I rejected my religion and ethnic background when I was fourteen.  I was brought up in a Jewish household, in a Jewish community, but I never felt I belonged.  I found so much bigotry and hypocricy there, and it revolted me. 

 

I have always had friends of many different backgrounds, and it has enriched my life considerably.  I consider myself "non-sectarian" and I became a Unitarian when I was nineteen — actually I suppose I had been one earlier, but that’s when I found out that there was a name for what I was.  I think religion and ethnicity divides people, and of course, has caused many wars and killing.

Depends — there are some things I can do, and others that are too big for me.  When I was younger (about 25 years ago), I bought a wreck of a house and did a lot of the repair work myself.  Now it’s just too much for me. 

I forgot to mention that this was at Syracuse University in 1956.

The speakers at my college commencement were Sam Rayburn and Joe Martin,  the leaders of the House of Representatives.  They alternated in the position of Speaker — Rayburn was a Democrat and Martin a Republican.  Actually, they were very good friends.

I was very sad at leaving college — I really loved it.  And as the two men passed by, Rep. Martin  turned to me and said, "Don’t cry.  You have a wonderful life ahead of you."  It meant so much to me, and I’ll never forget it, even though I’ve always been a Democrat.  I think politics were much more civilized in those days.

 

Thanks, Lila — I’ll have to try it.  I use Bobbex, which helps sometimes, but this sounds like a good idea.  Anything you can suggest for rabbits and woodchucks?

Unfortunately, the deer, rabbits and other critters love my garden, too, so I’m limited in what I can plant.  I spray with animal repellant, but it doesn’t always help.  So I have lots of marigolds, which they won’t touch. 

 I also grow tomatoes in pots on the patio, and have to cover them with nets and plastic fencing to keep the animals away.  But there’s nothing more delicious than eating fresh-picked tomatoes you’ve grown yourself.  I also make my own spaghetti sauce, and freeze a batch.  I still have a couple of containers from last summer.

I’ve seen the video several times, and it always brings me to tears.  I’ve always felt true beauty comes from within, and this proves it.  She seems like such a lovely woman, and I hope she sells millions of recordings.  I know I’ll buy one. 

 To hear another recording she made about ten years ago for a charity CD,  click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8r9lRJ6yHY

#1 — run as fast as you can!  I was married to a Mama’s boy.  He was charming, funny and adorable, but once we were married those traits disappeared.  Mama’s wishes took priority over everything else.    You note,  I said "was married to."

#2 — it’s always been my dream to be murdered at the age of 90 by the jealous wife of my 40-year-old lover. 

 

When my father died in 2000, I cried.  But it wasn’t because I grieved for him — it was because I couldn’t grieve for him and I felt cheated.  He was a controlling, overbearing tyrant with a sadistic sense of humor, who made my life unbearable.  It wasn’t until I was able to be free of him that I found peace.  I stayed in contact with him only because of my mother.

 I have a sister with whom I’ve been estranged since 1993, except for a couple of years when we were trying to take care of my parents (Mother had Alzheimer’s and died in 2001).  She is also a control freak, and I’m much happier without any contact with her.  They say that blood is thicker than water, but I’ve found much more satisfaction from my relations with friends than I ever did with my family.  I always joke that we raised the term "dysfunctional" to new heights.

 

Chico’s — I get most of my clothes there.  I don’t know who their designer is, but I find their clothing stylish, flattering and affordable.  I especially like the fact that most of their tops have sleeves, which is much better for older women — I won’t allow my arms out in public anymore.  Yet, they’re not dowdy, by any means.  And they have a variety of styles to suit any occasion.

Happy International Women’s Day!  I’ve been here from Day One, although I don’t post that often.  And it has changed — I’m not so sure for the better.

Maybe the fiancee isn’t that crazy about the family, either.  She may find them obnoxious, unpleasant and clannish and feel excluded.  Maybe when they get together, it’s them against her.  Who knows?

I never read the New York Post because I consider it a reactionary rag.  So I’m totally unfamiliar with Ms. Smith’s "work."  This is the first time I’ve read any of it, and probably the last.

Am I the only person who thinks this tripe is trivial garbage?

 

If someone is truly sorry for what they’ve done, then I can forgive them.  But I cannot find the kindness within me to forgive someone who will not apologize or regret their treachery.  There are some hurts I still carry inside from many years ago.  I wish it were not so, but, unfortunately it is.