It took me a long time to learn that trying to please a man to earn his respect and affection never works. The guy enjoys the goodies, until you get tired and/or angy, and then takes off. It can evolve into a trap of doing more and more to please, and getting little in return. Been there, done that….when I was at my supposed most desirable, young, thin, and more pliable. Everyone who says love and respect yourself first is absolutely right. If I please anyone now, it is because I want to and do not look for anything in return other than “thank you”. This usually means something like a chocolate raspberry cheesecake for a birthday, or picking up laundry when I am going nearby.

Fashion is so wonderful. You can change your clothes and change your mood. There is nothing like bright colors, wonderful fabric and a great fit to make you feel like a million dollars. HOWEVER , those of us with extra pounds know how hard it is to find great clothes. It makes no sense that with so many people being overweight, that designs are aimed at the skeletal size zeros. Most clothes in large sizes are awful, cheap made and have ugly colors….get real and give us something lovelyto wear.

Hey Kermie b…I thought about art therapy also. My degree is in art and my best work is highly personalized. It is my own personal therapy. What a wonderful job to help others express themselves visually when words literally fail. Visual art can be a language in itself. Right now I am working on a sculpture that goes right to the heart of a troubling family matter.

I do not use anti-bacterial soap because they make me itch and sometimes cause a rash. In a public restroom I do use towels on the handles and door knobs. The only time I use antibacterial wipes is on the handles of the grocery store carts, because I once came down with a bad virus shortly after grocery shopping. I think a lot of the use of antibacterial products is pushed by the manufacturers and plain generic hand washing works fine, in most situations.

What a gal!! Do a couple of spins for me. I have always enjoyed her as an actress, especially in “Young Frankenstein”.

Yes, I clearly remember! We do not own a TV (intentionally) and we were at a Whold Foods the morning after the car crash. My partner picked up a newspaper, with the story, and brought it to me. I was stunned and said “Oh no, after all she has been through”. I thought she would come out of her rotten marriage OK and go on with her life. I felt a great deal of sympathy for Diana and that she could have had a happy life married to someone else. The morning of the funeral I did not set my alarm to listen to a radio broadcast, but woke up spontaneously to hear the entire broadcast. I had very mixed feelings about Charles walking the funeral procession. He needed to be there in support of his sons, however he had been the cause of so much of her pain. When I saw photos of his lowered head I truly hoped it was in shame for his behavior.

Never been a hypocondriac. I am more the opposite, believing that many things go away on their own. I do check online for symptoms and verify what my doctor says. Acturally, most of my wierd problems have been side-effects from meds.

Physically, I am a lot like my Mother. We have the same medical conditions and weight problem. while my Mother made no attempts to make herself more attractive, I do stil color my hair and have a drawer full of cosmetics. My Mother was a very unhappy person, so she may have had more interest if she had some of todays medications. I did give up manicures when I began gardening and went back to ceramic sculpturing.

“the House of Mirth” is a beautifully written Edith Wharton novel. A young reader can get a clear view of the desperation and despair of women in a pre-feminist time. Lily is a fictional character, however her social situation is very real and still exists in other countries. The book takes more than one reading as it it easy to be enchanted by Ms. Wharton’s lovely prose. After perhaps 10 readings the ending still saddens me and I try to re-write her life.

After 20 years I feel better about my inner self, however not my outer body. Medications, thyroid, and lack of exercise has caused me to weigh a lot more and I have rosecea. I never thought I would get this fat!!! The only plus side of the fat is that I am not wrinkled and look 10-15 years younger…whatever that is worth.

At that time, I had a 3 year old daughter, had just started University of South Florida and was unhappily married. I heard of people in the Art department going to Woodstock and had to ask what it was. After a few months I had left my marriage and begun an entirely new life…never looked back.

It would be great reading to learn more about Julia’s spy role. I faithfully watched her “French Chef” programs and learned that cooking is fun and creative, rather than life threatening, such as done by my family. I deeply admire Julia Child for her intelligence, personal integrity and dignity. Beside my kitchen sink I have hung an icon, I created, of her image holding a cake.

Forgiveness and understanding are linked in my mind. If something bad happens I try very hard to understand other’s motivations. Sometimes understanding is not possible and forgiveness comes slower. It helped me tremendously when a counselor told me she strongly suspected two of my family members have personality disorders. After much reading online I agree with the counselor and can now have a different relationship with the two. Forgiveness without understanding, or insight, is very difficult for me and feels more like stuffing away the hurt.

This is wonderful to watch. How did this man know to sing to his puppies? Does this trick work with teenagers?

My refrigerator and freezer are jammed.. We could probably last a week without needing to replace anything. There are loaves of sprouted grain bread, yoghurts, cheese, vegetables, condiments such as salsa, and a little meat. Also, to conteract all this healthy food is half a home made chocolate cheesecake with raspberries, frozen croissants, and several pints of ice cream. True to my personality …variety and contradiction. Afterall, I am a Gemini, the twins.