Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
I just wanted to say thank you to all those of you still reading but I will not be posting for a few days. I was hospitalized for a few days and am home recovering. I hope to jump back online by Monday at the latest!!! Happy Holidays!
Inspired by Sappho's Muse
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Sappho Speaks: Instructions On Posting
What Would Sappho Say?
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
My readers are having trouble making comments, and in order to do so, all you have to do is go to the right side list of the names of the post. Go to the actual site for each individual blog, click on the link and the comment section opens up for you on that page and you can posts comments, I would love to hear what to thinking!
Much Love.
Inspired by Sappho's Muse
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
My readers are having trouble making comments, and in order to do so, all you have to do is go to the right side list of the names of the post. Go to the actual site for each individual blog, click on the link and the comment section opens up for you on that page and you can posts comments, I would love to hear what to thinking!
Much Love.
Inspired by Sappho's Muse
Sappho Speaks: Christmas: It's Affect on Family
What Would Sappho Say?
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
Let me say first that I don’t pretend to understand the inner workings of all families but stand alone only to make perceptions of what I have seen in my own life and closest relations a bit relevant for the Christmas season.
In most households in our part of the world, the Western Hemisphere, either through KWANZAA, Hanukkah, or Christianity’s Birth of Christ, the winter holiday season is highlighted with a look to ourselves and our family. It is what makes us rejoice in the merriment of the season and can also bring on the pain of the loss of those members close to us or a severing of ties that happened years ago. It brings up all sorts of feelings, is part of the cause of a depression cycle in some, and reminds us of what is important in life. For everyone, that list will look a little different.
Even for those who have no belief in one of the above mentioned holidays or the others celebrations around the world I left out, it is a time for reflection upon the year that has preceded us and a hope for what the New Year may bring. With all of the beauty that surrounds the lights, the ritual, the candles, the decorations… whatever makes the season especially dear for you, the shining light at the end of a sometimes overwrought shopping season or emotional time of self analysis, the light at the end of the tunnel is almost always the joining of figurative and literal hands of family in celebration.
Ever since June and Ward Cleaver worried about the Beaver, there seems to have been this unreachable standard of a perfect family and I don’t know about anyone else, but this joyous joining of kin can also bring up old issues, the flaws in our own fold to meet that “Leave It To Beaver” standard, and button pushing all around some years while others pass flawlessly into that good night. The not knowing which year this is going to be certainly adds to that standard of perfection we all seek to emulate in getting the perfect gift, arranging the tree just so, and using Grandma’s familial recipes to bring about a day of good cheer.
Personally, I have trepidation and joy each year as the holidays close in on us wishing and hoping life and love of family in enough to satisfy us all and then worrying that the realities just under the surface might bring up a tear in my eye if my brother doesn’t throw a kind, thoughtful word my way or my parents aren’t proud of me as I work for his love and their approval year after year.
A good psychiatrist at least has me conscious of the process now which seems to make the yearly gathering pass with good feelings all around. I look only at the unconditional love on the faces of my niece and nephew to make the day (or an other I am with family) a successful one because as you grow older, it becomes more about success than the wonder, free flowing joy and merriment of the season. You have seen the cracks of a full-on family melt down and know that success is about everyone coming away unscathed first, and happy, joyous and free second.
That said, I really do love Christmastime as there are still children, my brother’s, in my life and their happiness permeates the rooms of whichever home we use to gather. As I said, I know how to put those deep seeded issues of MINE away for the day or two and enjoy the company of the people I have known longest in my life. I enjoy the sending and receiving of cards, even those letters to the editor sent to everyone about little cousin Joey’s school play and bad flu some of us get from a kooky relative. Putting up my lights facing out on to the street, hoping the sharing of my spirit will touch one of the homeless or hopeless that wanders by as I live on a busy downtown street.
As I have pointed to the flaws in the system of holidays, I haven’t extolled the benefits with the enthusiasm that honest to goodness fills my heart and the air around me this year. It has been a good 2009, capped with a new gay mayor and a new endeavor (this blog), and all is well with my world. I am 99.75% sure this Christmas will be one for the photo albums again!!! I just wanted to share my sigh of relief but also the fact that the trepidation still creeps in on a foggy, gloomy day like today.
My family, as I am sure many of you feel about your own, is one for the ages and I feel very fortunate and entirely grateful for all that I do have in my life, including the cracks that make our family a real one. Without them I’m sure I would find other issues to make my doctor a bit crazy this time of year and I always thought “Leave It To Beaver” was the most boring show on TV. If nothing else I can be assured my holiday will not be boring with the group I love as we all try to enjoy ourselves and each other, year in, year out.
SO… what did any of this drivel mean? Nothing except a warm wish to all those feeling a little fear in the air as well this year. DEEP BREATH. Remember these are your home, your people, your love and all will be well. We have a few more weeks of 2009 that we can make the best weeks of the year! Just go for it!
Much Love.
Inspired by Sappho’s Muse
MUSIC OF THE DAY
The music I have picked today is just a few of my favorites I listened to today that seemed appropriate for the weather outside. The first is a remake of a great old song by Alicia Keys called Killing Me Softly. The second is from a great indie singer, Brandi Carlile, who reminds of the hey day of the Indigo Girls. In fact she opened for them the first time I saw her a few years ago. The song is called Turpentine.
Killing Me Softly Alicia Keys
Turpentine Brandi Carlile
QUOTE OF THE DAY
So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty.
Henry Long
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
Let me say first that I don’t pretend to understand the inner workings of all families but stand alone only to make perceptions of what I have seen in my own life and closest relations a bit relevant for the Christmas season.
In most households in our part of the world, the Western Hemisphere, either through KWANZAA, Hanukkah, or Christianity’s Birth of Christ, the winter holiday season is highlighted with a look to ourselves and our family. It is what makes us rejoice in the merriment of the season and can also bring on the pain of the loss of those members close to us or a severing of ties that happened years ago. It brings up all sorts of feelings, is part of the cause of a depression cycle in some, and reminds us of what is important in life. For everyone, that list will look a little different.
Even for those who have no belief in one of the above mentioned holidays or the others celebrations around the world I left out, it is a time for reflection upon the year that has preceded us and a hope for what the New Year may bring. With all of the beauty that surrounds the lights, the ritual, the candles, the decorations… whatever makes the season especially dear for you, the shining light at the end of a sometimes overwrought shopping season or emotional time of self analysis, the light at the end of the tunnel is almost always the joining of figurative and literal hands of family in celebration.
Ever since June and Ward Cleaver worried about the Beaver, there seems to have been this unreachable standard of a perfect family and I don’t know about anyone else, but this joyous joining of kin can also bring up old issues, the flaws in our own fold to meet that “Leave It To Beaver” standard, and button pushing all around some years while others pass flawlessly into that good night. The not knowing which year this is going to be certainly adds to that standard of perfection we all seek to emulate in getting the perfect gift, arranging the tree just so, and using Grandma’s familial recipes to bring about a day of good cheer.
Personally, I have trepidation and joy each year as the holidays close in on us wishing and hoping life and love of family in enough to satisfy us all and then worrying that the realities just under the surface might bring up a tear in my eye if my brother doesn’t throw a kind, thoughtful word my way or my parents aren’t proud of me as I work for his love and their approval year after year.
A good psychiatrist at least has me conscious of the process now which seems to make the yearly gathering pass with good feelings all around. I look only at the unconditional love on the faces of my niece and nephew to make the day (or an other I am with family) a successful one because as you grow older, it becomes more about success than the wonder, free flowing joy and merriment of the season. You have seen the cracks of a full-on family melt down and know that success is about everyone coming away unscathed first, and happy, joyous and free second.
That said, I really do love Christmastime as there are still children, my brother’s, in my life and their happiness permeates the rooms of whichever home we use to gather. As I said, I know how to put those deep seeded issues of MINE away for the day or two and enjoy the company of the people I have known longest in my life. I enjoy the sending and receiving of cards, even those letters to the editor sent to everyone about little cousin Joey’s school play and bad flu some of us get from a kooky relative. Putting up my lights facing out on to the street, hoping the sharing of my spirit will touch one of the homeless or hopeless that wanders by as I live on a busy downtown street.
As I have pointed to the flaws in the system of holidays, I haven’t extolled the benefits with the enthusiasm that honest to goodness fills my heart and the air around me this year. It has been a good 2009, capped with a new gay mayor and a new endeavor (this blog), and all is well with my world. I am 99.75% sure this Christmas will be one for the photo albums again!!! I just wanted to share my sigh of relief but also the fact that the trepidation still creeps in on a foggy, gloomy day like today.
My family, as I am sure many of you feel about your own, is one for the ages and I feel very fortunate and entirely grateful for all that I do have in my life, including the cracks that make our family a real one. Without them I’m sure I would find other issues to make my doctor a bit crazy this time of year and I always thought “Leave It To Beaver” was the most boring show on TV. If nothing else I can be assured my holiday will not be boring with the group I love as we all try to enjoy ourselves and each other, year in, year out.
SO… what did any of this drivel mean? Nothing except a warm wish to all those feeling a little fear in the air as well this year. DEEP BREATH. Remember these are your home, your people, your love and all will be well. We have a few more weeks of 2009 that we can make the best weeks of the year! Just go for it!
Much Love.
Inspired by Sappho’s Muse
MUSIC OF THE DAY
The music I have picked today is just a few of my favorites I listened to today that seemed appropriate for the weather outside. The first is a remake of a great old song by Alicia Keys called Killing Me Softly. The second is from a great indie singer, Brandi Carlile, who reminds of the hey day of the Indigo Girls. In fact she opened for them the first time I saw her a few years ago. The song is called Turpentine.
Killing Me Softly Alicia Keys
Turpentine Brandi Carlile
QUOTE OF THE DAY
So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty.
Henry Long
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sappho Speaks: The Fall Television Season
What Would Sappho Say?
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
OK. OK. I KNOW I SAID I UNDERSTAND MY BLOGS ARE TOO LONG… BUT… this is a subject worth a few extra minutes. It’s TV! Let’s talk a little television now that the new Fall season is in winter hiatus for those of you who still use the screen in your home from something other than renting movies. Actually, with the advent of series developed outside of the banner of the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX) and thus not requiring the high network rating numbers to stay afloat, some great alternative shows have shown up in the last few years on some of the second tier networks such as TNT, FX, and even the WB on occasion. Of course the best of television right now in my opinion is happening on the pay channels like Showtime and HBO and I’ll give you a taste of what I consider the best of NEW NETWORK TV on the air RIGHT NOW and will return to this subject for the pay channels at another time and on occasion as the shows ebb and flow and new flavors enter and leave the arena. Most of you will have already heard of these shows unless you’ve been living under a rock but I’ll just give my added perspective if you don’t mind listening.
Let’s just get it out of the way that I consider myself a pseudo-intellectual and will plug all the news magazine shows (Dateline, 20/20, 60 Minutes) as they enrich the mind and give you a taste of what’s going on in the world from a perspective that most often links back in some form that connects to the human condition. SO EDUCATE YOURSELVES LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. It will expose you to events and people you would otherwise know little about and though sometimes a bit frivolous, I always feel a good 52 minutes was spent watching (DVR time, of course – I don’t watch anything in real time anymore).
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
OK. OK. I KNOW I SAID I UNDERSTAND MY BLOGS ARE TOO LONG… BUT… this is a subject worth a few extra minutes. It’s TV! Let’s talk a little television now that the new Fall season is in winter hiatus for those of you who still use the screen in your home from something other than renting movies. Actually, with the advent of series developed outside of the banner of the major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX) and thus not requiring the high network rating numbers to stay afloat, some great alternative shows have shown up in the last few years on some of the second tier networks such as TNT, FX, and even the WB on occasion. Of course the best of television right now in my opinion is happening on the pay channels like Showtime and HBO and I’ll give you a taste of what I consider the best of NEW NETWORK TV on the air RIGHT NOW and will return to this subject for the pay channels at another time and on occasion as the shows ebb and flow and new flavors enter and leave the arena. Most of you will have already heard of these shows unless you’ve been living under a rock but I’ll just give my added perspective if you don’t mind listening.
Let’s just get it out of the way that I consider myself a pseudo-intellectual and will plug all the news magazine shows (Dateline, 20/20, 60 Minutes) as they enrich the mind and give you a taste of what’s going on in the world from a perspective that most often links back in some form that connects to the human condition. SO EDUCATE YOURSELVES LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. It will expose you to events and people you would otherwise know little about and though sometimes a bit frivolous, I always feel a good 52 minutes was spent watching (DVR time, of course – I don’t watch anything in real time anymore).
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sappho Speaks: Rainy Days
What Would Sappho Say?
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
You’d think a rainy day like Saturday, socked in by fog, would be great for a writer – a perfect day to sit down and really churn out some words of wisdom. However, I am much more of a regular Jane than anything else and a day where going anywhere seemed fruitless and messy, all I wanted to do was read the rest of the great English Literature called “Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea” that has been in my head since I inhaled half of it waiting for a doctor’s appointment on Monday or watch reruns I have saved on TIVO of GLEE, my favorite guilty pleasure since True Blood went off the air for the seasonal hiatus. Who in their right mind would want to do anything that requires motivation on the greatest excuse for laziness – inclement weather and a Saturday colliding?
So, no, I did not write anything new or topical for today’s blog. I used all the juice I had going that day to enthusiastically write the piece on Annise Parker becoming the first gay mayor of a major US city. While some of you are certainly releasing sighs of relief as I am aware the length of my blogs could use a little work, but when a story comes, it just flows and editing words that I think are imperative to the story are not my strong suit. So, for those of you that are still hanging in there and read each blog to the end, you will never know how much encouragement and excitement it gives me to see the counter go up from day to day. As I have said before, I may write for the approval of an audience of one, but it is nice to know there are folks out there who find what I do the least bit interesting.
Since I have nothing of substance to say, I guess my musical choices will have to stand up as my voice for today. Now that Thanksgiving has passed and we are into our third week of December, I feel I can pull out the Christmas carols to christen WHAT WOULD SAPPHO SAY’s first winter holiday season and only hope I am still around next year to do a bit of a retrospective!!!!
Without further ado…..
Much Love.
Inspired by Sappho’s Muse
MUSIC OF THE DAY
Do You Hear What I Hear Whitney Houston
2000 Miles (It Must Be Christmas Time) The Pretenders
Silent Night Stevie Nicks
Santa Baby Kylie Minogue
QUOTE OF THE DAY
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.
Taylor Caldwell
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
You’d think a rainy day like Saturday, socked in by fog, would be great for a writer – a perfect day to sit down and really churn out some words of wisdom. However, I am much more of a regular Jane than anything else and a day where going anywhere seemed fruitless and messy, all I wanted to do was read the rest of the great English Literature called “Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea” that has been in my head since I inhaled half of it waiting for a doctor’s appointment on Monday or watch reruns I have saved on TIVO of GLEE, my favorite guilty pleasure since True Blood went off the air for the seasonal hiatus. Who in their right mind would want to do anything that requires motivation on the greatest excuse for laziness – inclement weather and a Saturday colliding?
So, no, I did not write anything new or topical for today’s blog. I used all the juice I had going that day to enthusiastically write the piece on Annise Parker becoming the first gay mayor of a major US city. While some of you are certainly releasing sighs of relief as I am aware the length of my blogs could use a little work, but when a story comes, it just flows and editing words that I think are imperative to the story are not my strong suit. So, for those of you that are still hanging in there and read each blog to the end, you will never know how much encouragement and excitement it gives me to see the counter go up from day to day. As I have said before, I may write for the approval of an audience of one, but it is nice to know there are folks out there who find what I do the least bit interesting.
Since I have nothing of substance to say, I guess my musical choices will have to stand up as my voice for today. Now that Thanksgiving has passed and we are into our third week of December, I feel I can pull out the Christmas carols to christen WHAT WOULD SAPPHO SAY’s first winter holiday season and only hope I am still around next year to do a bit of a retrospective!!!!
Without further ado…..
Much Love.
Inspired by Sappho’s Muse
MUSIC OF THE DAY
Do You Hear What I Hear Whitney Houston
2000 Miles (It Must Be Christmas Time) The Pretenders
Silent Night Stevie Nicks
Santa Baby Kylie Minogue
QUOTE OF THE DAY
I am not alone at all, I thought. I was never alone at all. And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent. For this is still the time God chooses.
Taylor Caldwell
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Sappho Speaks: She Won! She Won! Annise Parker is the First Gay Mayor of a Major Metropolitan City!
What Would Sappho Say?
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
By Sappho, I have been up late to bring you a definitive answer to the question, “Who is the next mayor of Houston, Texas?” After casting my vote earlier today I just had a great feeling about things. In fact, it made me quite proud to be a resident of Houston, Texas merely by the conduct of the mayoral race. Now Gene Locke had a few minor stumbles where he allowed some right wing ultra-conservatives on board his campaign and they were crass enough to make sexuality an issue in this race. Other than that, this has been remarkably good campaign fought on the issues – a rather amazing feat when you realize the magnitude of the effect of the results as they cascade through Texas and America.
Houston is the fourth largest city in the good ole USA and after the blows that have been dealt by her in recent years and elections like the issue of gay marriage in California and the lack of or minimal promised action by our supposed best ally ever to sit in the oval office in the way of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, federal partner or “equal spousal” rights for gay Americans, and lastly but not least, a comprehensive “Hate Crimes” legislation. Yes, I know he signed one, but really? How long as that been coming down the pipeline? It was our Senators and Representatives who get the nod on that one. All he did was sign. There are certainly more way than those listed that we expected President Obama to take a stand, but none of us here in south Texas ever imagined our fair city to be leading the way of equality by christening the first gay mayor of a city of more than 100,000 people, net alone a 1,000,000 people (Houston pop. 2,242,193 and over 4.5 million in the surrounding area), showing Washington, DC how “The West Was Won” by voting our minds and hearts, damn the gender (she’s a woman by the way!) and the sexuality (and a lesbian in a long-term lesbian relationship, Go Annise!).
Lectori Salutem! or L.S. (Greetings to the Reader!)
By Sappho, I have been up late to bring you a definitive answer to the question, “Who is the next mayor of Houston, Texas?” After casting my vote earlier today I just had a great feeling about things. In fact, it made me quite proud to be a resident of Houston, Texas merely by the conduct of the mayoral race. Now Gene Locke had a few minor stumbles where he allowed some right wing ultra-conservatives on board his campaign and they were crass enough to make sexuality an issue in this race. Other than that, this has been remarkably good campaign fought on the issues – a rather amazing feat when you realize the magnitude of the effect of the results as they cascade through Texas and America.
Houston is the fourth largest city in the good ole USA and after the blows that have been dealt by her in recent years and elections like the issue of gay marriage in California and the lack of or minimal promised action by our supposed best ally ever to sit in the oval office in the way of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, federal partner or “equal spousal” rights for gay Americans, and lastly but not least, a comprehensive “Hate Crimes” legislation. Yes, I know he signed one, but really? How long as that been coming down the pipeline? It was our Senators and Representatives who get the nod on that one. All he did was sign. There are certainly more way than those listed that we expected President Obama to take a stand, but none of us here in south Texas ever imagined our fair city to be leading the way of equality by christening the first gay mayor of a city of more than 100,000 people, net alone a 1,000,000 people (Houston pop. 2,242,193 and over 4.5 million in the surrounding area), showing Washington, DC how “The West Was Won” by voting our minds and hearts, damn the gender (she’s a woman by the way!) and the sexuality (and a lesbian in a long-term lesbian relationship, Go Annise!).
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