Here in urban L.A. gay marriage is almost a non-issue - Strange to see it arouse so much emotions elsewhere in the U.S. Why not encourage gays to have stable, committed relationships? Wouldn’t that be better than some of the alternatives we have seen in the last 30 years? I just wonder why they can’t find some nice classical Greek or Latin word to give it its own name, rather than squeeze it into the term “marriage” - which has eons of history behind it….

Everyone is going to think I am nuts - but I grew up on the cultural OMNIBUS program. And I long for the type of programming I saw on it as a child. So intelligent!

My husband gives me a hard time about hanging onto our landline - but I do prefer to talk that way than on a cell when I am at home! And it’s there in emergencies, too.

Found myself angry watching TV where FLDS cultish women were supporting their children on welfare - i.e. - our $ - Now, I wouldn’t have been allowed to do that as a single European descended female urban Los Angeles, so result Me zero children - them - too many! Alas, if we don’t consider population control, gaiea will manage it through disease and famine. I think population management is more charitable.

My husband & I plan to go up to our boat at Channel Islands Harbor in Ventura, even tho the weather is supposed to be cloudy & cool - There are a lot of veterans up there, especially Navy - so there are always cannons going off & patriotic displays on such national holidays - so we get a bit of both. P.S. www.ancestry.com is offering free access to their U.S. Military records until end of May. It’s a way to look up your Veteran/Heroes gratis! I found my grandfather, who worked in a defense industry - but not my own father, the lieutenant - nor my 2nd cousin who won the purple heart? Fun to look, anyway.

Me? I am lucky to have a loquat tree outside my humble Hollywood window - it attracts the birds now that there is fruit on it & so I hear bird song. Let’s hear it for the ecosystem…

Absolutely ! I agree. Obama can serve as a unifying factor for the country - whereas Clinton for many reasons is not in a position to do so - I am a dyed in the wool & tried by fire feminist - but not backing Hillary had nothing to do with that.

When I was young I vowed never to be the kind of person who always wanted to go to the S. Seas, but never DID! So, actually, at this time of my life, I realize that I have DONE a lot of what I desperately yearned for as a girl - travel - education - art - romance - Living in London, studying in Paris - being a hippy type - founding a Shakespeare Co. and a little theatre. Acting, of course - and meeting fascinating people. We now have a boat in Channel Islands Harbor in Ventura - and it is such a magnificent setting there & out on the Channel, that I realize I don’t care if I stay there forever & learn all of its intricacies. But to go back to Europe would be nice - I saw a list in a young woman’s blog recently & I realized how many of the things she wanted to do, I had already DONE and how very privileged I am to be able to say that - It constitutes a life of fulfillment -

Here is Hollywood it can be considered impolite NOT to google someone if you have a meeting with them (so you have a background on them)- because it indicates that you are too lazy or don’t care!! We must remember that the internet is public, not private space and tailor our communications accordingly. Otherwise use a pseudpnym and/ or an avatar & do what you can to cover your tracks.

It took me years & much therapy & many strategems - but I finally have the power & courage to jiu jitsu my siblings when necessary - that is - direct that energy back where it belongs & not let it affect me! It’s THEIR problem & not mine & with careful handling, we can actually have nice times together sharing what we do enjoy about being siblings - old family stories and old family ties.

Loved the graphic style! Who cares about the celebs? The cartoons are great!

A friend of mine gave me a CD of German pseudo - “Schlager” (hits) & there’s another CD that we got from a guy in Ojai who looks like Willie Nelson & sings standards….

Trouble with poetry in translation - always a version of the original - Almost would learn Chinese to read Wang Wei if it weren’t so daunting!

Think I would be an iron (I still do that). My past life must have been as a washerwoman because I am very good at it!

Yes, our DESKS. My mother had the kitchen table & her sewing/craft room. I just got a deal on a blonde Danish (!) computer desk with a hutch from good old Sal. Army in Pasadena, a floor model ? - for $39!! I LOVE it. Want space for all those book shelves, though - & a music room!