From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=50">MichaelT()</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Misti, Chris, Gala, BK, Scqueen, all ~ I've found that after making an absolute fool of myself on the discussion boards last year to not be lastingly offended at the comments people direct at each other on the board. I try not to get too involved because I'm really busy, I'm in a fairly healthy loving friendship right now, and frankly, I just can't get upset or take sides about something that doesn't bother me. I don't like it when people call each other names, but I spend so little time reading the board other than for pointers to good poems and to thank my few compliments that I can't even keep track of who's upset with who. Misti and Chris I really admire you guys and your work and love and the way you guys do the "partner in crime" thing so well. And if being touchy about snide comments on the board based on past history was a crime, they would have put me in jail for life. :-) Thankfully, nobody's bleeding and nobody's getting sued.<BR>
<BR>
Gala, I greatly admire your art, though I've sometimes found your way and words to be very elven (a little cool, distant, imperious). I'm sure they're part of the strong, bossy, elven queen majestrix thing you got going on. I agree with your attitude of not caring much what drama unfolds on the board. Our lives and the people we care about are so much more important than the hurts we inflict upon each other here. I hope your kids and husband are well. <BR>
<BR>
SCqueen, bk, more people than I can remember - Who cares how many multiple personalities are spouting off and patting themselves on the back or talking gibberish? Heck I don't even see the comments of people I don't know until I start to recognize the name. I'm not ignoring people -- I just don't have time. And about the hurtful comments on both sides -- it's been an emotional past month and we're all a little shaken by the possibility of losing loved ones, the suddenly real and very scary possibility of losing our jobs with the economy going to heck, and the terrifying idea of dying under a flaming airplane. Let's focus on the things that matter. Life, living, and Love. And don't forget the Mariners. (I just had to throw that one in -- and I'm not even a real fan. :-)<BR>
<BR>
I admire the work of all of you and think that if you were all in a room together we'd all be nice and pleasant and civil and friendly enough. Something about the emotion we let out in this forum and the percieved anonymity of the net lets us say things we wouldn't say to people if we saw each other's hurt looks. And makes us remember hurts that were made a long time ago that twinge at the echo of a past insult. Either way -- let's not take ourselves too seriously? <BR>
<BR>
Now somebody said there was a lot of good poetry this week. Anyone care to give me some more pointers to it?
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=416">dudeonguitar</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Hey blenderites,<BR>
<BR>
Nice to be back, after being away for, geez, 5 years? I'm not really part of what seems to be a message board group here, but I hope you won't mind reading my comments anyway.<BR>
<BR>
The last time I was at the blender, I was getting over some major heartbreak. I figure I'm not wrong when I assume that the blender is not only for those who are envelloped by love but also those who have their noses pressed up against the proverbial glass.<BR>
<BR>
So basically my story, if you don't mind hearing it, is that I've been to the top of the highest mountain and I don't know if any other view will ever be the same again. There hasn't been a single day in 5 years when I haven't thought about how good I once had it.<BR>
<BR>
Now I'm tortured by my own eyes, the smells around me, just the presence of beautiful women (girls maybe, I'm not a geezer just yet!). Part of me wants so much to connect with someone like that again, and the other part punishes me for even thinking that anything could make me feel the way I did when I was with Anna.<BR>
<BR>
As far as I can see, it will never stop. I'll always be divided, one part of me going one way and the other pulling back with equal force. The result is nothing but alot of ripped phsycological flesh. Ever since her, me heart has been immovable. In motion for a short time but always stopped. I can fool myself into thinking the same feeling will come, but it never does. <BR>
<BR>
Thank god for the guitar (as you've probably guessed by my screen name), or I would have jumped out a window a long time ago! <BR>
<BR>
I'm not trying to write poetry here or get anyone to to feel sorry for me. I guess the allure of this board is that some of you might actually say what you think.<BR>
<BR>
How can I get free of this?
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=17">deevaa</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

ah Michael -- I'd hazard a guess at it being in the direction of the new subs board.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=50">MichaelT()</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Dee ~ yeah I'm saying too much. That's why I try to say so little on the board..
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=74">Echolocation</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Oh, good stuff.  Must comment again...<BR>
<BR>
Misti - <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.28.10.52.11223">Grandma Has Nothing to Do With Romance</a> - brilliant!  Scarlett O'Hara did indeed go to charm school and excel at every lesson -- but as you point out, did it make her happy in the end?  (No, you have to go to Alexandra what's-her-name's cheap imitation sequel for a sham happy ending.)  Charm is definitely overrated.  Then again, aren't we all guilty of tossing our hair and saying, "Fiddle-de-dee, I'll think about that tomorrow" on occasion?<BR>
<BR>
Charade - <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.25.08.48.30854">Amusement Park Love</a> - mine all seem to be one Tilt-A-Whirl after another.  Anyone know any nice Amish Buggy Rides?  Or any Long Slow Walks?  Anything that doesn't go in circles...<BR>
<BR>
Gala - <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.24.09.35.29531">No Head for Liquor</a> - Love this one - makes me think of those bumper stickers, "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay off the porch."  Also <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.22.06.41.8936">Knowing</a> -  This cuts straight to the heart of how sex is almost never "just sex", and should be a great "caveat emptor" to both genders :)<BR>
<BR>
Faith - <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.28.21.41.30679">Obscure Reality</a> - Great first contribution, hope you stay around a while<BR>
<BR>
MichaelT() - <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.29.00.41.18177">Wanted: Partner in crime</a> - This is like an anti-version of that goofy Pina Colada song.   I think I can do all that except reload a gun, but then I've never tried, I might be able to do that too.  Keep up the madness!  (Oh, and did I mention <a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.26.04.24.6982">Walk it off</a>?  Sound advice for us all...)<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=17">deevaa</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Michael, I wasn't saying you talk to much, I was attempting humour... however since my face is about to explode (impacted wisdom teeth) my judgement on what is funny is probably a little off right now.<BR>
<BR>
take care of your heart.<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=17">deevaa</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

btw: I've just finished updating my homepage, the archives (1998 - 2000) paintings aren't done yet, but all of my current work has been added as well as a (I think) funky new over all design.. check it out if you want, I've not added any poetry pages as yet... I'm not sure I will at the moment.<BR>
<BR>
http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/~deevaa
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=355">little_blue_man</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

****angieubaldo*****<BR>
<BR>
Invite Your Audiance Carefully had a personal meaning for me. I know that from what I read it was not written by you, but thanks for posting it anyway. It was something I really needed to read.<BR>
<BR>
little_blue_man<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Michael~<BR>
You made a good point. If we were all in a room together, we would be civil and decent. I was thinking about that yesterday at work. I'm always amazed at how quickly things can get out of control here. I see sides to myself that I'd rather not see. Reminds me of that "Twilight Zone" episode called "The Monsters On Maple Street" or whatever, where all the neighbors start going crazy, accusing each other of being aliens from outer space. Funny yet unsettling.<BR>
<BR>
Echolocation~<BR>
Thanks for the compliment on the Grandma poem. I actually admired Scarlett when I was a teenager. I wanted to grow up to be Scarlett. I was Melanie with Scarlett aspirations. But now that I've lived a little I see what a caricature Scarlett truly is.<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

P.S. Michael, just read your latest. Loved 'em all, and I think it's cool that you were inspired by me and Chris in *Partner in Crime* :)<BR>
Have you read the latest *Talk* magazine? Great story in there about Billy Bob and Angelina Jolie. 
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=10">Galadrial</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Michael,<BR>
<BR>
             A while back, I used to sign things "Elven Imperatrix, Elven Information Officer..." In other words, E-I-E-I-O-----as in Old Mc Donald had a farm? It was a personal spoof, because I was rolling on the floor about another site i was posting to, where everyone tried to be pretend royalty....in most places I am Gala The Halfling...<BR>
doesn't sound too imperious to me...<BR>
<BR>
             Just goes to show you that little in jokes can cost you, I guess...and thanks Mike. 
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=396">Tangerine</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

To Angieubaldo ~<BR>
<BR>
<a href="/blend/wv.cgi?id=2001.09.29.03.35.1283">invite your audience carefully</a> words of truth have never been better said.....<BR>
<BR>
Negative people do indeed drain you of energy !!!<BR>
<BR>
Thank you so much for sharing.....<BR>
<BR>
T.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Misti,<BR>
<BR>
I started to write back immediately but then thought better to wait and see. I then read what you called me in the Blender and I laughed so hard. I guess I had never been called that before and it seemed comical that me, the queen of marshmallow cream had just become A BITCH.  WOW, I love it!  I even had to call people and tell them I was so proud. They laughed even harder than I did. So, I reveled in it a bit before I sat down to write back.  (Wow, me a bitch) cool, ha.<BR>
<BR>
Misti, Chris you too. It is almost 3am and I just read what Michael wrote and it makes sense.  I work in insurance claims and the whole world is reeling from what happened.  At first they were in shock but this past week they have been so angry and spiteful needing to lash out somehow.<BR>
<BR>
I have talked to firefighters at ground zero, parents that have lost family, surgeons picking through the body parts looking for clues.  We cry, we pray, we laugh and Thank God that they got out alive.  Every time I pick up a phone and it’s a NYC number I take a deep breath knowing its going to wear me down but good.  But it’s not just NYC, it’s the whole country, reeling from the repercussions and scared to death.  So with this Michael has a very valid point, because in the scheme of things, this is not even Ground Zero dust. <BR>
<BR>
It is very hard for me to get that angry.  Only losing our world the way we know it.  Our freedoms and our economy.  Stock market money down the tubes, social security probably up in new armament smoke.  You know small things that make even smaller things look big.<BR>
<BR>
You are young, and you will learn, that if you keep banging your head the same way then you need to watch your head. We all had to learn that, most of us still have the lumps to prove it.  I am not going to keep flogging a dead horse here.  Let’s just get new ones and ride on.  Riding with the wind or against it, it is your choices and a hell of a lot of luck that carry you through this life.  So apology accepted, and please accept mine in return. <BR>
<BR>
I wish you both only the best. I admire your gutsy rebel attitude. I recognize it clearly and you are right we do not know one another. I hope you do not leave the blender, I think that would be a mistake, but that’s your choice.<BR>
<BR>
I think that Kirk should give us a blender chat room so we can all duke it out in person!<BR>
HA if we had a chance to talk about it then probably this would have never happened.  (Maybe when we hit two million huh?)  <BR>
<BR>
You know I have always enjoyed your writing and the Blender is one great place for Poetry<BR>
<BR>
Take Care Misti,<BR>
<BR>
THE BITCH (I had to say it one more time!)  Ha, B.K.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
--- Misti Lake &lt;[email-masked]&gt; wrote:<BR>
&gt; BK,<BR>
&gt; I had to come home for lunch early because I didn't<BR>
&gt; want to cry in front of <BR>
&gt; my coworkers. I hate that all this ugliness has<BR>
&gt; ensued and I do apologize <BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Misti,<BR>
<BR>
I started to write back immediately but then thought better to wait and see. I then read what you called me in the Blender and I laughed so hard. I guess I had never been called that before and it seemed comical that me, the queen of marshmallow cream had just become A WITCH.  WOW, I love it!  I even had to call people and tell them I was so proud. They laughed even harder than I did. So, I reveled in it a bit before I sat down to write back.  (Wow, me a witch) cool, ha.<BR>
<BR>
Misti, Chris you too. It is almost 3am and I just read what Michael wrote and it makes sense.  I work in insurance claims and the whole world is reeling from what happened.  At first they were in shock but this past week they have been so angry and spiteful needing to lash out somehow.<BR>
<BR>
I have talked to firefighters at ground zero, parents that have lost family, surgeons picking through the body parts looking for clues.  We cry, we pray, we laugh and Thank God that they got out alive.  Every time I pick up a phone and it’s a NYC number I take a deep breath knowing its going to wear me down but good.  But it’s not just NYC, it’s the whole country, reeling from the repercussions and scared to death.  So with this Michael has a very valid point, because in the scheme of things, this is not even Ground Zero dust. <BR>
<BR>
It is very hard for me to get that angry.  Only losing our world the way we know it.  Our freedoms and our economy.  Stock market money down the tubes, social security probably up in new armament smoke.  You know small things that make even smaller things look big.<BR>
<BR>
You are young, and you will learn, that if you keep banging your head the same way then you need to watch your head. We all had to learn that, most of us still have the lumps to prove it.  I am not going to keep flogging a dead horse here.  Let’s just get new ones and ride on.  Riding with the wind or against it, it is your choices and a hell of a lot of luck that carry you through this life.  So apology accepted, and please accept mine in return. <BR>
<BR>
I wish you both only the best. I admire your gutsy rebel attitude. I recognize it clearly and you are right we do not know one another. I hope you do not leave the blender, I think that would be a mistake, but that’s your choice.<BR>
<BR>
I think that Kirk should give us a blender chat room so we can all duke it out in person!<BR>
HA if we had a chance to talk about it then probably this would have never happened.  (Maybe when we hit two million huh?)  <BR>
<BR>
You know I have always enjoyed your writing and the Blender is one great place for Poetry<BR>
<BR>
Take Care Misti,<BR>
<BR>
B.K.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>

<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=2">scqueen</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Madi ~ 'Fusion' is beautifully written. I have been tossing around the word 'umber' lately myself. That is just the coolest word. The new Restoration Hardware catalog has these pear-shaped candles in amber and umber. Probably what got me started :-) Anyway, nice one! And good to see you back.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=10">Galadrial</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Oh Madi...<BR>
<BR>
            Fusion...gave me shivers...good and bad. That kind of love changes your soul forever.<BR>
<BR>
                                           Gala, with a deep sigh...
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=13">B.K.</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Strange, the first one I sent to Misti, the second one to the blender. I know I did not hit send twice. HA But must have somehow while cleaning it up. HA HA HA! (OH WELL)<BR>
<BR>
bk
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=9">Madison</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Thank you [very much] ladies ~ and nice to be here, but keep the APB number handy!  I'll be in and out of pocket for awhile.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=254">chris</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Michael: Yes! Amazingly prescient comments, man. We need your wisdom. Ditto your remarks, BK. That was very gracious of you, and I do appreciate it. Believe me, Misti and I are hardly always of the same mind. I was actually aghast that she'd gone on the Board after that comment (I read it at work and thought, Oh shit...). I knew it wasn't directed at us. It was, I still think, an arrogant thing to say, but it shouldn't have been responded to in such a manner. Certain things should be allowed to stand on their own and be seen for what they are. But thanks to all who have acted as peacemakers. You're what make this a community. (Deevaa: your poem yesterday--'Strangely at Peace'--said it all...)<BR>
<BR>
What *I* want to know is, where are guppy and ZoE and Megs??<BR>
Any leads anyone?
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=50">MichaelT()</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Gala ~ I like Waiting is!
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

BK~<BR>
I do appreciate your graciousness. Thank you for your kind response. I was just looking for a reason to show off my knowledge of the military alphabet and you're the only person here I knew would get it. (weak attempt at humor)...Again, thank you and I apologize again for my idiocy.<BR>
<BR>
~Misti the Delta Umbrella Mike Bravo Alpha Sierra Sierra<BR>
(I love the AARP callers who spell out their name for me using the military alphabet, btw...cracks me up!)<BR>
(I'm a customer service rep for the AARP)
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=4">TJ Holland</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

HEY!! I got the alphabet joke too!! LOL! 
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=17">deevaa</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

I re-wrote 'cause and effect' I won't repost it, but if anyone is interested it is here: http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/~deevaa/2001/cause.html
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=22">angieubaldo</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

Misti~ I read "tasteless", I loved it.  It made me want to go to the grocery store and but a bunch of exotic foods, but theres just the dillemma of not having anyone to put them on, but for now i will just stock up for when that time comes.  I always get so excited whenever you post new writing.  I am a big fan.  your writing is just so vivid and imaginative.  You truly do have a gift.  Also,  I saw your joke and  the phonetic word for "u"  Is uniform.  I can identify with you though.  i hardly can never remember them myself and i will have to spell stuff out and get halfway through the word and then pause and i feel like a real "juliet alpha charlie kilo alpha sierra sirera."   I am not trying to correct you though and excuse me for being nosy.  I just felt compelled to tell you, for some odd reason.   Maybe thats because i need to feel special that I actually learned something in Basic training, besides how to shut the hell up.  which i will do now...
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=22">angieubaldo</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

little_blue_man and Tangerine~ i am so glad you liked, "invite your audience carefully."  <BR>
It touched me deeply also because I let everyone i come across have front rows seats to my life, and i need to stop that.
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=268">Misti</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

TJ~<BR>
That's funny! It seems the military alphabet isn't that big of a secret, after all. My husband got it, too! That was very tacky of me.<BR>
angieubaldo~<BR>
I KNEW "umbrella" didn't sound right after I posted it! Thanks for the correction! Yeah, I did the basic training thing in the Army. I was stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. One of my many nicknames was "Ate Up," as in "that private ate up like a soup sandwich"! I still have my dog tags but I lost my combat boots. I couldn't do pushups.<BR>
:))))))))))))
<HR>
From: <a href="/blend/av.cgi?id=355">little_blue_man</a><BR>
Date: 29 September 2001<P>

*Misti*<BR>
Um..sorry. I know you dont know me. But Fort Jackson jumps out at me. I am an army brat. Spent some time growing up near Fort Jackson. Some say it is the @sshole of hell. Some say they liked it just fine. How did you feel about it?<BR>

<HR>