La Tulipe

Passing

2007-09-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2007. At roughly 3 pm. Alone, but smiling.

Guilt

2007-09-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

They say it is a normal part of greiving. Rian hopes this is true, becuase we are all suffering it.

Rian's brother said: "I wish this was just OVER. But I feel guilty even saying it."

Yes.

Rian has begun to long for weekends spent AT HOME and not in this aeroplane or this aeroport or speaking to a parent who is no longer quite in this world.

I have dreams that all is well and then wake to remember that I will not ever again have a coherent conversation with this particular loved one and THEN I can not go back to sleep. There are no tears. Only loneliness.

Guilt for wishing it were over, and that we did not have to fear the monster in the darkness.

Seattle Pigs Plus One ClockWork Penguin

2007-09-04T16:00:00.001-07:00

Rian Is Speechless

2007-09-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

...but the Aidan Possibilities are endless. Perhaps we shall become Mutton Groupies and travel about to every Fair and Rodeo. Who needs stage parents when one has sheep?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutton_busting

Time Saver or Time Sink?

2007-08-30T21:54:00.001-07:00

http://www.stumbledupon.com

Another Reason Why Rian Hates To Fly

2007-08-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/gen/page2173.html?theme=light

Lows

2007-08-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today Rian is feeling rather blue. This gradual shutting down of systems is rather like a rollercoaster always heading nose down. Mostly, I am busy enough not to think. Last night Heartsister called and spoke for a long time about what has changed and what will change and that made Rian dip a little.

Also, I am worried about Keppet. And, for that matter, Someone Else, who has to attend a funeral of a friend's daughter today.

I must remember to count my many many many blessings.

Never Tangle With A Hot Chandelier

2007-08-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

Ebola of the Arm.

Hardly A Bleached Blonde

2007-08-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Because Dr. Lorimer wanted Spike pictures. They are not wonderful, as there was stable dust on the lense and Rian was Alone at the barn today.

Joys

2007-08-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Rian has picked out nearly every piece/pipe/appliance for the Dream Bathroom.

Sooner rather than later the work shall start.

Rian shall have to take before, during, and after pictures, yes?

Tis the DURING that shall be...eh...exciting.

Possible Truths

2007-08-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

"If it weren't for electricity, we'd all be watching television by candlelight."

- George Gobel

Signs of Death

2007-08-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Rian is supposed to be reading this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Final-Act-Living-Barbara-Karnes/dp/096216030X

I am having a hard time of it.

Rian's Biography, Minus 350 Words, by Keppet

2007-08-06T21:50:00.000-07:00

Born into royalty but tragically misplaced, RianSeeking spent most of her childhood as part of a flea circus. Finally graduating college at the prestigious school of lost horology, she went back in time, met H G Wells and stole his time machine schematics and gave them to herself four years ago. What tasteless adventures followed are unknown though astronomers are concerned that she had something to do with the supernova that formed the crab nebula. That is nothing compared to what the cosmologists would pin on her though.

Retiring from this life, she found a home in Spokane, Washington and bothered the occupants until they went away. Finding herself in a bungalow way too big for one, she created a family out of papier mache and rubber bands. Together they fought crime and wore spandex though not at the same time. When not being observed, RianSeeking occupies a set of quantum probabilities that may or may not include writing.

Hoddling Flowers

2007-08-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

Cowardly

2007-07-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Before I had a family, I used to comfort myself with the idea that if grief or pain ever grew too strong, I could simply take a handful of pills and die. That extra out gave me comfort and courage.

I know I have said this before.

Now that I have a family there is no longer that offramp.

And so instead I find myself chasing my tail and cowering in the corner as the pain wallops.

And lamenting that I must stay and FEEL.

Something Fishy

2007-07-18T08:29:00.001-07:00

Someone Else is bringing home 42 pounds of salmon and halibut from Alaska.

Eh...recipes, anyone? Quickly!

Splitting Heirs

2007-07-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

So. Rian had a big bucket (five gallons) of wet molasses sitting out on the newly painted and refurnished lovely front porch. The bucket was waiting to go to the stables. Also, the lid was on very tightly.

Aidan had been warned not to touch it.

Thank the small gods Rian did not haul it inside, I suppose.

So whilst Rian was gathering keys and money and mobile to go out Aidan decided to investigate the molasses bucket despite advanced warning. Somehow he managed to get the lid off AND knock the bucket over. Looking at the tide of orang-esque slime spilling out, he must have had a giant moment of regret and decided not to scream for mom but instead hide quietly behind a chair.

His sister who is seven and really should know better, decided to wait and see what would happen.

By the time Rian turned on the security alarm and made it out the front door, roughly half of the porch had been consumed by the Molasses Blob.

Rian has hosed down the brand new porch rugs.

I am trying to match the molasses stain with tea stains on the edges that were not molassasized, as the idea of spreading more molasses on the unstained parts makes Rian physically ill. The smell of concentrated molasses is not...scrumptious.

The tea seems to be quite weaker than the molasses. Perhaps coffee grounds mixed in?

Also, I am wondering if all the sugar hosed down onto the lawn will kill the poor grass.

Clean Up or...

2007-07-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.retrotogo.com/2007/04/katherine_hamne.html

Rian owns this shirt. I wear it for my own amusement, as it says something about Rian's personality totally unrelated to enviromental issues.

Neverntheless, it gets noticed. Rian wore it today and was awarded four different comments. Rian enjoys tallying up how many such are approving, and how many such are disproving.

Today it was evenly split.

Rian's favorite was "What an INTERESTING shirt" (disapproving tones)

Eggs

2007-07-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

This morning, Aidan was dashing about the house nekkid whilst Rian tried to get clothes put on. He was mostly a flash of very white buttocks and tan shoulders.

Suddenly he stopped and grasped his genitals with one hand. "Mom! Mom!"

"Yessss?" said Rian suspiciously.

"Look! Look! I have an egg on my penis."

"....." thought Rian. And then, "Those are called balls, Aidan. And you have two of them."

"No, mom! I'm going to call them eggs!"

I am sure Rian never once imagined my life thusly.

Could It Be True?

2007-07-10T10:51:00.001-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/books/29book.html?ex=1184212800&en=daa059936ca8a928&ei=5070

Skype Takes Revenge

2007-07-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

"Good Morning!

I was wondering if you would be interested in doing a podcast of your novel in the near future; either later this week or sometime next week.

....You would need Skype for the podcast and a microphone."

Possible Truths

2007-07-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

"Somewhere in Texas there's a village missing its idiot."

- Bumper Sticker

Cascadian Algae

2007-07-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hunting Bear

2007-07-02T16:54:00.001-07:00

Today's Bits

2007-06-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

now become an enemy, worthy of caution.
Maurice sat on his heels and chewed Sparrow’s jerky as he guarded the fire. He watched the horizon and waited for Shaara to bring back supper.

Twenty Three

South of Emman we found a prosperous innkeeper intent on impressing the local priesthood. The man’s boy, a lad no older than Shaara, was bedridden with fever and it seemed the malady was not new to the family.
“Took my wife off a year ago,” the innkeeper explained as he looked my troop up and down. “And my eldest daughter less than that.”
“Condolences,” Will said.
“I’ve got two more,” the man replied. “But Eric’s my only lad. Better for me if the gods look favorably on the child.”
Will’s long face hardened and he tapped the butt of his axe. I shouldered him away and bowed beneath the innkeeper’s frown.
“We’ll do my best to please, m’lord.”
“You’ve a reputation.” The man’s eyes shifted and caught on The Major and her companions. “It precedes you. Normally I wouldn’t bother with such extravagance, but if it pleases the priests –“
“Of course, my lord.” I took the pouch he proffered. “We will do our best for your son, my lord.”
“Set up in the pasture back yon. Come and sup when you’ve finished. It’s the free ale that will bring ‘em in, but not until late temple mass.”
Will watched the man stalk away, still sharp as flint.
“Let it go,” I suggested. “He doesn’t matter.”
“Better he find a good churgeon than try and charm the Seat’s skirted lackeys with drink and slight of hand.” Will had a few secrets of his own and after all this time I was in no real hurry to see them unearthed.
“The man’s covering his bets.” I weighed the pouch on my palm. “Nicely, I’ll add. We’ve all heard stories of temple miracles.”
“Heard, mayhap. Seen is another story.”
I shrugged and made for the pasture. There were a few new tricks I wanted to see about before the canvas went up. When Will did not find his place at my heels I paused and glanced back.
“I’m going to look at the child,” he said, once again tapping at his axe. “I’m no churgeon, but I learned a trick or two from my ma. Might be a thing I can do, at least get his fever down.”
I sighed, resigned. “Don’t be bringing any sickness into my family, Will.” And when he moped at me I flapped a hand in his direction. “Go. Hurry. I need you, tonight.”

The priests came as we all knew they would, a pack of solemn dogs scenting victuals. I know they spent some time at the lad’s bed. I did not hear what they told the innkeep, but the man seemed immensely when I caught his eye before the first act. As promised the drink ran in an endless flow and the meat not far behind. Neighbors appeared from across the fields and the inn’s common filled up and then overflowed into the pasture. My troop played especially well against the evening and the audience was amiable.
I knew the man was emptying his cellars on a gamble and while I did hope he won back his son’s life, I felt no qualms as I enjoyed the largesse. Nor, I assume, did any other guest. The sun sunk and the atmosphere became celebratory.
I found myself winded and dizzy, from drink and from the sheer joy of performance, and collapsed in a corner of the field not far from Maurice and his light show. The torches wheeled over his head, one after another after another, flushing the little crowd that knotted about his feet to orange.
“Man’s got some skill.”
Still panting, I looked around and discovered I was not alone on my chosen patch of grass.
The Major’s black haired guardsman sprawled an arm span away. He hugged a jug to his gut and from look of it he was well into the cups.
“Maurice knows what he’s doing.” I shed my boots in two quick yanks and ran my toes over the grass.
“You’re no odd hand yourself.” The guardsman showed his teeth in a grin. “I’ve been watching.”
“Have you?”
“Here and there. When Moire isn’t riding my arse. I like that thing you do, each time, at the very beginning,” he flipped one hand over and over, sloshing the jug.
“With the rope?” I considered. The man was obviously half gone but then, so was I. He had a handsome, rugged face and a surprisingly wide mouth. And, if I remembered rightly, he was the one without the boil.
“Mm,” he agreed. I slid closer. Maurice’s torches reflected in his irises. “With the rope. Difficult, is it?”
“V

Browbeaten

2007-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Rian has been browbeaten by family, friends, and various dinner ghosts into getting biopsies, after all.

The needle in the skin bit does not bother Rian. It is the 'trying to convince the doctor to order it up, finding a day that works, digging up a babysitter and then sitting around waiting again for results' that makes Rian want to break things.

Truly, Rian should just have them hack everything off. Elegantly, of course.

Sulky

2007-06-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Rian does not feel well tonight. Most likely because I forgot to take my generic Paxil on Saturday morning and so as a result my body is haywire. Feverish, stomach sick and dizzy. Plus hearing chipmonk in the ears and numb at the digits. I have been on that medication for far too long, but surely canna go off it without withdrawels.

Also, Rian's father and Rian's Saturday night dinner guests have both decided that Rian should get an MRI every THREE months instead of six. This makes Rian feel as though the entire world is nodding smuggly and waiting for Rian to keel over dead.

As a result, tonight Rian is sulky.

Possible Truths

2007-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

"You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by. Yes, but some of them are golden only because we let them slip."

- J.M. Barrie

2007-06-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

All Clean*

2007-06-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Good news, Rian thinks. The surgeon said the radiologists in town are very good and if they qualified something as "probably benign" (which apparently they did) the three nodules have only a 3 percent likelihood of being malignant. He said he will talk to the radiologist and if the diagnosis was on the line, they will do an ultrasound, but otherwise they simply want Rian to have another MRI in 6 months.

He did not seem concerned.

*lazily copied from an email

Reasons Why

2007-06-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Drat

2007-06-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

...and double drat. The MRI picked "a whole bunch of stuff bouncing around" so now Rian has take the next step and schedule minor surgery.

Nasssty genes. Horrible genes.

Zoom Zoom*

2007-06-05T13:19:00.001-07:00

*with thanks to Dana for the canvas.

A Sensitive 'Sonnet' Written For Dr. Lorimer

2007-06-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

There once was a green girl from Sonoma
whose lover gave her Ebola
on her way to the grave
she forgot to behave
and now the town's plagued by putrid aroma.

Possible Truths

2007-06-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

"Follow your bliss."

- Campbell

Confession

2007-05-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Today, whilst driving the highway, Rian found Self damp eyed remembering a book passage I had slid through the night before.

I dislike waiting for medical results. It seems the time in between knowing and not knowing sends Rian constantly between sniffles and Too Much To Drink.

This makes Rian feel weak. There is nothing Rian dislikes more than feeling weak.

Except perhaps aeroplanes.

Possible Truths

2007-05-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Rarely do great beauty and great virtue dwell togother as they do in you.

- Rian's P.F. Chang's fortune cookie

Pfft.

2007-05-27T11:42:00.001-07:00

Rian must get a baseline MRI this Wednesday.

This does not please Rian.

Bangbangbangbangbang.

Song of the Day or Dave and Violins

2007-05-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

Isn't it strange
How we move our lives for another day
Like skipping a beat
What if a great wave should wash us all away
Just thinking out loud
Don't mean to dwell on this dying thing
But looking at blood
It's alive right now
Deep and sweet within
Pouring through our veins
Intoxicate moving wine to tears
Drinking it deep
Then an evening spent dancing
It's you and me

This love will open our world
From the dark side we can see a glow of something bright
There's much more than we see here
Don't burn the day away
Is this not enough
This blessed sip of life
Is it not enough
Staring down at the ground
Oh then complain and pray more from above
Greedy little pig
Stop just watch your world trickle away
Oh it's your problem now
It'll all be dead and gone in a few short years

Just love will open our eyes
Just love will put the hope in our minds
Much more than we could ever know
Don't burn the day away
Come sister my brother
Shake up your bones shake up your feet
I'm saying open up
And let the rain come pouring in
Wash out this tired notion
That the best is yet to come
But while you're dancing on the ground
Don't think of when you're gone

Love love what more is there
We need the light of love in here
Don't beat your head
Dry your eyes
Let the love in there
There are bad times
But that's ok
Just look for love in it
Don't burn the day away

Look
Here are we
On this starry night staring into space
And I must sayI feel as small as dust
Lying down here
What point could there be troubling
Head down wondering what will become of me
Why concern we cannot see
But no reason to abandon it
Time is short but that's all right
Maybe I'll go in the middle of the night
Take your hands from your eyes, my love
Everything must end some time
Don't burn the day away

Come sister my brother
Shake up your bones shake up your feet
I'm saying open up
And let the rain come flooding in
Wash out this tired notion
That the best is yet to come
But while you're dancing on the ground
Don't think of when you're gone

Love love what more is there
We need the light of love in here
Don't beat your head
Dry your eyes
Let the love in there
There are bad times
But that's ok
Just look for love in it

- Pig

Abode, Painted*

2007-05-20T15:24:00.001-07:00

* with Highly Paid Gardener

Sheer Terror

2007-05-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

"Thanks for sending the questionnaire. I've attached our first draft of a "media kit". I would appreciate it if you would give us some feed back and point up the errors and omissions that need to be corrected ... as well as any additional information you feel we should include. Perhaps a new photograph?

Would you also consider organizing a book launch, bookstore readings and media events in and around Spokane during October/November? We can help with this, but it is best if you can take the lead and focus on your local stores and media.

We will arrange to send out review copies and contact the SF community.

Do you know that the World SF Convention will be in Denver in 2008? They are always looking for authors to sit on panels and it might be fun to be one of the panelists if you intend to go to the con.

Edits will be on the way to you this coming week.

best,"

Trimmed

2007-05-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

Reasons Why

2007-05-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

This Frightens Rian

2007-04-30T17:00:00.001-07:00

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/04/11/neighbours_hell/

Slowly But Surely

2007-04-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

The shelflets are in. They took a long time to stain, poor Rian. Next weekend the trim. And then all the lonely DVDs can be hauled back up from the basement.

Things To Do Whilst You Are Alive

2007-04-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

(from a Visa add)

- Learn to fly-fish at Inverlochy Castle

- Visit an uninhabited island

- Celebrate St. Patty's Day in Dublin

- Deep-sea fish and eat your catch

- Camp on Seven Mile Beach

- Write a screenplay

- See the Leaning Tower of Pisa

- Drink a margarita on the Isla Margarita

- Shoot a hole in one

- Watch a space shuttle launch

- See a penguin in its natural habitat

- Climb an eighteener

- Travel with handmade fitted luggage

- Find the Big Dipper

- Look down from the Cliffs of Moher

- Take your parents on vacation

- Eat an insect

- Run with the bulls in Pamplona

- Attend an Argentine Polo Championships

- Win a karaoke contest

- Have a museum all to yourself

Rian's list is somewhat different. I have already eaten a bug. And Rian had to look up the Cliffs of Moher.

House Paint

2007-04-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Rian is having the exterior of the Abode painted next week. (If Rian can lasso the Evil Painter).

I need to choose a colour.

http://www3.sherwin.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/paint_color_palette/color_themes/arts/ext_arts.jsp

Does THAT linky work, Muffintoes?

Possible Truths

2007-04-17T17:29:00.001-07:00

"Frodo failed - Bush has The Ring."

- Bumper Sticker

More Reasons Why

2007-04-16T21:46:00.001-07:00

www.flor.com

Reasons Why

2007-04-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.spa-resorts-west.com/ojaivalley.html

Funerals...

2007-04-01T11:02:00.000-07:00

...turn surprisingly different after one has watched Six Feet Under.

One...or at least this One...spends much of the time eyeing the shiny casket and wondering what brand name it has. One also spends some time wondering if one's grandmother has been beautified even though it is not an open viewing. I do know she was wearing a lovely suit beneath the closed lid.

One also eyes the undertaker with curiosity. Our undertaker was no Nathaniel or David or Rico. He did, however, wear a black top hat and ride a Harley.

One also finds it a ttch odd when the deceased's name is thine own. Tis rather like attending my own funeral in advance.

There was a blanket of pick roses over the casket...and hydrangea.

Possible Truths

2007-03-25T20:17:00.000-07:00

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble."

- Helen Keller

Spring

2007-03-22T20:02:00.000-07:00

Rian's mother's mother died this afternoon. She was a lucky woman who led a good life. Rian shall miss her.

Drat.

2007-03-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

Rian's old publisher is making noises again. This puts Rian in a Bad Mood.

A) Because they tend to pop up and make noises every once in a while until Rian ignores them or signs something and

B) Because the book they want to put on the shelves again is one Rian is not proud of. It feels rather like being asked to post naked pictures of one's worst Chicken Poxesque day online and

C) Because the three hours Friday morning Rian has recently started realloting Self for enjoyable writing (I.E. Bliss) will no doubt be taken up by revisiting old stuff if Rian canna ignore them into silence again.

Truth be told, this morning Rian did not exactly ignore. Rian mailed back: "I can't say I think this manuscript is in publishable form." Rian had to look up the spelling of 'publishable' so as to not look the complete fool.

Winners Long and Short

2007-03-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

Neigh

2007-03-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

Possible Truths

2007-03-11T20:48:00.001-07:00

"You can live with dignity, we can't die with it."

- House

Reasons Why

2007-03-01T15:53:00.000-08:00

It Sucks

2007-02-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

Rian's New Vacuum:

http://www.dyson.com/range/feature_frame.asp?model=DC17-ANIMAL&sinavtype=pagelink

Today's Helpless Mantra

2007-02-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

To be said in Black tones:

I shall not fall prey to petty hurts and jealousies. I shall not fall prey to petty hurts and jealousies. I shall not fall prey to...

Big Box, Niched

2007-02-24T20:25:00.000-08:00

It is surprisingly Large, especially when one is trying to lift it straight eight inches off the floor over the baseboard and onto the built in pedestal.

Also, the room is so small Rian could not zoom out enough to get the entire thing. But I am pleased.

And once I craft the actual shelves and then put up surrounding trim it will look indeed as thought it Belongs.

And...Flowyks...Rian is already mentally picking Books That Deserve The Shelf.

Possible Truths

2007-02-23T09:20:00.001-08:00

"In vino veritas."

Asana

2007-02-22T17:51:00.000-08:00

"Asana means seat or position. Asana refers to the full expression of mind-body integration in which you become consciously aware of the flow of life energy in your body. Performing asanas in full awareness is practice for performing actions in life with awareness."

- Maharishi Patanjali

Box, Half Stained

2007-02-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

In order to build shelves, one must first build a Very Big Box.

Possible Truths

2007-02-15T12:31:00.000-08:00

"What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it's all about?"

- Bumper Sticker

Young Black Sheep

2007-02-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

About a month ago Young Black Sheep reluctantly checked himSelf into inpatient therapy.

Last week, during a birthday party, his parents mentioned that in a month or two he may be moving into a supervised living situation. Which costs money. Like the inpatient therapy.

Apparently insurance does not pay a very large percentage of the cost. So YBS's parents are now thinking that they may have to sell their lovely family home to pay for his care.

Why, Rian wonders, does one have children at all? Surely they are only doomed to break the heart.

T(Rian)L

2007-02-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

http://www.himalayanacademy.com/basics/point/index.html

Room, Finished.

2007-02-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Shelves Begun.

2007-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Possible Truths

2007-01-28T21:05:00.000-08:00

"Yeah, that’s me: all-powerful; bending the will of the world by my mere presence."

- The West Wing

Baffled

2007-01-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

Rian is stuck in the snow again, and now Rian is wondering:

Why will earbuds never stay in Rian's ears?

Chest Bee

2007-01-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Chest Embellishments

2007-01-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

O Canada

2007-01-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Apparently the annual Firm retreat has been long ago paid for in full, and so the Spousal Bus is still on. Rian fears I may be the only one riding, and that there may be Fist Fights on the Laaawyer Greyhound. Also, the fellow in charge of making such trips go smoothly was fired this week. As was the creature in charge of procuring food and drink.
Next weekend shall indeed be an adventure.
As an aside, Rian is crackberrying this entry whilst stuck outside in Too Much Snow.

Numbing

2007-01-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Rian's mother's mother is in the hospital again, this time with a kidney infection and swollen liver.

The doctor has - again - claimed she has mere days to live.

Rian's uncle was - again - weeping on the telephone.

As this is the third or fourth time the doctor has told us to prepare for the worst, Rian is beginning to think of him as The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Or the Very Pessimistic Doctor.

This, of course, makes Rian feel gently guilty.

What Do Ye See?

2007-01-14T20:16:00.000-08:00

Perking Along

2007-01-12T11:04:00.000-08:00

Bake Rian A Cake...

2007-01-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

Follow Thy Dreams

2007-01-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago, perhaps even whilst Rian was visiting chezbob, I dreampt that I had built and painted and decoupaged* a doll/keepsake chest for Princess Little Person for her upcoming birthday. I could see the chest clearly, just as I saw Katherine Grace before she was born and new her name.

The building bit is out of the question, but this morning Rian toodled off to an unfinished furniture store and found a chest. This afternoon Rian picked up paint.

I know nothing about decoupage. I canna even say it. And I have yet to figure out how to paint a steady monogram on the top...Rian supposes computers and stencils will come into it. What is life if not one big dream chase-ed?

*cut outs pasted and then shellacked onto furniture, thusly immating art.

Things Remembered

2007-01-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

The blazing fire on MR's hearth and Keppet's adverse reaction.

A real 'English Fry Up' cooked deftly by Keppet on the World's Smallest Gas Oven.

Darjeeling tea...it has an actual TASTE, yes?

A red telephone booth.

The local bookstore and the World's Most Uninventoried Salad Spoons found within.

The homeless man found without and his comments on Keppet's low, dark energy. She had better change it before she 'passes on'.

Sunlight.

The Cat Who Could Be Charmed.

Keppet seated on her bed hemming a red silk gown with long pale hands.

'Lamb fat' in the fridge. Rian wondered where she had hid the poor lamb bones.

MR's angels.

A train ride Interrupted.

A taxi ride Zigzagging.

Pommegranit Ma...Ma...Masomethings.

Dancing with a disco ball attired Russian.

The first and only Rian witnessed stretching line for the MALE toilets. What, they had only one urinal?

Returning alone from the female toilets only to be accosted by a drunk cowboy, arms stretched wide: "Where have you been all my life?"

The revolving skyscraper.

Top of the Mark...Rian's new Abode.

Did Keppet snore in the towncar home? Or was that MR?

Tales of a Virtual Birthday Cake.

Mater's Moravian Delight. Where IS Moravia?

Sunlight. Again.

Keppet being passed Red Velvet Birthday cake by a complete stranger. She seems to attract them. Complete strangers, Rian means.

Blue Sun tshirts.

The spray can in The Dream's Trunk protesting Rian's overloaded suitcase. And Keppet cursing!

...Rian left a razor in MR's shower. Now I fear Keppet will produce Spoilt Clones from Rian's underarm DNA. Blech.

Smiling Birthday Child With Mater's Cake And Beautiful MR

2007-01-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Thank The Small Gods It Is Official

2007-01-08T21:29:00.000-08:00

Upon Discovering chezbob Is More Of A bobhacienda

2007-01-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

And this picture show not the POOL.

LibraryThunk

2007-01-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

As - probably because Rian is still on Ye Olde Blogger - the library thing icon no longer updates, and Rian has gotten tired of feeling as though I should still be reading about Marie...

The record must be set straight.

Several millions of books past Marie and now Rian is reading The Fledgling by Butler.

I am half way through and have not decided what I think of it.

Ah! But! Mater DID like The Sparrow, which is not at all related, despite the birdy titles.

Reasons Why

2007-01-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2006/12/31.html#recap

What Rian Does For Joy And Bliss

2006-12-31T23:01:00.000-08:00

And So This Is Christmas...

2006-12-31T23:00:00.000-08:00

Elves

2006-12-31T22:59:00.001-08:00

Making Gingerbread Men

2006-12-31T22:59:00.000-08:00

Going Through The...Mail

2006-12-30T16:17:00.000-08:00

As printed on a purple, yellow butterfly embellished notecard:

Thank you for your thoughtful-ness & generosity. I really appreciate you all thinking of me.

With my gratitude,

Your letter carrier -

Jerry

Blips II

2006-12-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

Several Senior Lawyers have decided to leave The Firm this morning. Althoug not unexpected, Rian has decided this is Rude.They might have waited until after Christmas to start disintegrating our livlihood and thusly spared Santa Rian a giant headache.

Blips

2006-12-18T17:39:00.000-08:00

The one hour wait on the Seattle tarmac after baggage cart tangled with the aeroplane - which Rian does not remember.

The black bruise blooming on Rian's right wrist, result of a luggage accident Rian also does not remember.

The purple PT Cruiser clone Hertz decided met Rian's SUV request. Rian feels like playing the Beach Boys loudly whilst wearing a green clown wig.

The great Lenox hunt in Newport at South Coast Plaza. Rian thought of the OC and thusly jesic.

Trying on a 3000 dollar blouse and Wondering.

"Is that Newboy?!"

Wills.

A herd of electric reindeer.

Hot air balloons over the still ocean at sunset.

Reasons Why

2006-12-10T14:56:00.000-08:00

http://guitar.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.geocities.com/etheltheaardvark/newsong9998.htm

Santa Feline

2006-12-08T17:35:00.001-08:00

Grinch Feline

2006-12-08T17:35:00.000-08:00

Sheep-esque

2006-12-07T21:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.broadwaycenter.org/season/06-07_13_mct.asp

This is what Katherine, and by extension, of course, RIAN has been doing all week long, only on a much smaller local scale.

Performances are on Saturday. No doubt Rian shall be attending all of them. By evening I shall BAH with the best.

Mmm. Also, Rian cut my finger trying to attach miniature Christmas lights to a card today.

Remember Rian's Imperfections

2006-12-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

"Flat, manipulative, and spineless."

Mr. Incredible

2006-12-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Someone Else lost Aidan today in the Spokaloo Arena, whilst trying to exit Disney on Ice.

Luckily for all involved, we now have the child back.

Possible Truths

2006-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

"It was usual in her life for her small size and delicate strength to pass unnoticed, taken for granted but rarely relevant, like an unwillingness to eat eels."

- THE GLASS BOOKS OF THE DREAM EATERS

The Rian Doppleganger Dr. Lorimer Found

2006-11-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/30/fashion/30online.html?_r=2&8dpc&oref=slogin&oref=slogin