Side note:  After a long walk and reflecting on this a bit, I considered the many times that I’ve fantasized of sword play at another’s expense.  Ususually for some small infraction like a not paying attention to me or doing something that I considered foolish.  I have killed people with my tongue as well; I’ve been known to go for the jugular in an argument. 

Anyway, maybe this question is not so strange after all.  It has evoked some amazingly deep responses whether you understand the nature of the question or not.  Still, watch it founders—apparently many Wow family members didn’t appreciate this one.

Strange question. I wouldn’t ask this one because it requires someone to lower themselves to answer.  Personally I don’t have a toxic problem with anyone because I don’t allow objectionable people in my life.  And those who are negative influencers outside of my immediate are unknown to me.  I believe that God protects me from those that would seek my destruction.  If something bad does happen anyway I believe in His Justice.  God says, "Vengeance is Mine" so I stay out of the way. 

The main reason that I don’t watch scary movies is because they will taint my dreams.  I know I’m vulnerable.  That dream I had about Alex O’Loughlin was a direct result of my noticing that he was in a new hospital drama.  So I would never watch something disturbing late at night.  I’m not superstitious; I’m always somehow aware when a particular dream is significant.  I believe most dreams are not, they are simply residue from the day. 

Dreams are pretty important to me.  I’ve had a prophetic dream that foretold me of my current husband. I’ve been given words that I didn’t previously know in a dream.  The most recent word was the word "grouser" meaning to complain or grumble—I considered that dream a warning. 

Funny you ask this question today. Last night I had a rare dream within a dream reference. My first dream scene involved a full body hug with T. V. star Alex O’Loughlin. (I don’t know why I dreamt of him, but the hug was very nice) In a later dream scene I’m sitting at a picnic table (on a beautiful day) with my daughter and a friend telling them that I had a dream about hugging O’Loughlin. 

This was a great interview Julia.  I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Frank Bruni’s life and work.  The Masa sounds like my kind of sushi bar!  And I would love to be indoctrinated into the large style Italian family feast with 20 at the table, food and wine flowing.  I never had a weight problem but I’m not underweight either.  Like Frank, I try to stay active.  Walking has really helped me maintain a normal weight; I love swimming too but it’s been a while.  Continued success Frank.

Veronica I was moved by your post.  My heart goes out to your friend and I pray for her healing.  I’m not a holy-roller, but I am deeply spiritual—I am a Christian.  When I suffered a physical or emotional loss in my life, my belief system was challenged.  It’s those times when it’s hard or impossible to believe.  I have experienced those moments when I questioned the sovereignty of God.  But I have found that we were created to love Him.  It’s a relationship that we can choose to continue during the hard times. 

When I continued to lean on my faith (and not on a person), I gained comfort and wisdom.  I recognize that everyone does not have this experience of connecting with the Divine.  But understand that God loves those who believe in Him and those who don’t believe in Him.  If more of us believers would extend His love to those in need, many of the world’s problems would not exist.  I agree with you that simple compassion would have been a blessing of comfort and strength to your grieving friend.

Loving God is an act of will.

A favorite lyric to a Me’Shell Ndgeocello song is,  "You say that God is a product of my imagination.  You’d prefer I believe in leaders and democracy.  But to know me is to know that I love with my imagination."

Rosie said it well at the beginning of this thread.  I personally won’t impose my beliefs on others, but I’m happy to share that I’ve seen the power of God in people’s lives.  And although I don’t know how people are sustained through the trials of life without some spiritual belief system; I would never degrade someone because they don’t believe in God.

"I’m a Yankee Doggie Dandy!"

Have a Ringee-Dingee Birthday Lily and many more to come!!

Luv, Lena

I used to trip at the 25 cent stalls of the past.  And they weren’t even clean!  I love the thought of a place like Claridges in London with the attendant and clean accommodations.  I would grin the whole time I was in there.

But I would still use a paper commode liner…

Hello Anne!  I’m an Atlanta native and have been to the Fabulous Fox many times.  A great old theatre—it has a presence.  And yes the restroom is like the rest of the building, a luxurious step back into the Roaring Twenties. 

But it’s seen many, many people—I’m not a germaphobe, just careful with my health.

Best Public Bathroom (restroom) is an oxymoron.  Note the word "public", germs and viruses abound. That means don’t place your purse on the floor. Use a liner on the commode.  Flush with your foot if you can. Thoroughly wash your hands.  Turn off the faucets with your elbow or the paper towel you use to dry your hands.  Then upon exiting, use that same paper towel to open the door. 

The restroom can look like Shangri la, but if it’s public, handle yourself accordingly. You’ll be amazed how many people don’t wash their hands! Yuck!

Welcome Patricia—YOUR story is the real story of inspiration to overcome grueling daily physical challenges.  Not to minimize anyone who has gone on great adventures, (by choice) persevering through pain and physical or medical limitations mark a true heroine.  Thank you for sharing your story.

21 hours of labor.  Started out planning to go natural—ha!  I was in so much pain, I was hallucinating.  Anyway, my middle child was delivered healthy at 8lbs. 8 oz.  She was my first and only natural birth.