Even though I do not own a TV, and have not watched TV in many years, this show may be worth a look. Martha Stewart comes over as someone very smug and self satisfied..Ms. Perfect. She may not be so annoying to people who know her, however her manner certainly gives this impression.

I am completely captivated by the incredible beauty of certain artworks. The first time I saw one of Monet’s “Water Lilies” paintings I was enchanted, spell-bound and thrilled to my toes. The color is so incredible. Van Gogh’s painting have the same effect as well as Manet. Van Gogh’s “Iris” paintings look as though they could keep growing past the painting edge. The artists have created an entire world on their canvas, that is alive and vibrant with meaning.

I hope that my daughter will remember that I am an independent, self motivating person who has accomplished goals on my own. Don’t wait for someone else to give permission or provide help…just do it yourself.

Lindsey is still the same person, whatever gender of lover she chooses. she should be left alone to live the life that is right for her without judgement. apparently, from her time in rehab, the woman has had her share of problems. she needs to be allowed to get on with her life.

When I was 18, thin and pretty, a professional photographer made a lovely portrait of me, complete with Dippity Do spit curls and circle pin. Recently, I showed the photo to someone and asked ‘who is this”? They did not recognize me. I have one of those faces that has changed redically since I was young and I will do anything to avoid the camera. No cameras were allowed at my wedding 2 years ago! It is a good thing I never tried to get through life on my looks.

Looking back over the years, I am surprised that I did not follow the paths of my disfunctional family. I am surprised that I did not become an alcoholic when I was a single Mother dealing with an acting out teenager. I am continually surprised at my persistence in meeting goals. For example, I am the only person in my family with a college education, plus I have traveled alone to Europe twice. It is a wonderful surprise to find deep commited love after age 50.

My first exposure to so-called ethnic food was duplicating recipes Julia Child made on the French Chef programs. I fell in love with French food, and learned from dear Julia that cooking is not mysterious. I will try just about any ethnic foods, unless it is made with things like bugs or unappetizing body parts. What I really enjoy is the variety of tastes from food combinations not common to American cooking, plus herbs. Recently, a sushi tray included a leaf of Perilla, an herb I had not previously tasted. Does anyone else like Perilla?

I grew up in Florida with lots of water, but never learned to swim. Bodies of water are scary things because you don’t know how deep they are and usually can’t see the bottom! There can be creepy critters swimming around unseen and all manner of slimy or rough things on the bottom. Pools are not so great because there is often a screeching child nearby, thrashing, jumping and totally oblivious to the ears of others. Also, pool water will strip off my lovingly applied hair color in short order. Give me dry land!

The relationship I have with my transexual spouse Diane is the most real, genuine and treasured part of my life. Our early histories have similarities and and we are emotionally, and intellectually compatible. This relationship came after age 50 and is the most satisfying and complete of my life. Next in order I would have to say my creativity. It is such a part of my being, that I cannot imagine life without the little demon pushing me to try something new or rethink old habits.

“Never eat anything bigger than your head” Miss Piggy

Several times in my life I have had wonderful counselors. My Mother apparently had a personality disorder which kept her isolated from her family and meant I had no relatives close by. The counselors served as substitute family support. Fortunately, through all my problems I never turned to sex, alcohol or drugs (or even rock and roll, LOL). Finding the right counselor is important and my most recent was the absolute best. No one should ever hesitate to seek help from a counselor if they feel overwhelmed and troubled. Counselors can literally save lives.

Mary Wells, your post brought tears to my eyes. I am a Mother who has educated herself, accomplished my goals and experienced my dreams with no outside help. My Daughter however wants a Mother with no definable character or intelligence, who strives to be mediocre, and probably has a closet of beige clothes. How wonderful it would be to have a daughter appreciate, or even respect, my creativity, resourcefulness, and intelligence.

Yes, and I love/hate it. I hate the mess in the bathroom, but love the result. Many years ago I began coloring my hair burgandy when the color was first available…. around 1980 something. The first available colors faded quickly or rubbed off, however it felt more like the real me than my normal mouse bottom brown. The color got attention, which was not my goal…I simply liked it. My favorite product from Germany disappeared when the company was bought by a large corporation, but I have always found others. Now my natural hair is mostly grey and takes the color much faster and more intense. Nobody looks twice at the color anymore, and that is OK. When I first began coloring my hair I was often asked by rude, intrusive strangers “why did you do this?” My answer then, as now, is “because I want to”.

What a great question..My biggest contradiction is concerning patience. I am an artist and can stay focused on tedious work for hours. When I sew, I am a perfectionist and will take out a seam if it is not exactly straight. I have the patience to train cats to respond to requests ( you never can command a cat). However I have no patience with whiney people, unruly toddlers and people who talk in the library. Don’t EVEN ask me about arrogant teenagers.

There are times when alone time is great. You can read, think great thoughts, or contemplate your navel. Traveling to outer space, however, is just too much alone time.