someone or a moment in his life. You probably already know the story behind Nimrod, but if you don’t, here it is from wiki:
Augustus J. Jaeger was employed as music editor by the London publisher Novello & Co. For a long time he was a close friend of Elgar, giving him useful advice, but also severe criticism, something Elgar greatly appreciated. Remarkably Elgar later related on several occasions how Jaeger had encouraged him as an artist and had stimulated him to continue composing despite setbacks. The name of the variation punningly refers to Nimrod, an Old Testament patriarch described as “a mighty hunter before the Lord” – the name Jäger being German for hunter.
In 1904 Elgar told Dora Penny (“Dorabella”) that this variation is not really a portrait, but “the story of something that happened”. Once, when Elgar had been very depressed and was about to give it all up and write no more music, Jaeger had visited him and encouraged him to continue composing. He referred to Ludwig van Beethoven, who had a lot of worries, but wrote more and more beautiful music. “And that is what you must do”, Jaeger said and he sang the theme of the second movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 8 ‘ Pathétique ‘. Elgar disclosed to Dora that the opening bars of Nimrod were made to suggest that theme. “Can’t you hear it at the beginning? Only a hint, not a quotation”.
When I read your post, I immediately thought, “how fitting for Loralee to love Nimrod.” Not only is it one of the most beautiful, moving pieces of music ever written (IMO, along with Adagio for Strings :)), but the story behind it is so appropriate. Sorry this is so long, but thank you for sharing your story, your journey, and your music.
I have been meaning to look up the story behind this. I do it all the time with pieces that I love. (I adore classical but my number one love of all time is Orchestral Soundtracks)
THANK you for both reading AND piping up with this.xoxoxo
I am a new lurker. Thank you for the music it was beautiful but the real gift you gave me yesterday was the reminder to love on and squeeze my own little guys (12,12,2.5,14 months)every single chance I have. Life gets nuts around here but I wouldn’t change a thing and in the end it does not matter if the house looks like a tornado hit it most of the time. Thank you for reminding my of that!
I still take my kids for granted sometimes. It’s on a deeply superficial level but I have to say, losing one brings you a whole nother sense of realizing what you have in front of you.
Thank you for sharing that music. Elgar writes some of the most spine tingling orchestral pieces, and a reminder of that is always appreciated.
And, no, it does not surprise me that you read that blog. At all. As much as you discount your intelligence, my friend, it shows up in your writing over and over.
(and even though I totally hate pink, I’d wear pink puffy hearts that say “I love Loralee’s blog”)
Thank you for that. It’s easier to be silly online, you know. People taking you seriously can lead to all sorts of trouble.
P.S. And where can I send the Pink Puffy I HEART LORALEE tshirt???? :P
Ma’am (which is a measure of politeness as I’m 59 years old), not all of us are macho steriod eating gun freaks. I’m admitedly Republican, don’t own a gun (but strongly for your right to have one) and I own three little white dogs who I love to death. Lex is a hell of a wordsmith. When you have the time, read his “Tales of the Sea Service” and tell me you can’t smell the salt air and jet fuel.
And FWIW, Lex makes sure ladies get treated like ladies at his place. He’s an old Virginia gentlemen ;)
Byron,
Oh, dear. I did not mean to be insulting to Lex or any of his readers. I coat things here with a lot of tongue-in-cheek, hyperbole and silliness. I have to because a lot of what I write (like yesterday’s post) is so heavy and sad. When I said, “armed and on steriods” I meant the NATURE of the the disagreements/clashes/debates in my Internet world vs. the ones that can happen on Lex’s blog. You all have plenty of drama at times (like we are notorious for) only we often cover it up with niceties or take it back channel. You all can really take the gloves off sometimes. It’s quite a thing to observe sometimes and Lex does a great job keeping his site embracing the lightness. It was not to imply that armed people are out-control-steroid munchers.
I know that not everyone there is the same, but for the most part there is a general demographic, like there is here. And I am really far from fitting into it. (Which is why I was so shocked and pleased a regular reader would be there) It’s likely one of the reasons I gravitate to it. I am used to being in the minority (I live in Utah) and am married to the most conservative, gun carrying man out there. I meant nothing to be critical, though it might come off that way as I re-read it.
Truly…I did not mean any disrespect.
P.S. I like being called, “Ma’am”. :)
Not a problem, Loralee. You’d be surprised how many of those knuckle draggers like your little spot in the blogosphere, including hisself, Granpa Bluewater.
No need of explanations to a simple old shipyard worker such as myself, ma’am ;)
My dad was Navy. I am very fond of simple old shipyard workers. :)
Loralee,
Just passing through from the link on Lex’s log. Your font. It jams lower case ‘c’ to hard up against lower case ‘l’ that it makes a lower case ‘d’, and some unintended guffaws. You might wanta check that out.
Awe, man! You are not the first person to tell me that. I am going to have to check with my designers about installing a new font. (When I faff about with code I tend explode the power grid of San Fransisco and Dick Chaney’s toilet randomly starts flushing. It’s best for everyone if I stay away from it. :) )
Something with good serifs. Garamond. Or Book Antiqua. My personal favorite is Slyafen. (not trying to be pushy, but if you are going to ask for more fonts….)
Miss Loralee, Ma’am, I fear that you are being invaded. I have a feeling that many of us troglodite, knuckle-draggin’, mouth breathing, red meat eating, gun toting, cannon shooting types from Lex’s place just may like the way you write too.
So, where do you keep the beer? And where can I put this coffee cake.
First: Troglodite has to be about the best word EVER.
Second: I am flattered.
Third: Beer is in the fridge. I don’t drink it but I keep it on hand especially for the knuckle-draggin’, mouth breathing, red meat eating, gun toting, cannon shooting types from Lex’s place that stop by. Because I’m just that fond of you. And because you brought coffee cake. :)
Thank you for your warm welcome, Miss Loralee (that has such a nice ante-bellum ring to it). After a bit of browsing around here I noticed the scenery here is MUCH nicer than that which Lex usually offers (that being translated – you are quite lovely, especially with that MP-5 in your hands).
If you have a recipe box somewhere I will be happy to throw some of my favorite into it. Meantime, I’ll try to keep the feet off the couch. And see if I can get the smell of powder and campfire off before I visit your parlor.
Those cannons were just cool. One of the most amazing performance I have ever done was the 1812 overture with live cannon fire. SO AMAZING.
And that Mp-5 WAS SO FREAKING FUN TO SHOOT. It was my birthday present from a friend on the SWAT team. 2 hours of instruction, ammo, and use.
I had the time of my life.
That is a beautiful piece of music. Thanks for sharing it.
I gotta ask though- why don’t you recycle? Having recently shacked up with someone who doesn’t remember to recycle very often, I’m curious. When I went back to his hometown I didn’t see much of recycling options available. Growing up on the West Coast it is ingrained in me to recycle. I’m just wondering why only parts of the country are doing it when it could benefit everyone if we all did it. Ideas?
Hey, babe!
I so have an answer for this but am running out the door to speak at a luncheon. (Also…I don’t never, ever recycle but yeah, it’s not enough to say that I do, either. ) Will answer when I get back! xo
Ok, I’m back.
Well…I didn’t grow up recycling. Also, my house is TINY. I have a huge 6’4′husband, two big teenagers a baby and me in 1,100 sq.ft. There is simply no way to sort it.
I do have a big blue recycle bin provided by the city (and OMG was it a brouhaha when they instigated the program. People didn’t want to be forced to pay for it.)and I use it for milk jugs supermarket pizza boxes ( I know the others aren’t recyclable) and all the packing boxes from my husband’s business but that is about it.
And there are also quite a few people here have an interesting take on the “green” movement. The see much of it as trendy and not truly green or as a way to charge more for something labeled “green”. (Kind of how some breast cancer activist recoil at the “pink” movement citing that it pushes product without being very helpful for research)
I am not so much that way. My lack of recycling comes from laziness, business, space, habit and probably that I don’t love the earth enough. :)
Man, this could be a whole post.
Loralee –
Lovely site. Lovelier piece of music, although I’ll take Barber’s Adagio any day.
And I’ll let Joe bring the coffee cake, where do you want this bottle of scotch?
Oh, that is one of the handful I could listen to forever as well. This is one of my favorite performances of it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV3SHBFyDZM&feature=fvw
And as I’ve recently learned to appreciate a good scotch, I’ll make a space for it next to my beloved Diet Coke. :)
I love this! It’s awesome to see some cross pollination going on. It’s fun to mix things up and mash together unexpected ideas and people. Makes for amazing conversations or collaboration usually.
Beautiful music, thank you for the gift. Sharing things that are important to us, that mean something to us, is the best gift that you can give.
PS. The link to Lex’s site is broken, up at the top of the post, the About page works though.
I love it too! It’s been an eye opener in a very lovely way. Thanks for the heads up, the link is fixed.
And now I’m the one who’s going to be smiling all day. :-) Thank you for the music. I’m on about my 3rd pass through and little subtleties and nuance just keep coming out and surprising me.
A thought about Lex and his followers: While there is definitely a high degree of testosterone coursing through the site, there is also a deep belief among the vast majority that chivalry and honor are not just words, but a way of life. And the ladies who are present are highly intelligent,highly respected and are treated accordingly. (Watch for comments from Marianne Matthews. I love that woman.) Thanks again for the grin on my face.
You made my day so I am very glad I could return the favor! It’s just swimming in a different pond and I like it there. And hello,the response from there has been amazing.
(Ask me how ridiculously pleased I was to land a spot on the blog roll.) :)
I’ve never been treated poorly there, I am just woefully uneducated about a lot of things they talk about so don’t have much to say. Now get me on the topic of Real Housewives…(hee)
You’ve all been so lovely. Gives me hope that chivalry is not dead, you know? :) xo
How ridiculously are you pleased? Actually, you could just go ask Jonathon, he knows. Carpe Diem Loralee, carpe diem.
I’m on a lot of blog rolls but this add just tickled me pink because it’s so unexpected. Most of my friends and family with similar interests don’t really dig my blog, you know? It’s not their thing. So I am fairly over the moon with it. :)
Ms. Loralee,
I am somewhat related to JoeinN.Calif except this troglodite is in Texas. Thank you so much for that lovely piece on your readers for it has awoken a gentle corner of my heart. If you don’t mind I shall drop by from time to time to fall under the spell of your words. I promise to keep my feet off the furniture.
JJ
That is so sweetly said, Joe.
And you’re welcome on my furniture any time. :)
Ma’am (I’m a fair bit further down the road than Byron and quite old fashioned):
Thank you for the kind words about Lex’s place and this band of ruffians that frequent it. Should you prefer, I would like to offer bourbon in a square bottle, or should you not, a bouquet of wild flowers, whose wild, exuberant beauty complements your own gracious and civilized loveliness.
In case you didn’t yet know, hard eyed, battle scarred old (and young) men adore smart, stunning, classy dames. You have acquired a Phalanx or ten of such admirers today.
An honor and a delight to have made your acquaintance, Ma’am.
I very rarely get flowers or such lovely compliments. You are a true gentleman. You’ve all definitely won a fan in me. :)
I didn’t know that about you! Now I must hear you sing. Music effects me deeply. Though I am only minorly talented at both vocal and instrumental music, I love listening to it. Your song touched me. I’ve heard it before, and I love it. I think of my grandpa whenever I hear beautiful music. He was always touched by it, too.
It’s an essential part of life for me. Sometimes when I have something to say but am out of words or just tired or inadequate I’ll send a link to a song.
Seems to work better.
I’m not a prolific writer like those above. So I’ll just add:
What they said. And while your style is different than Lex’s, it is most enjoyable.
A new lurker :)
THANK you. I am so shocked by all this kindness. Not that anyone isn’t wonderful, I’m just surprised. I have many friends and family who would take to Lex like a duck to water but honestly, they only read me because they kind of have to.
This is humbling and grand for me. :)
Um, yes, rather lame thankyou. I expected a song, and at least got that. But where are the cookies?
DUDE. DID YOU NOT SEE THAT JOE, FAST NAV AND GRANDPA BLUEWATER BROUGHT COFFEE CAKE AND LIQUOR???
And of course, there is plenty of Diet Coke to go around.
See? It’s a regular fun-party here. :)
It doesn’t surprise me you lurk at Lex’s place, Loralee. He is, after all, the very personification of what is meant by the phrase “an officer and a gentleman.” I think the ice cream vendor’s suit has a lot to do with that, tho. (so sayeth the ol’ retired USAF sergeant)
I’m impressed by your writing like the others who chased Lex’s link to your place. I’ll be back.
Awe, thanks. I just find it very interesting. Plus, I have so many loved ones, friends and family in LE, military and the like.
Many things differ from my own thoughts politically but that has never bothered me. I am married to a very conservative man (co-hosts a political radio show) and I watch Fox News pretty much daily here. I tend to learn about my own feelings and thoughts and stances from that more than if I just listened to more on my side of the aisle, if that makes sense.
I’m so glad you came by.
*hugs more* It’s a lovely thank you gift! And Loralee, you have made me laugh so much and cry so much that just reading your blog is gift enough for me.
I am so glad I can make you laugh. I know I make people cry because well…my story is sad. So when people can do BOTH it just makes my day.
Okay, so this was a nice sweet post and I’m leaving a only sorta relevent comment but I just wanted you to know that I tottaly had to stop mid-post to take a deep breathe and try out the sing “Ah” thing – and it worked! It didn’t sound different at all. I’m still not sure if I sang it right though as I was singing very softly so as to not wake la babe but at least I didn’t screw it up, right?
WAY TO GO, MACKENZIE.
It’s actually a very good quick check to make sure that the placement of your breath and sound is in the right place in your mask (face) and so you aren’t phonating out of your nose. :)
Ma’am…
*tip o’ the hat follows*
Lex has been demonstrating his mastery over the written word for some time now, and the insight across the board from not only the naval aviator types, but pretty much every aspect of the profession of arms (I mean, he let’s me come out to play in the comments – and I’m an old Marine Grunt.)
I’ve always been amazed that the standard conduct is not only consistently elevated, but provokes thoughtful debate and dialogue, regardless of whether the commenter favors the same position as the rest of us, opening the door to possible enlightenment, again, regardless of position.
So come and share your perspectives with us! We don’t bite – well, we DO, but only the folks that really need it…
It’ll be a hoot!
So, you want the Jack Daniels next to the Jim Beam under the bar?
That intro was pretty much swoon-worthy (so a bunch of us agreed on Twitter. :) )
I think I just may pipe up more often, now that I know I’m amongst friends.
And just put the JD on the pile with the rest. I’m lighting the camp fire and starting the s’mores. :)
I haven’t even clicked on the link for Neptunus Lex yet and I already like his readers just from their comments here. Headed over there to poke around. The invasion will go both ways.
LOL. I hope they are all ready for y’all. :)
Loved the song, and as always, you! I cannot wait to get home and delve into Lex’s blog and all of the new folks who have commented here today. YAY for new internet friends, and to you for bringing them out. : )
As a gun toting gal myself, I see many new friends in both our futures ! And ones who bring Jack AND Jim with them ? Total BFF’s for sure. Oh how I love the internets.
I.KNEW.YOU.WOULD.LIKE.IT.
xo
Cross-decked over here from Lex’s place. Yeah I was witness to that whole comment thread (even partook some in a reltively inoffensive way, even remembering cautioning Lex that the topic would once again stir the brew of… hmmm… you put it soo eloquently… DorkNozzles, that are so full of bovine scatology they have roses growing out of their ears.
I saw you chance meeting happen that day and wandered on by here myself. You are indeed an enjoyable read. It’s nice to enjoy different perspectives, and styles. Ain’t that there ‘Blogosphere’ a cool place some times?
-JC
I never mind passionate disagreement but when it crosses the line to offensive, I take objection. When it crosses the line to offensive against someone that I called a friend and I know it is blatantly untrue, I speak up.
It’s my nature.
I feel like going around spouting below the belt punches like that only nullifies or weakens any legitimate argument a person might have to say. And it alienates many civilized people that would agree with the root theory and hurts the stance you are taking. And it’s juvenile. (Said she who dubbed the guy ‘dorknozzle’. Hi, pot. I’m the kettle. You’re like, black n’stuff. Heh.)
Thanks for coming over all on your own. I am beyond flattered. Hope to run into you again. :)
Love the song – thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing the coolest blogging tool EVER with me. Least I can do. :) xo See you at the birthday party tomorrow!!! xo
Loralee: The man pretty much stood up in an equivalent of a room packed with cops, feds, pilots, military types, gun enthusiasts, and big, tough dudes (and a few pricks, if I’m honest)
I’m one of the few “Babes” who hang around Lex’s place – we are collectively referred to as the Lex Babes and we like it just fine.
I am a gun enthusiast and while my husband may believe I am amped up on steroids from time to time, it’s just righteous indignation. Shh…I don’t like to tell him the difference. :-)
I like your site, btw. Your writing is fun and while I may be a gun-toting conservative trapped in the liberal wasteland that is New England…I am capable of respecting others opinions. Which it appears … so are you.
Consider yourself given some linky love.
Thank you for the link love! And your secret is safe with me. ;)
Not trapped in New England (though I’d like to be!) but another “Lex Babe” here. I agree with Kris (though this is not surprising in any way, shape, or form) and I love your exuberant use of parentheses (can you tell?)!
I will most definitely be hanging around and, if I remember to actually do so, adding your link to my blogroll :)
Terribly sorry – I was going to bring some rum…but I drank it on the way over!
I bought the download from Amazon. Thank you for sharing. I always drive up there this time of you and think of you. I am glad we also share happy things and not just one big sad one! I love you always!
I love and miss you sweet friend. That photo of us at Matthew’s funeral remains one of my favorites and most treasured possessions. I cannot tell you what a help it was to have one friend that had walked my walk to stand by me during that godawful time of raw pain.
I love you always back.
P.S. Holland was beautiful. xo
This time of year…(previous post correction)
Just got here from Lex’s link. I, too, am “diverse” in my choice of blogfodder, about equally divided between milblogs, autieblogs, and gunblogs. I’ve never hesitated to comment anywhere; a little bit of autism&alcohol will do that for ye.
P.s. Was it the post about Erik Scott’s murder in front of the Costco? I’ll admit to being a bit, uh, intemperate.
As a true conservative, I hate the very idea of cops. To misquote Mark Twain, “They are un-American, they are un-English, they are completely irregular. They are, in fact, French.”
As an old guy with no local family who lives alone with his cat, I am dependent for my safety to a large degree on guys with badges, so I grit my teeth and try to be polite to them.
Yes, it was indeed that post.
I love and care for many who wear a badge and they are not the type of person you described. Do I know they exist? YES, I do. But you are entitled to your opinions, though I know for a fact that the person you clashed with would ABSOLUTELY risk his own personal safety for yours without a single moment or breath of hesitation. (I am not sure how he would react to putting his life on the line for your cat, but I think he would do his best. :) )
I have known him a very long time and know this about him. He can frustrate me to.no.end with some of his views, but he has always been fair in his debate.
So, I just took exception that you aimed quite a bit of intemperance at someone with whom I have long history. And I get a little protective when I think something hits below the belt.
(He certainly doesn’t need a girl fighting battles for him but everyone should have the pleasure of having someone trusted to have your back, you know?)
And for my part, I shouldn’t have called you a dorknozzle. It was rude and I apologize. Thanks for stopping by…I admire when things can be talked out. :)
As long as I see other pickup with parking passes from Lex’s place parked out front, I might as well come in and drop off some cases of Dad’s Root Beer, and a big platter of Skunk Cookies, ( made with both white and dark chocolte chips, hence the name, with raspberries mixed in ). I’ll just put the root beer in the walk in cooler. You might want to put a lock on the walk in, Dad’s attracts Dachshunds.
Oh, I am ALLLLLLL about the cute, little weenie doggies. One of my best memories was as a freshman in college. We were in the choir room for what seemed the millionth hour of rehearsal and suddenly the door flew open and about 10 tiny weenie puppies ran in. (He was a breeder meeting with our director and thought class was over. Which it was from the moment we all laid eyes on the cuteness!)
Cross-decked from Lex’s Sphere, Ma’am. Mighty fine digs you have here as well. Where would you like the Single Barrel and brownies? I have pretty much just been a lurker at Lex’s but I’ve been doing it since about ’05. I also rarely put in my 2 cents in but his sphere is my 2nd read of the day. Lookin’ like I might have to find a spot on that list for your sphere if you’ll have me. I’ll try to keep my feet off the coffee table. Can’t really promise after the Single Barrel is cracked though!
LOL. It’s why I am not really a drinker. Because really? I am SO ENOUGH SOBER, you know? :)
I saw the tweet where you seemed worried, so glad that things are not bad but are quite lovely.
Thank you for standing on Freedom’s Ramparts for us all. Ooh-rah!
Darn it there was a [waves at Marine] paragraph in between those two. Stupid brackets, I used the wrong ones.
I’m afraid I got off on the wrong foot with a few, but once I explained that I had zero bad intent all was well in the land, so WHEW!!!!!
And did I mention that when I was working at Borders once, I looked up and there was a Marine in full dress and I pretty much lost the power of speech?
Yeah. That was a pretty damn good day at work. :)
I saw a Marine in not full dress, but short sleeves and blue trousers around here not long ago. I’m not sure exactly what kind of Sergeant he was (and Marines are sensitive about details like that) but I think I saw at least a diamond and a rocker or two.
He impressed me, but in a different way. The kid could not have been half my age, but he seemed very, very senior to me in terms of worldly experience. He had what Temple Grandin calls the Long Stare (found in wolves but no domestic dogs except huskies) which, in humans, I call the Death Stare. He had a buncha ribbons on the breast of his shirt.
He was, of course, a perfect well-mannered gentleman. With killer’s eyes.
Nice place you have her, ma’am, glad I clicked over from Lex’s place. The earlier commentators are correct, you have a literary style that does dovetail nicely with what we (or at least, I) have come to expect at the “knuckle-dragger’s” house.
Now, even though I’m one of that ilk (Army airborne/civilian firefighter-paramedic in my particular case), I just live for good music, and Nimrod is a favorite of mine as well. I don’t think it’s really counter-personality, either, some of the deepest discussions on culture and philosophy I have ever had were waaay outside classrooms, with fellow soldiers, firefighters and the assorted action-sports crowds that gravitated to these circles. For firefighters and paramedics especially, I think it is the daily exposure to the extremes of human drama that makes you begin to wax philosophic, and such structured thinking in one area does tend to lead to a general application of higher thought processes in other areas of life. Such as art and music.
Funny also where you run into very serious artists, this YouTube link is of my optician, who is starting an opera career on the side:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5qIWSA54o4
So, when do we get to hear you sing, hmm?
Your optician has a lovely timbre to her voice and she has “opera face” DOWN. :) My sound is very rich and dark and I envy the maneuvering ability she has in her upper register. I have a big, huge range but my ring up top has always been lacking. The money notes are the honey I have in the low notes.
I actually was relieved when I stopped pursuing the professional opera path. I am not the biggest fan of it and the life is hard. Plus, I tend to gravitate more towards Oratorio work (The Messiah is my favorite role hands down. I do a mean “He was despised”. I also adore choirs, and am in a VERY good one (headed up by the man who just stepped down as director for The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He is AMAZING.) but it is too big for my taste. Very grand, yes, but he has a small group on the side, 2 singers to a part made up of VERY accomplished musicians and I love it more. (We did Britten’s Festival Te Deum in 4 rehearsals and rocked it.)
I need to just get a decent recording of me and put it up. Maybe it will be my Christmas gift to myself. :)
Meandered over here from THAT HORNET GUY’S PLACE – at my age it was a slow meander…and discovered a new watering hole on the information highway. Although tone deaf and totally without rhythm, I can still appreciate the finer things in life – even if it has to be driven into my head with a rather large mallet.
Speaking of the finer things in life, I’m leaving you a two-pack of Kahlua and her new soulmate, Cafe Patron. A shot of the latter, gently layered atop a shot of the former is just the ticket for brisk fall days (or nights).
Real glad you decided to lurk over at the Captain’s – now I have another bookmark in my daily blog rotation! And if you haven’t done so already, I most heartily recommend you visit Cassandra at http://www.villainouscompany.com.
And I am so jealous of the MP-5 time (grumble, grumble).
That MP-5 was seriously one of the.best.days.ever.
I hearted it.
And I was totally spoiled by getting snagged on Patron Gold. When I found out how expensive it is I about died.
Oh, please. Loralee, may I leave you a bottle of the best spirits known ’round the world? Bombay Sapphire Gin, so smooth it’s almost like high quality moonshine, and it just melts down the back of your throat to lay in your stomach whilst it warms you up. Quite refreshing drink after a hot summers day…
And blame Lex for all of us trodding through your home, he invited us…sorta :) And don’t forget to read Tales of the Sea Service!
MP-5s are all well and good, but the one Byron is standing by, in his avatar, now THAT’S a GUN!
You don’t see many MP-5s with the old straight stick magazines. HKs are great guns, my duty weapon is an HK USP45F. When the Bundeswehr replaced thier G-3 rifles, with the G-36, Federal Arms in Minneapolis bought thousands of them, put a new lower reciever on them that would not accept the fun parts, so they are semi auto only, and put them on sale. I bought one, so I have what amounts to a MP-5, in .308, although really it is the other way, the MP-5 was developed from the G-3.
I am jealous that you have fired a P-38. I want one of those. I shall have to swing by here once in awhile, it seems to be an interesting website. Even if you do like dachshunds, the international standard for Evil.
I was reading through your post and stopped in my tracks when I read about your not being able to listen to music. I felt the same way after 9/11. I was a flight attendant from Boston and lost so many friends. I simply could not sit in church, it was quite and still and I simply could not handle it without crying. It can be a long climb out of sadness. Your post was really good. I am glad you are listening to music and singing again.
Thank you, love. I often tell people who ask me what all of this is like and (if they did not lose loved ones in the attack) that it was like 9/11 times ten thousand. That same shock, horror and your life and world changing utterly in a moment.
I am so sorry you lost people on 9/11. That must have been so godawful. xoxoxo
Loralee, very nice site -content & tone. Welcome and glad you found Lex’s blog. Your site somehow became attached to my favorites list. :)
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Some pain, IMO, can be healed by time though it never really goes away. I like to think that it makes us a better person somehow, though that is little solace for the loss.
As you say, his site is squared away, and apparently like you, hw doesn’t suffer fools or allow them to linger on his site, though usually it is self-correcting. In the four or five years that I’ve been reading his site I can only think of a few threads that got over the top and took awhile to be squashed.
Marianne Matthews is an exceptional lady, and again like you, is also a singer.
Respectfully,
Marianne Mathews is indeed a fine singer. I, in fact have a Marianne Mathews album, Gloat, Gloat. I look forward to hearing your voice. Art thou on YouTube?
Scott, I did not know Marianne was a talented singer. It doesn’t surprise me, but I was unaware. Boy howdy I would love to get a listen to some of that!
Loralee, didn’t you post one time a song you collaborated on with another Loralee? I enjoyed that. Is it still available? One other thought as you are now becoming aware that Marianne has quite the group of smitten admirers. If you can dig out of Lex’ archives some of her comments regarding modern feminism vs. her experiences with an earlier empowering version, there is much to ponder. I also suspect that Lex would be happy to connect you with Marianne privately and I guarantee your life will be enriched. As would the lives of your legion fans.
I did. I recorded it in 10 minutes though and honestly, I cringe a wee bit when people hear it (The other Loralee is GREAT though). I’m a bit of a perfectionist, though I LOVE the story behind it. I just wish 1: I knew how to belt at the time (30 years of singing and I only figured it out 2 years ago, weirdly) and 2: I’d had more studio time. And it’s not my opera voice, if that makes sense.
Wow, have I apologized for myself enough here? :)
STB, the one of her Milwaukee Art Center performance?
Glad to hear that you found a place to pick up some Virgil’s Root Beer. Our local Trader Joe’s had it.
Ron, that is the one! She sure can sing! I shall have some Virgil’s in my hot little paws by the middle of next week!
Utah has no Trader Joe’s. Dammit.
If I could be half as consistent and organized as Lex I would be a much better blogger than I am (and I am not half-bad for a personal/mommy blogger.). I am awed at his discipline.
Thank you for the comment, condolences and add to the favorites. I’m ticked pink. :)
Love that beautiful piece, Loralee. It’s amazing. This is the first time I’ve heard it and I keep listening to it over and over again. My favorite song for when I’m feeling soul-tattered is Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings”. Love.it. Always soothes me.
Sending love and hugs your way. Maybe one fine day it will be in person, over lunch. Let’s hope so!
Hello, sweet friend. Barber is one of my faves, but it is so well known, I thought I’d introduce a little Elgar. :) It has been far too long since I’ve seen you. Much love. xoxo
Hey! Can someone please clear some space on the serving table there? I need to set this platter down!
Moroccan Braised Pork with Dates and Apricots
50 servings
Modified from WW “Cooking for Two”
18 to 20 lbs. whole Pork Loin, cut into ¾ inch chops
½ Cup Salt
¼ Cup freshly ground Black Pepper
15 small Onions, chopped
50 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Cup ground Cumin
½ Cup Cinnamon
½ Cup ground Ginger
¼ Cup ground Nutmeg
1½ gal. Orange Juice (may need to reduce this)
2 qt. Chicken Broth
1 ½ Cup fresh Lemon Juice
6 Cups pitted Dates, sliced
6 Cups dried Apricots, sliced
Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Sprinkle the pork with salt and pepper; add to skillet (cook in batches). Cook the pork until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes on each side. Transfer to hotel pan and set aside, keep warm.
Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the orange juice, broth, and lemon juice; bring to a boil and cook until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Add the pork; reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the pork is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Transfer the pork to serving platters. Add the dates and apricots to the pan and boil until the mixture is reduced slightly and the fruit is softened, about 6 minutes. Add the pork and adjust salt and pepper, cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Serve with Minted Couscous.
Dude, you cook too??????
I may never have you leave!!! :)
Doesn’t everyone? All about time management. That was one we trotted out when our parish hosted a Liturgical Singing seminar a few years back. About 75 people. Here is the full menu for the day:
Fresh Fruit
Sonoma County Breakfast Frittata (two hotel pans)
Bacon (15 pounds, baked off)
Biscuits (make 150 at least)
Assorted fresh fruit.
Tea, Coffee, and Juice
Butter, Jam, Honey
Mid-rats:
Crudités, chips and dips (hummus, sesame and sour cream dip, maybe a version of melanzana)
Cold Cuts, Sliced Cheese, and other sandwich fixings
Cookies
Fruit
Beverages
Dinner:
Relish trays.
Salad (field greens, carrots, celery, red cabbage, jicama, lime & olive oil vinegrette)
Bread (make two triple batches)
Moroccan Braised Pork with Dates and Apricots (50 servings)
Sicilian-style Halibut(30 servings)
Moroccan Three-Bean Stew (vegan)(75 servings)
Minted Couscous (75 servings)
Green Beans with herbs.
Apple Crisp with whipped cream.
Tea, coffee, pomegranate & ginger ale punch (and straight pomegranate juice for His Grace if he wants). Riesling and Syrah would go well with the main dishes, as well as some porter, wheat beer, and a lager of some sort.
I cut and pasted that recipe. Dates and Apricots? Seriously? I’m hungry. I did a pork shoulder butt yesterday tending towards Polynesian, with pineapple and a killer tangerine ginger reduction glaze, but just reading this recipe has me all fired up about a Morrocan Polynesian fusion. And Israeli pearl couscous with fresh mint……Oh boy!
That sounds good. I think the year before that menu I had done pork loin in a fig balsamic and tangerine oil marinade, with apples and onions.
Holy cow, Joe. And I thought the Mormons could put on a good spread for a crowd! Drool.
What is the Moroccan 3 bean stew? I have a vegan friend I’d love to pass it on to!
Here you go. We will also use this for Sunday lunches during Lent and other fasts.
Moroccan Three Bean Stew.
We super-sized this from a Weight Watchers recipe in their “Cooking for Two” book. You will have to down size it for normal family size yourself. Or, use as is for potlucks or firehouse cooking.
Moroccan Three-Bean Stew (vegan)
48 servings
Modified from WW “Cooking for Two”
¼ to ½ Cup Olive Oil
10 large Onions, chopped
30 cloves Garlic, minced
6 lb. frozen, sliced Bell Peppers
12 each 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes (2 #10 cans?)
12 each 15 oz. cans Red Kidney Beans (2 #10 cans?) drained
12 each 8 oz cans Chickpeas (1 #10 can?) drained
1 T salt
5 qt. frozen French Green Beans
1 lb. raisins
1 ½ T ground Coriander
1 ½ T Cinnamon
1 T cayenne
Heat oil in large kettle over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until golden, about 10 minutes. Add the bell peppers and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened. Stir in the beans and salt. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Add the green beans, raisins, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne to the mixture, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and the flavors are melded, about 10 minutes.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Some notes here. The #10 cans work out well. And measurements don’t need to be exact. We use the mixed diced peppers – green red and yellow. You could use pepper strips just as well. If you want meat in it, cube up some pork or better yet lamb or mutton, sear that off, drain some of the fat, then add the rest of the stuff over it. Chicken would also work. Don’t use beef. This is very good the next day or three. It is killer in flour tortillas.
This was one of our staples for a vegan main dish at church during Lent or for feast days when we knew that there would be vegetarians or monks eating with us.
Or, if you don’t want the huge batch, here it is for 4:
MORROCAN THREE-BEAN STEW
(From Weight Watchers “Dining for Two” Cookbook)
Modified to serve 4
2 tsp. oil (canola or corn work fine, or on weekends use olive)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (I tend to use more)
1/2 lb. frozen bell pepper strips
1 – 14 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 – 15 oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 – 8 oz. can chickpeas (garbanzos) rinsed & drained
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups frozen French Green Beans
4 Tbs. Raisins
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cayenne
(Obviously, adjust seasoning to your taste; I tend to add a bit of paprika to the mix too).
Heat the oil in nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, until golden. Add the bell peppers and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the kidney beans, chickpeas, and salt. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
Add the green beans, raisins, coriander, cinnamon & cayenne, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the green beans are tender and the flavors are melded, about 10 min.
Nutritional information:
Per 1 1/2 cup serving: 274 cal, 4 g fat, 0 saturated fat, 0 trans fat, 0 cholesterol,
527 mg sodium, 51 g carbohydrates, 13 g fiber, 13 g protein, 123 mg calcium
Holy cow, Joe. And I thought the Mormons could put on a good spread for a crowd! Drool.
The most we have ever cooked for was about 225, had about a week and a half to plan and execute that. (the original committee was going to do a catered “taco bar” this for our patronal feast day, teh 100th Anniversary of his formal beatification, and the 50th anniversary of our parish priest being ordained – and sory, for that , with several bishops, and lots of visiting clergy, you DO NOT do a taco bar – and especailly if you are going to charge 25 bucks a head for it. We brought ours in for about 6.50/head because one of our members donates the produce for everything. So we were able to drop it to a 10 buck suggested donation.)
The fastest was for about 150 for a meal after a funeral. A priest in San Francisco had died, and the burial was in Sonoma County, where our parish is. So we had the meal there. That was about 3 days to plan and execute.
I don’t see where you add the Morroccans? How many do you add?
Well, since we were making it vegan, we left them out. Just treat them, if you can find them, like the pork or lamb – If you want meat in it, cube up some pork or better yet lamb or mutton, sear that off, drain some of the fat, then add the rest of the stuff over it. Frankly, not worth the trouble. So hard to catch, such a short season, and so little meat on them, easier to just go and buy some pork.
You live in Sonoma? That there is God’s Country. SO BEAUTIFUL.
P.S. I am not overly fond of taco bars for ANY occasion. :)
You men and your cooking ability is killing me with awesome.
If you want to eat well, it pays to learn to cook well. That then leads to bringing stuff to pot lucks. You then get asked to cook meals for this and that, and being blessed with insufficient reluctance, you charge right in. And the sound of 100+ people making only “yummy noises” and coming back for 3rds is a real ego boost.
I had lived just south of Santa Rosa, CA for about 20 years, now I’m in Lake Co. right on Clearlake. And yes, northern CA is gorgeous.
The music was beautiful. I don’t always know the names or composers of classical music, but my favorite has always been Debussy: Clair De Lune.
I also want to say THANK YOU for bringing men in uniform here. Men in uniform are always HOT whether it be military, law enforcement, firefighters, etc. :)
I love Clair De Lune. And the Barber Adagio that everyone keeps throwing out there. Nimrod is just lesser known so I put it out there.
And I have SUCH a thing for uniforms IT IS RIDICULOUS.
I smiled when I saw it was Nimrod. I haven’t heard it in years. (Like, 12 of them.)
I adore it.
I think it’s a fabulous thank you gift. :)
It had been a few years before hearing it again for me as well, but I was doing a wonderful choral arrangement by Lauridsen that IS AMAZING and based on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhfrG_AsbxQ and I missed it. :)
Wow, you’re beautiful.
It’s great to come to a site for the first time and hear how incredible I am for finding your blog. I’ve personally never met anyone in person that reads my blogs. My friends don’t read my blog, which probably is a good thing, because they don’t read much and being so they would probably bombard my blog with statements like “You write this stuff? I didn’t know you were smart?” Really some sort of psychology. I love your blog. We should take over the state of Iowa one day and give it back to Colorado :)
Thank you! I sent you an email. :)
Loralee, I visited briefly when Stephen linked it, but didn’t stay long. Lex would call me an occasional reader, but I’m actually a daily reader, huge fan and we even shared the same airspace a time or two. You’re right about him on all fronts. I think I’m either going to have to give up exercising or eating, as I now have to find time to visit 2 blogs daily. Love all the music links. Thanks.
OH, that is so kind. But seriously, don’t go without eating…it is the stuff awesomeness is made of. :)
Do you fly?
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