Bumper Sticker

I saw a bumper sticker this morning that read:

"Guns don't kill. Husbands coming home early do."

lol.. I guess wives coming home early only maim.

Beautiful Day

Can't believe how lovely today is! Mild and sunny in the upper 50's. People are out in shorts. I should be doing some yard work but I have an unusally high volume of printing due out Monday.

Life around me is fine. Haven't felt like writing much lately. It's been a chore to send email. Almost as if my words were taken from me during the night and I struggle to find them during the day.

Maybe I should invest in a dictionary..that way when I run out of words, I'll have some at my fingertips.

The empty sea
yesterday's laughter
drowns in foam
a red surf at sunset

I watch the waves
recede into
a dark horizon
eternity's fine line

Songs fall
from the lungs
of white gulls
thrashing in the wind

I sing the surf
rolling into rocks
salty balladeer
indomitable siren

The empty sea
tomorrow's tears
form in the lining
of pink clouds at dawn

~ ~ ~
A poem that appeared after a conversation with Pablo Neruda about the sea...and yea, it was one-sided.

Clouds

I watched clouds tango
across the palest of skies;
a dance that made winter
an illusion of today.

In the warmth of the moment,
I caught a glimpse of heaven...
the image of lovers dancing
across the the pale sky.

Clouds, they reminded me
of the first taste of love
that seems so long ago,
before the rains came.

~ ~ ~ ~
After a rainy cold day...the sun appears along with the prettiest clouds I've ever seen.

New Rule at My House

I read "Who Stole the Cookies?" ten times last night to Ben. Can't get it out of my head! Even dreamt about it last night.

House Rule # 301 --Stories will be read no more than 2 times in a row. Unless there will be a test later. And on rare occasions when Aunt Sherrie really likes the story.

Happy Presidents' Day

"The president of today is just the postage stamp of tomorrow."

~~Gracie Allen, stupendous straight woman.

Feeling Better and Confirming Stereotypes

I think I'm over the worse of my illness now. Still congested but I'm more functionable than yesterday. My plans are to take it easy this weekend. Rest, drink tea and probably catnap.

I think I confirmed a stereotype about women and clothes today. Yearly, I have the house tested for termites. The guys came by this morning to check the house.When they first arrived, I was in my robe, so I quickly tossed on some jeans and a sweatshirt and answered the door bell. They said they would be back with the paperwork once they were done. I noticed their discreet once-over.

Since it was getting late, I changed into a thin sweater to wear to work---it felt cool out but not cold. Then they knocked on the backdoor to ask me a question. I stepped outside and man, the wind almost knocked me over. I noticed their once-over again. I knew I would be cold in the thin sweater, so I changed into a thicker sweater with a turtleneck under it.

When they were done, they rang the door bell again. I stepped out. Before they said anything, they looked at me and then at each other. lol... I waited until they were out of the driveway and down the road before I took off the choking turtleneck.

I think I should get credit for keeping on the same jeans and shoes.

The Sher News at 11:50 am

I'm alive... but not improving. So I haven't been online much this week. Hope to be back and in top form soon.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sinus Infection

I woke up with one yesterday. Came out of the blue. My face hurt so badly that I couldn't wear my glasses. I ended up at the Urgent care and spent close to $300 on the visit and meds.

I hope I nipped it before it becomes a respiratory infection like I had last month. The doc at the Urgent care center told me that due to the dampness and warm weather we keep having mold spores are over abundant in the air. That there are a lot of respiratory and sinus infections going around.

So I spent my evening on the couch, blowing my nose, sipping juice and watching TV. Today wearing my glasses is bearable. The pressure in my head isn't as intense. I have a feeling it will be an early day for me though.

Oh yea... Happy Valentine's Day.

Snowman

Build me a snowman
with a carrot nose
and a large felt hat.

I'll poke holes
in his empty head and
force a smile on his face.

When he's nice and round,
I'll call him my lover.
As passion flames,

I'll lose him in
the heat of the moment
and not in the cold of night.

~ ~ ~ ~
Tongue-in-cheek poem from the afore mentioned journal.
I laughed after I wrote it, because as I wrote I was unaware of the double meanings. The meanings didn't strike me until I finished the sketch that went with it...and read the poem.
How my muse loves to play her tricks.

Sassy

I wore my sassy dress
to dinner
to prove
that I was
a spitfire southern belle.

Low cut to here
...and there...

It spoke volumes
and no one
could turn it down
even if they
wanted to.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~
This poem came out of a journal I've been working on since summer. It's a sketch book that I turned into a private poetry book along with doodle art. The picture that accompanies this poem is a low cut dress on a dress form, sassy and full of bounce. I colored it red--because to me...sassy red speaks volumes.

Saturday Night

Well, like a dummy I've wrenched my knee and am at home for the evening.
I'ts one of those 'don't ask-don't tell' situations that no one would believe,
so...don't ask.

I've got some poems I may post later.
First I think I need a cup of French Vanilla coffee.

Ah... Paris... and Jean-Claude...

frenching kissing

and a few latin terms tossed in for kicks.

What goes around..comes around

Back in the early 90's.... "Sweating to the Oldies" by Richard Simmons was popular. My aunt Shirley (my dad's sister) bought a video. One day in the early 90's, I went over there to visit and ask her opinion on an oil painting I had done for an exhibit. She's an artist--I get my talent from her. In fact she gave me my first sketch kit when I was 6 and my first set of oils when I was 10. I walked into her den and she was sitting on the couch with a huge bowl of popcorn and sipping a Pepsi. She told me to "have a seat." I did. For a few mins I watched the video.

"Aunt Shirley, isn't this an exercise video?"

"Yes, its Richard Simmons. I love it. Watch the girl in the black. She looks like she's having fun. Want some popcorn?" She offered me the bowl.

"Hmm, no thanks. Aren't you suppose to exercise with it?"

"Yes, but I like to watch it better."

I left not long after and when I got in the car I sat at the wheel for a minute, laughing at the image of her sitting on the couch with her legs propped on the coffee table, munching on popcorn while Richard S sweated to the oldies.

Last night, I kept the nephews for a while. They were playing in the kitchen. I microwaved some popcorn, put my feet up on the couch and turned on the VCR. A few minutes later, the nephews came into the den to see what was on and to raid the popcorn bag. Mom came in at about that time.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

William answered, "Watching girls dance, Nana."

Ben said, "me too." His words were muffled due to a mouth full of popcorn.

Mom looked at me, strangely. "Sherrie, is that an exercise tape?"

"Yes, its Hip-hop. Mary gave it to me. She doesn't like it. Sit down. Have some popcorn."

"But aren't you suppose to exercise to it?"

"Yes, but right now we like to watch these chicks get down. Don't we boys?"

See.... what goes around, comes around.

Cleaning house

Spent about 30 mins while I had coffe and cleaned out my email files. I tend to stuff email in various files with the purpose of getting back to them later and rarely do.

In one file I found some old email and IM exchanges between my dear deceased friend Dan. The one I wrote about a month or so ago... the one who died young of colon cancer... the one I dedicated my book to. I read over them and felt embraced by his presence. In this life, we tend to meet people and make them friends for a while. Then, something happens and they are out of your life. How ever-changing our minutes are, as we live day to day!

I read Dan's warm words. Our funny banter. Our nicknames for each other. His teasing me and my teasing him. I read our sorrow at life's curve balls and how they stung when we were hit by a stray one. I smiled at his encouragement of my writing and how he thought I was one of the most talented and brightest women he had ever met. I agreed again with my advice to him regarding what women want and that I believed he would one day conquer the devastation of his divorce.

Time eases pain. As I read, I didn't cry or feel as if couldn't breathe because I couldn't talk to him in the flesh. I smiled at the memories and the gift of a friendship that was accepting and so encouraging in this age of thoughtlessness and cruelty.

When I hold my book in my hand, I think of how I would never have begun writing prose, if he hadn't of encouraged me. Writing prose led me to writing poetry... Dan's subtle touch started the process that has taken me to such satisfying and rewarding heights that at times I can't see the universe from above.

I miss Dan daily. Nothing can change that. But I have the wind in my hair, the sun on my face, the pink of azaleas and the aura of peaceful sleep to remind me in many ways that Dan will always be a part of my life with his subtle touch.

Rubies, Diamonds and Pearls

I dropped off a signed poetry book to the store next-door yesterday. I gave it to Wes. Told him to take it home and read it before his dad put it in his showcase. He got a call. As I waited for him to finish, I noticed their new employee was staring at me. He's been with them a few months now and I swear that kid is hard to crack. Nothing I say warms him up.

So I pulled out the big ammo...

"If I rent a Tuxedo does a guy come with it?"

Bulls eye!

He broke. Couldn't answer my question because he was laughing so hard. I said, "Best find out. It's important to know these things."

Wes finished his call and began leafing through my book. "Hey I can write some of your verses on my Hallmark Valentine's cards."

"Sure, they're guarenteed to seduce. Especially page 66."

He flipped to it, read it and then with a surprised look on his face asked the smart question of the day: "Did you write this?"

"Whose name is on the book, Wes?"

That was yesterday. Today Wes dropped in for a minute to ask Dad something. I teased him, "Hey Wes, where's my Valentine?"

"Valentine? You're early, woman. It's not til Monday."

He talked to Dad for a few minutes. I kept on working. When they finished, it was Wes's turn to ask me a question. "How many men are sending you dozens of roses Monday?"

"No roses. I'm getting Rubies, Diamonds and Pearls. See, when you're a published lady poet men deem you a Goddess. I expect nothing less than jewels for Valentine's Day."

All he could say before he left was, "Oh Hell."

After he left Dad said, "That's the first time I've seen Wes speechless."

First box of "Sip of Sherrie" books

arrived on the wings of a UPS guy... in shorts. I signed for them as..."Suffering Poet."

Now.. where's my pen... time for a signing. lol

Windy

We've got March-like wind today. Keeps opening the door and slamming it.
I keep thinking its a client.

We had 70 degree weather for 3 days and today is in the upper 50's and windy.
My sinuses are rebelling. I keep telling them there is no need. I concede... the pain should retreat.

But nooooooooo...they have to give me grief and pain.

Ah tis the life of a poet... suffering, heartache and being misunderstood.

So much for dramatics.

Another Sher-Mix

I made another music CD of some of my favorite songs. Thought I would bore you with it. lol

1) Mustang Sally
By Wilson Picket
yea my first car was a 1976 Ford T-bird. White and soooo sweet. But I still love this song the best. I request it every April when the Coastline Band plays at our Lunchtime on the Plaza.

2) The Best was Yet to Come
by Bryan Adams
I like his first two albums. This song is one of my favs. I think it's a good "I love you" song.

3) With or Without You.
By U2
Yes, they have other songs that are better. But I love this one the best, even if its not one of their best-- because of the video. I like the part where Bono puts his hands up over his head as if they are tied together, because I can just imagine tying him up and doing whatever I want with him. lol

4) By The Way
By the Red Hot Chili Peckers... hmm Peppers
Any band that has the balls to wear a sock on their cock and perform music live... well they deserve a spot on the Sher-Mix

5) Don't Cum Around Here No More
By Tom Petty
Reminds me of a guy I dated who worked at the Elbo room. His 2nd to favorite song...his first being the theme song of the movie..."The Good, The Bad & The Ugly."

6) Stay (I Missed You)
By Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories
She wears glasses too!

7) You Outta Know
By Alanis Morissette
Got to include an Angry Chick song. This one rules because she's a dirty girl...much like me.I like the part where she says "When I rake my nails down someone else's back...can you feel it?" OH yea... now that's one fucking connection.

8) Ants Marching
By Dave Matthews Band
This tune is so catchy. I love it. Used to play it several times a night when I hit Peckers sports bar.
9) Dancing in the Dark
By Bruce Springsteen
I think I drove Jeff Diamond crazy with this one. I would request it at Rafters and he would say something like... "That's not one of his best songs..." and he would play the next song instead...

10) Pink Cadillac
By Bruce Springsteen
DJ JD won... this song is now my fav Bruce song.

11) My Prerogative
By Bobby Brown
This song jams. Charles and I rocked to it on the way to his beach house every weekend in whatever year it was a hit. lol...my mind is fuzzy on that.

12) Jump, Jive and Wail
By Brian Seltzer Orchestra
I like ole Brian... his swing song wails, baby.

13) Plush
By Stone Temple Pilots
A great song to sketch too.

14) Hey Jude
By the Beatles
A good song to end the second Sher-Mix CD.

Tooth Fairy

Well, William's first tooth came out Monday at school. According to the note from his teacher, he was a big boy when he lost it at lunch. When I came in from work that night, mom was there with him, Ben and my brother. They were all eating supper.

William told me he had important news. Then gave a long ramble about losing his tooth and how the tooth fairy was going to come visit him and get it that night. Mom told me to ask him how much she was going to leave him. I did.. his answer...

$20.

I had to laugh. Christopher, my 5 yr-old boyfriend lost his first tooth in Dec and according to him he got a whomping $2.25.

So I informed William that the going rate for tooth fairy visits was $2.25.

Anyway... Mom said she had the tooth fairy covered. I assumed he was going to get a few dollars. When I saw Mom the next afternoon, I asked her how much dough William got.

$20.

I stared in amazement. Her reply to my dropped jaw was ..."Well, he asked for it."

Since when did the tooth fairy become negotiable? I mean heck I didn't know a child could name his price. I would have...instead of the 50 cents I got for each of mine...think of the money I could have had... and the sea monkeys I could have own!! My own kingdom.

So people... follow William's example... name your price... you just may get it.

Before its over...

..........................................I just want to say....

Happy Mardi Gras!

Got some beads?
Throw me some... I'll flash my breasts.

( @ )( @ )

Is that a pearl necklace? ;)

Let's have a parade................ let's paaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrttttttttttttttyyyyyyyyy

...wanna ya mean you're too tired from celebrating the super bowl...

Good News again

PA has accepted the manuscript for my second poetry book... "Saturn and Satin." Contracts are on the way... It should be out by Christmas. I'm happy.

Groundhog Day

It's official... Phil saw his dick.


According to DJ Jeff Diamond:

"he came out of the hole saw Donald Trump and he said...'you're fired'...6 more weeks of unemployment.'

Winter's Cold

Winter's cold freezes me.

I cannot grasp a hint of warmth

within passing clouds.

 

Along the Lumber River,

on fallen tree limbs, I spy

spiky ice bracelets.

 

Yet the gray of the sky

doesn't reflect on the black

surface of the river.

 

I am the blue heron,

wading through frigid water

searching for food.

 

In the dark bowels of the river,

I wonder if I'll find the secrets

of winter's cold.

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I saw a blue heron at the edge of the Lumber River as I drove over the bridge into town this morning. Ice clings to the bark of the trees submerged in the water. The heron didn't seem to mind the cold and for a moment, I was envious.

Happy GroundHog Eve

Well, I guess tomorrow we'll know if Phil see's his dick or not... as to what the forecaste will be.
But don't put much stock in it... he's been right 39% of the time.