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Until 1967, Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It is a day to commemorate all the men and women who have fallen in the line of duty, been killed during a war being fought by American US troops, and for those who have been hurt, injured or maimed while defending our country. It is also to celebrate our war heroes and the decorated men and women who have had medals bestowed on them. It is a day to remember all of our men and women who serve, stateside and overseas, and who are still in harm’s way.

blogcatalog.com, BlogCatalog, May 2010

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I’m Ready For Seconds

So as you can tell, we did go to the first showing of Sex and The City 2. Honestly, I have waited to see this ever since I walked out of the Regal Cinema two years ago. I remember getting into my car, starting it up, blasting the air-conditioner and thinking, “Wow, I wonder if they will make a sequel.”  Well, they did and it took them two years to release number 2. It was worth the wait and without giving anything away, I will say that the part I least enjoyed was where the writer and director made Samantha look too overboard in her persona and obvious rebellion. That is one part I would have re-written. Since the movie is set in the Middle Eastern region, most us us were already bringing our shoulders up to our ears, sliding down in our seats and thinking, “Oh boy, Samantha really won’t fit into their society where “women are not to be seen or heard, outside of the home”. We were correct in dreading the inevitable moment when Samantha “clashed” with these Titans.

It wasn’t hard to become engrossed in the high fashion these ladies and their cast were donning throughout the entire film. The designer showed us why going to lunch in the desert, via posh sedans and camel rides, took three outfits each for the foursome. The hair and makeup crew were working overtime and even the hotel staff was dressed in equally impressive uniforms. Really chic, very expensive and super classy.

While the action was ongoing, it was difficult to look away from the women and the way they handled themselves and posed for us. So, nice surprise for me, when I purchased our tickets (My husband was parking the car), I ended up with a FREE MOVIE TICKET! This will be used so I can go see the movie again, and this time I will be paying particular attention to the background scenery. I intend to catch the expressions on the faces of the other characters and their reactions to these gorgeous women. The men are really handsome as well and BIG is ooh … even Bigger than ever. He and Carrie make such a good couple.

For any of you who have watched the coming attractions, you’ll already know that Carrie runs into Aiden, her former lover, in the middle of the market. What a coincidence! He looks smashing and deeply tanned. That’s all I’ll say about that, but I want to see it again.

I’ll admit that I liked the movie and will see it a few times before I purchase the DVD. The story line wasn’t strong as the first film, but it’s our four friends and their lives, their guys, and sometimes, with all the crazy things happening in the world today, we should allow ourselves to get Carried Away. Go see SATC2 and have some fun.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Even the clothes in the Sex and the City 2 are a drag. (slate.com)
• Scarecrow suggests | Like ‘Sex and the City 2′? Try ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ ‘The September Issue’ and other fashionable DVDs (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Today’s SATC2 Day!

Movie time today 11:50 AM, I already checked. Two long years later and today is the day. To say I love the idea of these four fast friends and beautiful NYC, the fashion and the on-going story is an understatement. I promise to write all about the movie later this afternoon. I have to try to go to sleep now and know there is something exciting to wake up to do, like Christmas Day!

Neat Clutter

I was talking about all of the Post-it stickies I have all over my desk yesterday and a little while ago, my eye caught sight of this lovely Chicago coffee mug, which as given to me by a former and dear work colleague. I liked it so well that I decided a few years back to keep in on my desk, so I would be able to look at it and think about all of the good laughs we had together.

At some point I must have agreed with myself to use it as a handy pencil and pen holder, and not as a drinking container. From time- to-time, I find that I will grab a writing tool only to discover it no longer works. Instead of discarding the unusable item, I place it back into the mug and continue my frantic search until I have found one that still writes. Along the way, I have added a few other items to my mug, even squeezed them in, because I can look at them, too. I guarantee if you tried to write with more than half of these pencils or pens, you would soon find they don’t work.

The question remains: Why do I not toss them out? I don’t know. I even paper clipped a few doodles I well … doodled back in June 2002. My pass to BBC 2003 and the memory of where I drank tea with milk. No, I didn’t want the milk but the receptionist insisted. Terrible experience for one who only drinks plain tea, but the London excursion, business for the husband and fun for me, is another reason this souvenir is in my coffee mug. I am a collector of mementos and freely admit to still having my old boyfriend’s love letters and photos, too. I did warn my husband I would never get rid of those. He’s not concerned.

I have my personal treasure troves and memories. I take them out and dust them off sometimes, and you may be certain I shall never toss those away. I’ll think about the non-working writing utensils … but that’s it!

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I found this fascinating quote today: Story: “William Shatner’s New Enterprise”

Well after all this, many magazine ads and commercials, William Shatner has landed smack dab in the middle of a hot new show, that promises to have us talking even before the pilot is aired this fall season. ABC News reports, The Parents Television Council is already up in arms and complaining about the title of the show, “S**t My Dad Says”, and threatens action if it airs before 10 PM. You tell me that those very parents don’t ever say the “S” word” around their kids. Right. This funny show was developed from a wildly popular Twitter account of the same name.blogcatalog.com, BlogCatalog, May 2010

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Love That Chicken!

Juicy chicken is the ultimate mouthful, and a bowl of freshly tossed green salad with additions balanced things out. I’ll have a piece of French baguette with some Boursin garlic cheese later, with some red wine.

What My Postman Delivered!

What an exceptional and lovely surprise! Chef Clive Berkman, author of “Empty Bottle Moments”, was so generous to send me a copy of his cookbook. Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing and getting to know more about him. You can read the interview on BlogCatalog’s Blog. We had a good time together and I cannot wait to grab my reading glases and see what’s inside. Thanks Chef!

Pink HandFish

This is one fish that won’t be on the menu. Since the fish is pink, I like to think of her as a pretty cute fish. Found only in the Australian Seas, close to Tasmania, this sea creature might not have her sea legs, but she definitely has her sea hands. Look, she is using them to walk along the reefs. Click on the photograph to see if it will enlarge. It appears that she might be using her bottom fins to help balance her, much as we use our feet, and the nose shape looks eerily human, and the lips, well looks as if she would like to give us a kiss. I think she is fabulous! Here is the latest news.

Costal Italy

I would love to sit here and watch the water. I really love the rocks and the soft hues of the sea. It feels like a safe place to be and the light grayish-green against the light turquoise draws me in. I feel as if I could jump into the water and not be afraid of sea creatures.

Raindrops On Roses

Ever give any thought as to the amount of work it takes for one flower to bloom? As soon as I saw this white rose, I thought of a ballerina prancing and twirling across a lake. The droplets of water brought to mind a beautiful long-neck swan gliding in the sunlight. There is precision, balance, joy and elegance combined in this five inch wide expression. I would call it perfection in her glory. A work of art. More exotic than Cleopatra and more stunning than Mona Lisa.

Intensely intricate in the shading of whites and the beads of water are resting on petals, as if someone had placed them there. Its fragrance would be sweet and the softness warmed by the rays of the far away sun. There is the possibility it is also a home, albeit short-lived, for whisper-light insects that drink the flower’s nectar and sleeps down inside, lying protected for a few days relief. What a surreal place to call home.

Friendship

There is love in this photograph. Love, and trust, adventure, fun and friendship. I get a lot of joy when I see shots of Earth’s inhabitants joining together and partnering up. I wonder how long it took this boy to convince his Llama he could surf. Imagine! I don’t think I could surf and here they are, the two of them riding on top of the wave. Don’t they look intent and confident? What an awesome pic!

Wherever You Are

I spent the last days camped out beside my Mother’s bed. These last hours are the ones still raw, still fresh and are with me even now. Recited prayers, combing her hair, watching her chest move rapidly, her breath steady yet quick. I read her favorite passages of scripture and prayed the prayers she taught us as children, I talked to her and prayed necessary words she could no longer say. I blessed her and made her as comfortable as I could, I tried to keep her with me, but I knew I must let her go. My heart is heavy now, as I recall the tearing sounds that echoed through my body, a silent screaming of denial, a child’s pleading with the universe to guide her way. I asked repeatedly for her to watch over me and to never forget the bond we share. I promised to find her again, and asked that she never forget me, her daughter, her last born, her true friend. I was there to bring her comfort and to hold her hands in mine, to pet her brow and to assure her she was not alone. I reminded her of our loved ones who were going to take her hand from mine and lead her to the oneness of light. I repeated the words in the same way she did for me when I was young, and I thanked her for the love she gave unconditionally, the love that is with me still. I sang her favorite songs and choked back hot tears which spilled unchecked down my sad face. And when at last she struggled from this world to the next, I lay crying against her breast one last time and said my heartfelt goodbyes. Wherever you are my sweet Mother dear, remember you are with me everyday right inside my heart. Remember me and know I promise to find you again. Love, Theresa

This is the fourth Mother’s Day without you. Wherever you are right now, Happy Mother’s Day.

May 8th Help Stamp Out Hunger

Everybody grab a clean brown grocery bag, and go through your cupboards to choose some (check the expiration dates), non-perishable foods to leave for your postal carrier. Tomorrow they will pick up and deliver these bags of food items to a local shelter or food bank in your area.

This is a way to help your community and allow another family to appreciate their Mother this Mother’s Day, with something good to eat. Who knows? Perhaps your very own next door neighbor is having trouble making ends meet, and could use a helping hand. Reach out, extend practical help and enjoy your weekend. Thanks for reading.

Mama Teesa’s Pasta Serenade

Pasta Serenade

1/2 box Pasta of your choice

2 cups raw red cabbage

1 very large onion

1 avocado

1/2 red bell pepper sliced

4 cloves crushed garlic

20 grape tomatoes

1/3 cup + olive oil

Kosher salt & ground pepper

Parsley dried or fresh

1) Boil water for the pasta and right before it comes to a boil, add two tablespoons of salt.

2) Using a large saute` skillet, heat olive oil.

3) Cut up onion, red pepper and red cabbage. Cooking them together might transfer some of the color from the cabbage to your onion. This is perfectly fine. Add the cabbage first and cook for three to four minutes minutes before adding the red pepper and the onion.

4) Add the grape tomatoes and crush the garlic. Wait two minutes before adding the garlic, salt and pepper.

5) Add more olive oil if you need more. I usually do.

6) Add pasta and cook.

7) Scoop out the avocado from the skin and discard the seed. Add to skillet and gently toss for twenty seconds.

8) Drain pasta leaving some of the pasta water, in case you wish to add some back to the skillet.  Add Pasta to skillet and gently toss.

9) Plate and serve adding parsley on top. Enjoy.

* For lots of fast, easy and delicious meals visit Half Hour Meals today.

Fruit Salad

Springtime always makes me yearn for the freshness of the garden. Baby spinach, fruit and their juices, combined with red wine vinegar, olive oil and a little dash of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Tossed for ten to fifteen seconds in order to gently coat the food and you are ready.

A lovely way to garnish this dish is to grate parmesan cheese on top and serve in abundance. This way the main meal can be smaller portions and finer cuts of protein. Just out of the oven baked bread with a jam can be all the dessert you need to round off your meal.

For those of you who like a glass of wine, fruit always lends itself as a complement and balance for blended enjoyment. May is a perfect month to get into the mode of preparing salads to satisfy one’s hunger and to eat less of the fattening portions we seem to pile on our plates during those dark winter months.

For many delicious dishes shared by bloggers, visit Half Hour Meals today.