Poison Ivy

Dear Mom,

I wasn’t able to make it to DeeJay Jay’s fundraiser for Joplin nor to the family reunion as I have a severe case of poison ivy or poison something. (Sorry Jason, hope you had a good turnout.)

I know I’m allergic to something in the garden and I normally wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt and gloves. I'd come in and immediately shower and for the most part contain any little spot.

Lately I’ve been having to wear my wrist support to keep from twisting my wrist the wrong way since that seems to go out more than I care. So this last time I went out to work in the garden, I remembered the wrist support but completely spaced out on the long pants and sleeves. That should teach me.

My initial remedy failed and this stuff spread like a wild fire in a dried up forest. Have you ever tried to keep yourself from scratching something that fiercely itches?

After five days of no signs of it letting up or feeling even slightly relieved, I made an appointment with a dermatologist—a sweet lady doctor that I’ve been to before for various moles and growths. It just so happened that someone cancelled that morning I called. Lucky me.

The doctor prescribed some meds and an expensive cream that I almost didn’t purchase because $65 seemed a bit steep for something I wasn’t sure was going to work—and that was after insurance paid its part. The pharmacist said they might have a smaller tube and maybe it’ll be less—would she like me to check?

“Please.”

“Yes, we have a smaller tube that’ll cost you $20.”

“Okay, I’ll do that.”

Even when I’m in the utmost irritable situation, I still hesitate when it comes to spending money (unless I’ve lost my mind completely and buy stuffed bunnies). With the way I felt, I wondered why I didn’t say, “Can I have two tubes?”

I’m using the small tube sparingly and it does work. After using Ivy Dry, Lemon Juice, Cutex Nail Polish Remover, Preparation H, Hydrogen Peroxide, Gold Bond, Cortisone Cream, Oatmeal paste, Echinacea and Calamine Lotion, I don’t understand why I hesitated because all that stuff probably added up to more than $65, although I had most of it already in the cabinet.

Guess the rest of the weeds will remain in the garden because I’m not likely to go through this again.

Here's a shot of one arm.

And then the arm with my - what I thought was going to be my cure - with the oatmeal paste. I think if anyone was just getting into theatrics, this would be a good way to make fake puke or if you let it dry (without the actual oatmeal flakes) makes it look like... well, something.

I did learn something from the doctor—although maybe you know this already. I thought I could spread this poison ivy—for instance, if I had some on one arm and touched my other arm, then boom, there it is. I was told that wherever that residue had touched my skin, it will appear at some point, sooner or later. It can’t be transferred once it’s been washed off with plain soap and water. That’s my understanding anyway. Made me feel better, and saved me from doing extra wash as I was changing the bedding every morning thinking I contaminated the sheets.

Chances are I could be allergic to something else. The doctor said she’s allergic to geranium leaves. When I told my husband this, who has felt I was allergic to something else besides poison ivy, I’m sure he wanted to say, “See I told ya!” But instead he suggested after this clears up, I should go out in the garden and pull a leaf from a plant, rub it on myself and wait to see if anything develops. And keep doing that until I find out what I might be allergic to. Do you know what I say to that brainy idea?

Joplin Adoptathon

My blogger friend over at Critter Alley just posted information about a Joplin Adoptathon. Check it out, especially if you are an animal lover. Look at that sweet little pup on the blog...

If you can't make the Joplin Adoptathon this weekend, don't forget the other event on Saturday I posted earlier to raise funds for the Joplin tornado recovery. Get the details here.

Take a Look at these Postcards

Dear Mom,

I'm having a hard time keeping up with stuff. It sure seems crazy.

I joined Postcrossing via my blogger friend Grace at Liberal Sprinkles where I first discovered such a thing. I've only sent out 8 postcards and you'd think that wouldn't be so challenging, but it is for some reason. I'm allowed to send 5 more, but I'm trying to catch up posting my cards on my blog. You can read about the first postcards I blogged about if you missed it.

So here they are... my friend Grace from Singapore and my friend Maya from Indonesia have sent additional postcards, not through Postcrossing, but just for fun. I'm grouping them by the country, not in the order I've received them.

We'll start off with Singapore. I'm getting the information from the back of the postcard.

This is a postcard from the Singapore Art Museum (an illustration of Walter at SAM by Dawn Ng).

The following postcards are from a series: ART POWER - to benefit the Substation. This one is by Siak Fahn-ein (Feeding the Ever Starving Anticipation, 1994, watercolour on paper).

This one is by Susie Wong (Bali Store, 1992, oil on canvas).

This one is by Tiong Tian Tong (Ann Siang Hill, 1996, watercolour on paper).

This one is by Ming Wong (The Green Singer, 1995, monotype).

And the last one from Singapore is homemade and is my favorite since it's made by Grace. The photo doesn't do it justice.

Here are the cool stamps that were on the various envelopes.

And here are postcards from Indonesia. Maya blogs about her postcards, so you can check it out at Postcards, Stamps, Covers, FDCs and Anything Related to Postal Stationery.

After each postcard, the stamps will follow. This is of the Borobudur Temple situated in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia.

This is of Mt. Bromo in East Java, Indonesia.

And the following are from other Postcrossing members:

From Canterbury in the United Kingdom.

From Taipei in Taiwan.

From Saxon, capital Dresden, East of Germany. (I hope I have that right.)

This one is from Europe - Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

This one is from the Netherlands also, but I’m not sure of the exact location. If they don’t put it on the postcard, I’m totally clueless. Never was any good at geography. The map on the Postcrossing site gives you an idea, but not exactly.

And the final one from Russia (St. Petersberg), showing Hermitage (a museum).

Now I guess I better get some more Postcrossing addresses and send out some more postcards. Thanks everyone for taking the time to send the postcards and a special thanks to Grace and Maya for all the extras!

Another Joplin Fundraiser

Dear Mom,

Your grandson (my nephew) Jason is a DJ. He goes by the name Deejay Jay, but I'll always call him Jason.

Jason, aka Deejay Jay organized this event—a fundraiser for the people of Joplin. Hosted by the living legend Bobby Plager (Bobby’s Place). For any of my non-sports fans, Bobby is a famous hockey player. All proceeds will go to Joplin tornado recovery.

I received the information from your other daughter, Suzanne (Jason’s mom).

Here’s the scoop:

Where:
Bobby’s Place
108 Meramec Valley Plaza
(near I-44 and Highway 141)
Valley Park, MO 63088
636-225-2627
http://www.riverfronttimes.com/locations/bobbys-place-653777/

When:
Saturday, June 25
11:00 AM

What:
Food, Music, Car Wash, Tank Dunk

Everyone working the fundraiser is a volunteer!

Come join the fun and help out Joplin!

I'm just amazed at all the people who are stepping up to the plate in order to help out others in times of need. Every time I turn around, I hear about an event or how an individual has done something special. It truly warms my heart.

********

Oh, and I sent off my submission for the Storm Country Anthology. Click on the link and read more details about submitting your story—you have until July 15th!

Also, let's not forget about our friends in Japan. See fellow blogger Liberal Sprinkles for details about ordering the book, Quakebook 2:46: Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake.

Book Blurb Friday #14, #15 and #16

As some of you followers know, I had opted out for a while on doing the Book Blurb Friday's, however, I kept track of each week's even though I didn't participate. Today I wrote various things and one of which... previous BBFs. So if you want to skip over the old ones and read the latest, scroll on down.

It’s Book Blurb Friday #14. Hosted by the Lisa of Writing in the Buff. Head to Lisa Ricard Claro’s blog for BBF directions. Write a book blurb jacket in 150 words based on the photo provided that was provided that week by Kay Davies.

86 words.

Check Out Hotel

The hotel was noted for guests checking out early—hence it’s name Check Out Hotel. But why? No one would ever say after they checked out. Their lips were sealed. Like most folks who are inquisitive, they’d hear the rumors and decide for themselves. But every time, every person, checked out early. Or checked out completely. Obermoeller decided to break the silence and share her insight about Check Out Hotel. Read the tales of mystery… or if you’re brave enough check in at Check Out Hotel.

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It’s Book Blurb Friday #15 based on the photo provided by Lisa’s son, Joey Claro.

101 words.

Beer Cans

Every time Obermoeller walked down the street, she’d see Beer Cans. Every time. She began to wonder what it meant. Was it a sign for her to quit? It began to haunt her. Soon she began to see Beer Cans not just on the street, but they’d show up in her yard, on her office desk, sitting on her kitchen counter. It didn’t matter where, there’d be Beer Cans. In her dreams the Beer Cans became alive and would chase her. Would Obermoeller finally get the hint and quit? Find out what happens when Obermoeller’s world is invaded with Beer Cans.

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It’s Book Blurb Friday #16, based on the photo provided this week by Sioux Roslawski.

70 words.

100 Ways to Enrich your Life with Chocolate

Obermoeller’s big winnings at the Noir Menthe Casino was chocolate for life. A delivery showed up every week—100 bars of velvety rich minty chocolate. By law she was not allowed to sell it. Read Obermoeller’s 100 Ways to Enrich your Life with Chocolate and find out the unique and clever ways in which Obermoeller creatively disposes of her chocolate bars. A must read book for all the finest Chocolateries.

Awarded Again

My friend Linda O’Connell, Write from the Heart and who I call The Chicken Soup Queen awarded me with the Versatile Blogger Award. I’ve received this award before and shared music related things—an idea I stole from Becky. I made up my own theme this time in order to participate again. It’s hard trying to rattle off seven things about yourself.

I’m calling this theme: Body Parts

1) I went to an image consultant to learn about my colors and what kind of clothing is right for me after a complete melt down trying to find something to wear in my closet. Fashion Queen I am not. Still no Fashion Queen at least I know what colors to avoid and what styles to steer clear. The consultant asked me a question phrased in a certain way as if it were vital for my image and it was something like, “Did you ever have any plastic surgery?”
I wasn’t sure how to take it—if she was thinking I had or thinking I should.
“No.”
“Really? Nothing? No implants?”
“No, really. Nothing fake on this ole body.” Now I was guessing she wondered if my girls were real. If I wasn’t so shy, I probably would’ve pulled her aside, whipped off my shirt, and unhooked my bra. When those girls drooped, she would’ve rest assured those things were the real deal.
No botox, no liposuction, no drugs. All natch-er-el.
Okay, the only thing “false” on me is my hair color and a few capped teeth. The color of my hair is as close to what would be my natural hair color, if the gray hadn’t butted in. How rude. I’m not ready to be gray.

2) Never was a fan of my nose. When I was little, I’d take my mother’s hand mirror and stand in front of her full length mirror which hung on the closet door and view my profile, wishing for my nose to be different. I did this regularly. Maybe I hoped God would realize the importance and miraculously smooth out that bump. Guess it’s not important. No miracle. Still have bump.

3) When I was little, I stood at the bathroom door watching my mother put on lipstick. I told her I didn’t like my lips because they were too red. And I didn’t like my eyebrows because they were black and didn’t match my hair. She told me to be grateful because as I got older, I would love those features. She was right.

4) As I grew older, a unibrow formed over my eyes. When I discovered tweezers, I plucked away until I had two separate skinny lines for eyebrows. I also discovered a mole hid underneath all that hair. As a teen, seeing that mole bummed me out a bit, but it was better than a bush sitting above my eyes.

5) I don’t know about you, but when you’re complimented on certain parts of your body, you tend to believe it. People have said I have nice legs. I don’t really understand it. Legs are legs. But if anyone asks, “What are you most happy about with your body?” I’ll say my legs.

6) Someone at some time must have told me I had big upper arms. That’s the other thing, I believe untruths as well, only I don’t really consider it an untruth because after all, I do have big upper arms. It takes a lot for me to wear anything sleeveless. When I do, I’m so uncomfortable I feel like everyone is staring at my big upper arms. Writing this makes it seem ridiculous. Probably because it is.

7) My right tooth that sits next to my two front teeth was turned almost sideways… for nearly 50 years. My husband who’s into straight pearly whites would suggest now and then for me to have that tooth fixed. Why? Who cares? It’s been this way all my life. It’s part of me. (I have, sort of, come to terms with most of my imperfections.) I had a dentist appointment. Seems that crooked little tooth had a cavity but was also a problem child because of its crookedness. The dentist suggested for just another x amount of bucks, he could cap it, make it look nice and straight, saving not only money in the long run, but avoid any future issues with the tooth. Inside I was whining. But it’s me. My crooked little tooth. I felt like I was giving up my first born. Even though I knew the answer, I called my husband to see if he’d be okay with spending the money. Of course there was no hesitation. I could hear the excitement in his voice. He’d been wanting this. I had my crooked little tooth fixed only to avoid future issues because the dentist is one of my least favorite places to visit.

I’m going to pass this award on to the last 7 followers to my blog—and if they want to participate, all well and good. And if not, all well and good. You can use a theme like I did, or you can give 7 facts about yourself and pass it on to 7 others.

Nelliciouss
The Old Geezer
Liberal Sprinkles
Arkansas Patti
September Mom
Tony Benson
Ellie

LOVE ALL YOUR BODY PARTS—THEY MAKE YOU, YOU!

Just for Joplin

Dear Mom,

Our granddaughter Logan (your step-great-granddaughter -- I think that's what Logan would be to you if you were alive) was out one day at the local grocery store to collect money for Joplin.

Isn't she a cutie? She made her own sign.

I thought this was a sweet picture of the little toddler putting money in the bucket.


Logan always said thank you and explained to people why she was collecting money. She was out there for an hour but it was a really hot day. I was told she collected around $85! I thought that was great and was amazed at the generosity of folks.

I've been working on an article for the Storm Country Anthology that I posted. I'm excited to do this because of, and for my friend, Geoffrey. I asked him if he'd write part of the piece in his own words and he's already sent it back to me. Now I have to do some more work before it's ready for submission.

Mom, I know not everyone can donate money, so I hope all the Midwest writers or those who have a storm story to tell (even if they're not writers), to turn something in--it goes to a good cause! Read the details for this anthology submission.

Storm Country Anthology Project for Joplin

The Joplin (MO) Writers’ Guild, in coordination with the Missouri Writers’ Guild, is seeking fiction, non-fiction and poetry to be included in an anthology, Storm Country, to be published near the end of the summer. All proceeds from book sales will go to the purchase of books for school libraries damaged or destroyed by the May 22nd tornado. Midwest writers are encouraged to submit their original work June 1st through July 15th.

Submit work with the theme of storms and severe weather in the Midwest. All forms of stormy weather should be considered: ice, floods, tornadoes, wind, and snow.

Include name, address, phone number, and email address on first page of submission.

Poetry of any form and up to 30 lines may be submitted. A maximum of THREE poems from any author will be considered.

Short fiction in any genre, 1,500 words or less, will be considered.

Nonfiction (features, essays, memoirs, etc.) of 1,500 words or less may also be submitted. A maximum of three pieces of prose will be accepted per author.

All submissions must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman.
Prose should use three-space paragraph indention and double-spacing.
Poetry should be single-spaced.
Pages should be numbered.
Spelling and grammar must be as the author intends.
Author retains all rights.
Please include third-person author bios up to 75 words.

Submit your Word documents by July 15th to joplinwritersguild@yahoo.com or mail to Claudia Mundell, 1815 River Street, Carthage, Missouri 64836.

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I received this information from Donna's blog and Claudia's blog and Storm Country blog. Check out the different sites for links and information.

Thank you for helping Joplin!