IF you find any of your old paper dolls, please consider having them custom framed. They are wonderful reminders of a childhood past, days of imagination and pretend, and just make great art pieces. My Mother has more magazines stored at her house than you could ever imagine. As a mother of six, she saved them for the day she had time to sit and read all of the articles. At 81, she’s moved on to television shows and the weather channel. Guess we’ll have an amazing treasure trove to look through one day. I’m of the green days…no dead tree publication mindset.

I do believe that soon there will be scientific proof that gay is a medical issue and not a choice. Just makes me wonder what those that cling to the belief that it’s a chosen lifestyle will say then? Thanks, Mugsy. My Italian husband is sleeping and I had to look for a translation. Baci Baci, Mugsy & Kathleen!

I have a 13 year old special needs niece with many serious health issues. Her parents (my brother & his wife) have no doubt that she is their special child and exactly as God intended her to be, yet they are *the* most judgmental against my gay brother. Just as the niece did not choose her challenges, my brother did not choose to be gay. Both situations were determined before either of them were born. The gay brother is also a mirror twin. What amazing and joyful and wonderful younger brothers the twins were! To type that brings a smile to my face as beautiful memories come flooding in. Mirror image twins are relatively rare. The egg splits quite late, and a split delayed by even hours results in conjoined twins. Mirror image twins can share exact dna, and often have matching fingerprints. The term “mirror” comes from the fact that they are most similar when facing each other, with their features mirrored. My brothers were right and left handed. Extrovert and introvert. Studious and playful. Complete opposites in dealing with money. Astigmatism in right eye and left eye. Cowlicks in hair on opposite sides. Gay and straight. Just as my green eyes were not a choice, my brother didn’t “choose” to be gay. I’ve watched him fear losing his teaching job because of being gay and that broke my heart. NOTHING hurt so much as him being denied entrance into our brother’s home because he made a lifestyle “choice” that offended the Biblical beliefs of the father of the very handicapped daughter. Both are my brothers, but the gay brother is the one that most exemplifies the things we were taught as children about God. It’s really so simple. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The rest of it is a compilation of tales that boils down to that one simple message. I love my twin brothers with all of my being. Unfortunately, I had to visit the cemetery this year for the first time to greet the straight brother. Billy Joel sang “only the good die young”. I submit that both twins were good and gentle and loving and products of a good home. It’s the extremely religious, Bible toting brother I question. Peace out, Scott. We miss you. ps Billy Joel also sang “I’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints, the sinners are much more fun.”

Awesome, Carol! I agree that it’s easy to see those in other countries that need help, while being blinded to the needy next door.

Belinda, one of my most treasured possessions is a video tape much like you describe. One year for my birthday, I requested that my family simply talk to me on video. Since then, Grandma, PaPa, Daddy and my brother have all passed away, but I still can see and hear them tell how much they love me. Simply the best gift ever.

Whoopi, those are exquisite! At age 58, I got my first tattoo two weeks ago on a rare girlfriend weekend at the beach. We’ve talked about it for years, and finally just did it, and took some great photos to commemorate the day. I now have a beautiful small peace dove, complete with green olive branch, on my right hip. My daughter was right…it’s only the first, and I did feel ten feet tall. I plan to get two more small peace symbols near it. It was a bit painful, but you can bet I never flinched, or Ramona (who came after me) would have bolted.

I was heartsick when Daniel Craig was introduced as the new James Bond. *THAT* was to replace my beloved Pierce Brosnan? I went to see the first film starring DC, absolutely sure I would hate it. Nope. He has some magical sexy quality that cannot be described. I haven’t seen Quantum of Solace yet, but will very soon.

I’m happy this is working well for you. My thought has always been, if you can’t remember the same music from college, then the age difference is too great. My life is pretty much centered around music and art, though.

Maizie, maybe a line from The Big Chill can answer your question as to why John McCain chose her as his VP running mate. “I was just trying to keep the conversation lively”. Damn, I do love that film. So many great lines that speak to everyday life. The one that I don’t want to hear, however, is this one. “We’ve taken a vote. We’re not leaving…we’re never leaving.”

Margo, don’t be surprised if some here refuse to believe the article you have linked to. After all, if a newspaper retraction from the New York Post isn’t credible, why in the world would this article be? ; ) Margo, you rock.

Eleanor, you might should read this retraction from the New York Post before continuing the story about the “feast”. http://www.nypost.com/seven/10212008/gossip/pagesix/room_disservice_1344…

Cindy McCain doesn’t pierce her expensive clothing when she puts on the rhinestone or diamond USMC, NAVY and McCain 2008 pins she is always seen wearing. I’m quite sure they are affixed by using magnets or some other such clever method. As for Barack Obama’s trip to Hawaii to visit his dying grandmother, I find that to be an expression of a true “family value”. How sad that some feel the need to make nasty comments about what is most likely his last visit with the woman who raised him and loves him with her last breath. I respect him for going, and would also respect John McCain for going to the bedside of a dying parent or parent figure, despite the fact that I disagree with him politically.

One who ends posts with “peace and grace” is surely not a stalker. How fortunate we are to have Bass Hall & we’ve been going to Jubilee Theater since it was on the far east side of town in that tiny space. I adored Rudy Eastman and his genius. Yes, I do own a shop here. Too bad we don’t have private message capability. We’ll figure it out.

It’s time to let the American flag lapel pin thing go! I am more concerned with what a candidate says than if they are wearing a $3.95 piece of metal made to look like the American flag. That little accessory that means so much to you, Marjorie, was more than likely imported from China. Talk about a dollar waiting on a dime…

Beth, I can’t imagine being in a politically mixed marriage either! For me, that’s one of the things you learn early on in a relationship. Bless the Basses! Oh…you and I are neighbors.