My Favorite color is also the color of my soul....

What color is your soul painted? Purple Your soul is painted the color purple, which embodies the characteristics of sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nobility, mystery, enlightenment, arrogance, gaudiness, mourning, confusion, pride, delicacy, power, meditation, religion, and ambition. Purple falls under the element of Earth, and was once a European symbol of royalty; today it symbolizes the divine. Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests I swear I didn't tamper with the results on this one!

GO BIG RED!

I am back from my trip "home." Dad was better than I had expected -- which was a blessing. He will not get better -- this I know. I am happy that he was well enough to go out for lunch....and to sit and joke and talk.

But I want to share Lincoln with you. Too many people assume too much about the midwest. And we all know what ASSUME-ing makes of you and me...

Upon arriving in Lincoln, one of the first sites you'll drive by is the University of Nebraska's football stadium. Although it may not look impressive on the outside, the stadium holds more than 85,000 screaming Big Red fans--making it the third largest city in Nebraska on any given HomeGame saturday.

One of my favorite aspects of Lincoln is the preponderance of parks! The city has more than 99 miles of trails and 114 parks (covering 5000+acres!) There seems to be a park within a walking distance or stones throw from most neighborhoods. Here is one that is a short stroll from my house.

Ahhhh!!!! You want to see the house of APJ? Wait no futher -- here you go. This two-story Colonial Brick house was built sometime around WWI. Even though it is young in age -- it does have a ghost. The ghost resides in the Moon Room(upper right window), APJ's bedroom was the lower right window. Ghost did have contact with three of the six children - me being one of them.

But that's a story for another day.

Come -- folllow me to the Kitty Walk. I think it was called the "Kid's walk" because it was the path for children through the park on the way to the elementary school. "Kid's Walk" became "Kiddie Walk" which became the"kitty Walk." These imprints have been there since I was in high school!

But I want to show you two of my favorite things down in the park.....hurry!

First - here is the memorial marker for my Aunt Jane. She was a teacher (hmmm) at the elementary school nearby. The marker sits in front of this memorial tree. That vast sidewalk you see is all that remains of the railroad track that used to run through town. It now is one of the longest stretches of bike path in any major city.

In fact, bikes play an interesting and integral role in the city. In 2003, the a public art project was undertaken with amazing results. Here are a few of my faves, but please go and look at the other 69 bikes created.

I hope you enjoyed my quick trip to Lincoln Nebraska......home to so much more than corn.....

Life on Pause

Leaving today for Nebraska -- to see the folks. Dad's health is the same---and will not get better. And so, I go home as often as possible -- and say goodbye each time I am there. I used to spend my holidays "home" catching up and visiting with old friends. Now, I don't want to spend those minutes away from my family.

Of course, my folks have no internet, or ::shock:: computer. So I will take my trusty PC Tablet down to the schoolyard and steal their signal.

Luv you all-- and thanks for all the patience with my wobblies(yes, I'm talking to YOU. YOU know who YOU are). I know I'll be more of myself when I return.

Paolo Nutini

okay--gotta share one of my new faves. Only nineteen years old......

Space....the final frontier....

Sorry, sorry....been a bit distracted as of late. Brain is fuzzy, more so than usual. So.....I've decided to get some spring cleaning done. Yes, I know: IT'S JULY!!!!! But cor, it's gotta be spring somewheres, yea?

Erynn vacated her room four years ago when she left for college-- and removed her furniture two years later. I decided to convert that space to my office -- as it is ever-so-slightly larger than the other room.

And yes, it took me two years ::gasp:: to totally finish it all. I left the walls the color it had been(canary yellow) because her artwork looked smashing against. Course.....she's taken most of her work south with her....

But anyways -- I put in the floor myself-- supposed to look like slate. I like it because it doesn't show the dirt.

I wired the light too! One of the things I learned from Voldemort: Green is ground, white is neutral, and other colors are hot. Or is it white is hot and green is cold? Whatevah --I just know to GO TURN THE BREAKER OFF before starting to match the little wires to each other with the little barrett cap thingys. Please don't be scared -- as many things as I've wired in this house, I must be doing it correctly....

But here my pride and joy: My craft armoire. Built by me -- from a kit, of course. Still -- it took me 6 hours to assemble, much of that time sorting the bolts, and screws, and nuts..

--sorry, sent myself to the store--

and Voila! It is done! Now I can put my sewing machine, scrapbook stuff, and other crafty things into it (and out of kitchen cabinets and bedroom drawers)and close it up when necessary.

I have now moved onto cleaning my closet. I was trapped in the closet earlier this evening, buried, groped and attacked by the hangers that were breeding on the floor. (You do know that that is how there ends up being so many on the floor, right? Hanger sex!). Yup, trapped in the closet can make you a little bit crazy.....just ask Tom Cruise.

::rim shot::

Thank you.....and goodnight!

HELP! HELP!

no....I haven't fallen.....and yes I can get up. But, I still need some assistance. Seems I've been telling all that I'm gonna do a show at the Rogue.....so do I must.

But what am I gonna do!?!?!?!?!? Can't seem to convince either Steve or Marcel to write me something fab -- both seem to think I've got my own story to tell.

Actually, Marcel has a great idea for me -- but I think it'll have to wait till the following year -- more on that later.

So, I've gone back over my blog, found some of my favorite stories -- okay, fine, quite a few of my stories! Please go over HERE and read some of them, and let me know which ones YOU like. Then I may be able to weave them into some sense of a show worthy of the Rogue.....

For Erynn

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Princess Erynn. She lived in a castle with the Queen Mommy and the King Daddy. And her best friend was a baby dragon.

From the time she was almost three, all the way up until she was seven or so,this is how her favorite bedtime stories started. Princess Erynn and the baby dragon --who never aged, and often resembled Emily the Dinosaur (with wings, of course), had some great adventures. Of course, the storyteller would weave in messages, morals, ethics and love (loads of love) whenever/wherever she could. When Erynn suffered nightmares, Princess Erynn showed the baby dragon how bad dreams could be beat. Friends made Erynn cry? No problem: Baby dragon taught Princess Erynn how to forgive. The Queen Mommy battled an evil Warlock that kidnapped the fair Princess, and the King Daddy bravely faced a hundred snakes (Voldemorts' biggest fear) to bring Princess Erynn and the baby dragon home when they ran away.

Often, when she would have friends spend the night -- Erynn would make me work them into the story too. Princess Erynn, Duchess Taryn and the beautiful Lady Brandy rode unicorns and rescued forest creatures from the red bull (yes, yes, I stole part of that one from The Last Unicorn. What can I say? I was tired that night!).

"The castle is too cold. Too cold and silent! I must get out!" the Queen Mommy said aloud as she made her rounds. Evenings were still the best time for her -- She could walk the Keep, and not worry about the whisperings and sideways glances of the nobles and peasants. Nerves and concerns diminished with each deep breath of the cool country air. "How could I ever possibly leave?" she asked the trees. "Just over there is where Princess Erynn found the lost ponies. And you," she challenged the mulberry, "do you remember the hours she and the baby dragon spent in your boughs? Ah, the orchard: depending on the season, you were either a haunted forest, a winter wonderland, or an Easter eggstravaganza!"

A smile touched the corners of the Queen Mommy's lips as she went into the castle. She drew her wrap tighter around her shoulders, and curled up next to the fire. As she dozed off, she heard a familiar voice.
"Mummy I love you."
"I love you too."
"Mummy, I love you three."
"Sweetie, I love you four."
"But Mummy, I love you more. Please tell me a story. Please Mummy, please?"

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Princess Erynn. She lived in a castle with the Queen Mommy and the Queen Daddy. And her best friend was a... a baby dragon...."

Lecram: FAB-U-LOUS!!!!

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THE APj PREAKNESS

So.... I own three horses: Rio, Lady and Bunny. I don't ride much anymore. Mostly because I get bored riding around in circles on my propery, and I don't like riding alone. Ya know, like most things, doing it "alone" can get kinda dull...

Those of you who have been out to the ranch can attest to their sweet nature.

Rio is a thoroughbred, and a retired racehorse. Even though he is 23 years old, he still thinks of himself as Secretariat. Bunny and Lady are quarter-horses. Quarter horses are called that because they are known for their speed in the quarter-mile.

Here's one of my favorite stories:

"Hey, ya' wanna race?" Voldemort challenged, as he zoomed by on Lady.

"No," I retorted, holding Rio back, "You know I'm trying to calm him down! Why do you always do that?"

"Chicken!" he answered, "You just are afraid you'll lose."

Competition was always a large part of our relationship....hey, with two Scorpios, what else would you expect? But I had spent two years working with Rio - trying to calm him down. He did love to run, though. Often, at the end of a ride, I would "let him go" in the 100 acre field behind us. Rio and I would just run - racing the wind.

But Voldemort was itching for a real race. He would come up next to us, taunting and teasing.

"Did you know that quarterhorses are faster than thoroughbreds?"

"You're just afraid she'll beat you, huh?"

Rio and I finally had enough. We were ready to put them in their place.

"Fine!" I replied, "we accept your challenge!"

The race was planned - and the course was laid and checked: the soft dirt track was bounded by the road on the east, and the grape field to the west. A quarter mile exactly in length. Since we didn't have a starting gate (this being the Madera Ranchos and not the Kentucky Derby), neighbors were enlisted to be the official start and finish lines.

"GO!"

And they're off! Oh! Bad start for APj riding Rio (formally known as Rialto Park). He seemed a little bothered by the starting flag. That meant a good start for Voldemort, riding Just My Lady. But wait -- what's this? Barely four strides and Rio is catching -- pardon, make that passing -- holy cow?!?!?!? How fast is he!!!!!!! Crimenently! With not even a third of the course run, it looks like APj is breaking the sound barrier and leaving a stunned Voldemort and Lady in the dust.!"

Yup. That's right. Eat my dust, fothermucker. Eat my dust.

Horrorscope for APj

Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 PST

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
A current relationship dilemma stems from how passionate you feel now. You want to share your emotions, but someone else prefers it when you hang out in the shallow end of the pool instead of diving into the deep water. You can get what you need by consciously talking about the most important things. Go where you must, but be gentle in your approach with others.

I know, I know!

"Those horoscope things are just silly"

"They're not real - they're just a scam."

blah-blah-blah.

then it goes and talks about me being comfortable in the shallow end!!!!

Hel-LO!?!?!? Who went and told 'em about that!?!?!?

Nightmares already!?!?!?!?

My dreams are exhausting.....
I'm either stuck in some deja-vu Lady with the Flashlight eyes saga or I'm searching for a potty.

But last nights was a doozie -- still trying to figure it out:

It's Thursday night -- It must the the first weekend in March -- 'cause I'm driving to Diana's South to deliver their money box.

Only....Diana's South is south of the border. as in Mexico.

Omigawd, I sent Katie to deliver Diana's North....where the frick is that now!?!?!?!?

So I'm driving at warp speed, cause I've got to be back to teach on Friday morning --

going over my schedule -- when I suddenly remember that I'm doing a show in the Rogue. (Crap! I knew I was forgetting something) I pull over to the side of the road just south of San Diego to check the Rogue Map -- and discover that my cafe show (the one I forgot to write) has been changed to a Mainstage show at.....wait for it......Diana's South.

Maybe this means I shouldn't do a show?

LADY JAYNE!

Right. Sorry. Been busy -- what with Erynn's graduation from college (woo-hoo), end of school year for me (bigger woo-hoo), yard work, et al....I've been slacking. and it is time to cease the slackage! After all, there is no time for slackage when you are known as:



My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Her Exalted Highness Duchess Apj the Mad of Bumswick by the Hole
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

err....not so sure I like this one....don't get me wrong: I like the exalted highness and all, but the references to being "mad" and having a wick up me bum ain't so appealing.....

Perhaps.....

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Viscountess Apj the Nimble of Westessexchestershire
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

being a countess (vis or otherwise) is good. Would love to be nimble enough for west (or east) sex.....but Chester!?!?!? puh-leaz.....


My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Venerable Lady Apj the Bloody of Leg over Wallop
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Hey....I'll put me bloody leg over, wallop or no wallop!

And after a leg over....wallop or no.....I'm looking for dessert. And....what better dessert than...

My Fortune Cookie told me: Individuals who make their abode in vitreous edifices would be well advised to refrain from catapulting projectiles. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

So....I think this means if you live in a gooey crack, don't throw shit....or something like that.....

But I wasn't swimming, Daddy...

I remember it was a hot day.

Not unusual for Central California – but hot is hot.

I remember that we’d been riding our bikes in our bathing suits. Now, that means we either were going swimming or had been swimming. I don’t remember.

Isn’t it funny how that memory thing works – or doesn’t? Some parts are so clear, others…not so clear.

But I do remember that we were hot.

Sweltering hot.

And we had just stopped to dip our feet in the water.

We were not going swimming – just dipping our feet in the water.

And then my brother rode by – and said, “Get out of there! You are in so much trouble!”

Almost immediately following that warning, my Mom came by in the car, and said, “Jayne Elizabeth Day, get home now!”

Upon my arrival at home…..My Dad gave me the whupping of my life.

For years, hell. For DECADES I’ve harbored a bit of righteous indignation over that whupping. I mean, we weren’t swimming. We were just getting our toes wet…

I awoke this morning to this headline:
Fresno 4th-grader had been trying to get basketball.

-and I dissolved in tears. Yshema Snowden wasn’t swimming – she was just trying to retrieve her basketball.

I was probably around the same age when I had my toe-dipping experience. There but for the grace of God, my brother Jeff, my Mom and my Dad…..

I just want to thank my family for always being there for me. And please, keep the Snowden family in your thoughts and prayers this week.

One more thing that make me go hummmm..

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May 24th.
Midnight.
I've a date.
with Jack Sparrow.
got any rum?

SAVIOUR OF THE SKIES

My absolutely favorite song....and this guy knows how to spell my name right....

If I had a song....I'd sing it in the morning...

In response to Lime's question on the Airplane Jane video post: "You've got a song?"
Let me explain.....

So…I met this singer-songwriter a few years ago. I’m sure I’ve told you about him: lyrics ta knot yer knickers in a twist and all…

Don’t believe me? Check these lyrics out:

….I had to go
to a foreign shore
and though you’re far
I feel your arms
Around my heart.

I give to you my only dream
It’s all that I live for
Just close your eyes
And don’t you cry
Cos’ I’m with you…..
My Only Dream, by kien lim, 2004

“Whoa!” I thought, “what incredible lyrics. This guy is deep….”

I mean, doesn’t that song just scream love and devotion? I’m thinking it’s about some guy who goes a zillion (times 2) miles away to build a life for his love and himself… I just had to know (yes, inquiring minds and all) –

“Tell me,” I begged and pleaded, “Give me the back story? Who’s it about? Or is it too personal?”

“Well, ya’ see,” he responded, “it was inspired by the deaths of a bunch of Chinese cockle famers that drowned.”

Yes. Drowned…
Drowned….but called home to China to talk to their loved ones before they died…..

(see why we refer to him as “dark pop?”)

Now….flash ahead a few months….to the summer of 2005.

“What’s it like to skydive?” questions the troubadour.

“Why?” I respond, “Do you wanna jump?”

“Well….I’m not sure. But I’m wanting to write a song about flying…..and skydiving….”

Several emails and much begging later (patience is not my best virtue), I received this in the mail:



Motorhead can't hesitate
A paralytic mind will find her dead
She stole a ride with the morning sun
From the edge did she fall
Into a dizzy spin and a passion born
She found her name far above the clouds

She is flying
With the sighing savior of the skies
So glorious
Is this golden dayOf faith

Scatter her soul to the wind
The rush of the world is beckoning
A score and oneHundred miles per hour

And as horizons fill her mind
Serenity and peace abide
No bitterness
No more lonely lies

So glorious
Is this golden day of falling free
So gloriousIs this amber day
She found her home
Within a dream
Of blue reality
Saviour of the Skies , by kien lim 2005

Okay, okay – but Motorhead is so much better than Motormouth – which he threatened to change it to….
And come on – dontcha just luv the bit about finding a name above the clouds!?!?

So yup – even if the whole thing ain’t mine, this is my song – I’ve claimed it. I don’t think there’s any hidden tragedies within – no dead cockle farmers, no suicidal roadies, no tragic vacation junkies.

At least I don’t think so....

Egads, kien, please don’t tell me if there is.

I love the song just the way I hear it: happy, serene and peaceful….and all that at one hundred miles per hour.

Blue skies ya’ll,
APj

Airplane Jane Music Video

Hey!!!! I've got a(nother) song. Of course, this one is much more silly than the other....but it DOES say my name....

And no....I've never met this bloke -- never been to Florida!!

So....how did he know that I needed a map!?!?!?

A few of my favorites.....

So....while the troubadour was here, I loaned him a few books -- one he....ummm....didn't care for..... and two he liked.

The two he liked were from one of my favorite authors - C.S. Lewis. Like many, the first Lewis I read was the Narnia Chronicles. Then I discovered the Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, Mere Christianity, Surprised by Joy.....the list goes on. Lewis approaches our relationship with God and the world in a truly unique way. I felt like sharing a few of my favorite Lewis quotes:

There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, “All right, then, have it your way.”

It seems that so much of my life journey I have spent giving instructions to God. In hindsight, these have been the "Jonah" portions of my life -- the times when I boldly went in the opposite direction. And sometimes, God, very firmly, let me know that it was THY way, not MY that was important.

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.

I cannot change into what I need to be by doing nothing! And, although it is kinda hard to accept being an egg, good or bad--I accept that I must change. Because no change at all will result in something: me going rotten!

Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.

Perhaps this is the one I love the most, and the one I struggle with the hardest. I keep shoving love in the casket -- hoping to keep it safe. But it is not safe: it changes. It changes, like the egg above, into something rotten. I need to unlock the casket, and risk being vulnerable.

Yes, yes, I know I keep saying it! I need to do it!!! But, again.....I am Jonah.....

Things that make me go hummmmm....

Okay, before you get your panties in a twist....let me explain:
After the Horizon Awards the other evening, we were all sitting (and some were drinking) at T.S.G. (aka Lipari, aka Starline Grill) when Rupert informed me that he was 38% gay.
APj: What?
Rupert: 38% gay.
APj: Well, you passed the hetro test at the wedding last summer. But 38%!?!?!? How do you know?
Rupert: I took a survey

::APj springs to her feet::

APj: A survey!?!?!?
Lecram: (shaking his head) Oh God, don't get her started on a blogy thing...
Joy: Maybe that's why you haven't--
APj: But I like penis!
Mia: Maybe you just think you like penis...
Lecram: (consulting his glass of scotch) Please, stop, please--
APj: No....I like penis.....and things that go "hummmmmm....."

::collective laughter::

Rupert: I'll send you the link.

so....I've been tossing and turning --and not because of the "thing that goes hum" -- waiting for this incredibly important survey. I mean, perhaps I need to buy Dickies Trousers instead of dicks IN trousers...

So the

Hmmmm (ah, that was me, not the thingy)......I would have to respectively disagree with these results. I am not Anne Heche lesbian -- although it is amusing that I live in the rural area of Fresno: where she was found wandering and talking to aliens......
1. I'm pretty sure that all days I am not a lesbian -- like I said: I like penis!
2. I've never ended up in another girl's panties. Except for that one time at band camp. Oh, and that time I borrowed a pair of cute chonies from Hoover in college....
3. of course I like to shave my armpits...the alternative is just gross. I wish that men shaved THEIR armpits!
4. And, while I haven't made out with a girl when a bunch of guys asked me.....I might if they dared me.....

So.....(yes, Lecram), I had to take another quiz!!!











Whew!! Only 30% gay. And I kinda like being described as a girlie girl with a butch side.

Okay ya'll. I gotta go work in the yard, ride my tractor, move some hay, and go to the hardware store. But don't fret: I've got cute panties on, my legs and pits are shaved, and I'm looking for cute men.
::Hummin'::

Hallelujah!

My Dublin Interview

Lecram: here are your questions. Envision the interview taking place in a cozy Dublin pub.
1. What is the one thing in your life that you really wanted and never happened that you are now actually glad about
3. What are 2 things that "make your head spin" in a good and bad way?
2. If you were to pick the opposite qualities between 2 sitcom characters that represent you who and what would they be?
4. If an all knowing spirit in a tree offered to be your "spirit guide" in one area in your life... what would that be?
5. Guinness or whiskey?

I hear his sing-song brogue before I can see him –(gawd, I’m such a sucker for an accent)
“Oh Lassie, ya’ got dat farr away look, in yer eyes”

“Oisin, I keep telling you it’s Jayne…or Airplane Jayne….or even APj….but not Lassie, please. Makes me feel like barkin—

“Oh, darhlin’, - if ya’ feel like hurrlin’—“

“That’s barking, not barfing! Silly bucko….now…” patting my knee and winking at him, “come have a seat.” He sits close,“Ah, me Bonnie Lass,” he whispers, “what is the one thing in your life that you really wanted and never happened that you are now actually glad about?”

Taking a deep breath, and a swig of my Rosie Lee, I turn and look into those eyes (“Dear Sweet Jesus,” I say to myself, “His eyes are so blue I swear I could swim in them”). “Oisin, I know you don’t like to hear about Voldemort-”

“-that gobshite! I’d give him a toe up da hol-"

“Shhh” I gently place my finger on his lips, silencing his curse, “…..silly boy…..I was just going to say that, although I spent many years wanting that marriage to work, wanting it to succeed, it never happened. I only realize now that I’m happy….yes, and even glad I didn’t get it. Because……well, because I realize now that the only way it would have ever worked would have been for me to completely lose my very being, my very soul. I would have ceased to exist. As it was and is, I lost huge amounts of me….it is taking a long time for me to heal. A lot longer than I thought….” My eyes tear up, but I’m not sure whether it’s from the smoke-filled pub, or the gutwrenching confession.

“Cor! Damn that Fecky the Ninth!” declares Oisin as he pulls me up out of my chair. “I know tha’ wanker spun yer head in a bad way,” his coarse shaven face brushes my cheek, “But if ya’ let me take you home,” his lips nibble my neck and his hand wanders southward, “I’m sure a little Aussie kiss will spin back ‘round in a good way!”

With the red rising past my cheeks, “Come on little boy,” I slide my shaking hand between my arse and Oisin’s hand, “I could use some fresh air and a stroll.” “And then,” firmly leading him towards the exit, “we’ll talk about what makes my head spin.” The damp, cold, Dublin air hits us dead-on as we leave the warm, but smoke-filled Horseshoe Bar. We walk in silence for half a block when he quietly says,

“Yes, I kno"

"Know what?" I ask.

“Kno' da’ answer…” Oisin pulls me closer, “da' answer....is...yes.” And his arm drops and drapes casually, but protectively around my shoulders.

I whirl out in front of him, “that’s what makes my head spin!” I squeal. His alarmed eyebrows make me continue quickly (before he bolts away), “but spin in a good way. I love when someone can get into my head, and know what…or how…..or even why I’m saying/feeling/doing things…..sometimes things I’m not even sure of. Makes me feel like the earth is off it’s axis”

Oisin pulls me back in towards him, wrapping me tightly, “and…” he continues, staring intently into my eyes, “wot makes it spin…in a bad way?”

My eyes cloud over, “jealousy,” I reply, “my jealousy……like…..like when the green genie strikes me! Then….well, then…I also feel….like….like the earth is spinning and I’m trying to hold on! I hate that the root of the same emotion, my attraction or feelings can lead to my head spinning out of control in either a good or bad way.”

Feeling excruciatingly vulnerable, I toss out, “Guess that means I’m crazy, right? I mean, how can you do or be such polar opposites? I mean, it’s kinda like being Phoebe and Monica all rolled into one!” “Hu-huh?” Oisin stammers.

“You know,” I gush, happy to be off of the head-spinning topic and onto neutral, T.V. sitcom territory, “from the sitcom Friends. I’m kinda like Monica, in that I love everything to be neat and orderly. Dressed proper and acting properly. But….” I glance slyly over my shoulder, “ I love to…..run freeeee like Phoebe!!!!”

And with that, I charge forth, arms flailing freely and wildly.

The Dublin air is crisp as I run through St. Stephen’s Green. Shrieking and laughing, I duck beneath hanging tree branches and slid on damp leaves, but I hear Oisin’s footsteps gaining, coming ever closer. Vacillating between speeding up or slowing down, my decision is made by what stands before me.
“What is that?” I gasp.
“Ahh…,” Oisin answers from behind me, “me ma’ tol’ me ‘bout tha’ tree. She said tha’ if you give it a gift, it will guide you.”
Pulling the scarf from my neck, I drape it on the tree’s proffered branch. “Gracious Tree spirit,” I entreat, “Please guide me.” Self-consciously I drop my voice to a whisper, “Gracious, gracious Lady of the Tree: I am too fearful in love. I am fearful to make a bad choice again, and so I stand frozen, making no choice at all. Which is still a choice, albeit a poor one. Kind, gracious and loving Lady of the tree, give wings to my feet of clay. Give sound to my tongue of sand.”

“Jayne”

“Oisin…”

“Jayne….are you done?”

“Darling,” I say, patting the tree bark as I turn, “I’m just getting started.”

“Wot ya’ mean?” he stammers, as I place myself in the crook of his arm.

“Oisin…..do you have any Jameson at your place?”

Bored and looking for the Meaning of APj....

You Are a Candy Heart

You're definitely a pro when it comes to romance - and you have great dating etiquette. etiquette-schmetiquette. How can I have great dating anything, when I ain't dating!?!?!? Plus you probably smell and taste pretty darn good. Yup, I do smell good......although I haven't tasted myself lately.....

Are You a Candy Heart or a Candy Fart?

You Are Pretty Happy Being Single

You have a full, fun life. True. And you definitely don't need love to be content. Again....true. Of course, being single can get you down a little. kicking the horse a bit, aren't we? Especially when you've been single for a while. horse is dead, ain't it? But you know how to be patient and wait for the right person. 'course, Mr. Right Now is starting to look cuter.... You're life is too good to settle for anything! fine! fine! You're right! There! Feel better? I won't settle.....again.

AreYou Happy Being Single?

You Are Fun Sexy

You're funny, quirky, cute, and sassy. Yes... my mother always said I had a shining disposition......I think the above is the modern version of that. Guys always have a great time with you, and that alone is sexy. They always say they have a great time....and then they shake my hand.... Gawd! How is it I'm always Maryann and not Ginger!?!?!? You've got an upbeat, optimistic spirit that totally shines through. ....again, sparkling disposition.... Any guy would be crazy to turn you down! hmmmm...maybe THAT'S the problem: I'm only attracted to the nutcases!!!!

What Kind of Sexy Girl Are You?

You Would Do Most Things For Love

You are willing to go pretty far for love I would do any-thing for love... - but not far enough to compromise your core values. but I won't do that (and, Mr. Meatloaf, just exactly what was it you weren't willing to do?) Love is a priority for you, and you'll go further than most people to hold on to someone you love. rope? check. superglue? check. handcuffs? check. blindfold? check. But killing for love? Or even taking a bullet? Probably out of the question. Nope.....Hey, I don't need to do the dirty work. I know someone who relishes that sport. and probably would put relish on the end product!!! No matter what, you love yourself the most! hmmm....channeling the Divinyls: I touch myself....

Would You Do Anything For Love?

Your True Love Will Find You Eventually

You definitely put yourself out there a little - but you could be doing more. oh sure! Everyone's a critic! If you're truly looking for love, try doing more things and meeting more people. But I'm tired! Can't I just sit in a chair at Starline Grill and have them trapse in? You don't have to actively look for love, you just need to stay active. ::Looking for love in all the wrong places:: Be out there a little more, and the right person will find you! paging Mr. Right! paging Mr. Right Now! paging Mr. Close Enough For Government Work!

Will Your True Love Find You?

My Most Un-Christian Moment...

Uh-huh -- made ya' look, eh? Yup, Steph probably gave himself whiplash, Lecram sprayed scotch, Kowboi fell off, and kien dropped his guitar...

Steady boys, steady.

During a friendly game of Truth-or-Dare in Mexico --

uh-huh, I said Truth-or-Dare -- see why the young-uns luv me?

I picked truth. I picked truth, 'cause the dares (so far) had consisted of singing from the outhouse, using someone else's toothbrush, eating 16 marshmallows, and witnessing to strangers from other campsites....

Yeah, I picked truth (big deal. like you didn't already know I was a big woosie, eh?)

"Teacher Jayne -- tell us about your most un-Christian moment."

Well....it is a church group....and a youth group at that, so I tried to think of something "lessoney." You know -- something that taught by example. In light of that, I shared about moving out to California at nineteen, and alienating myself from my mom for a year.

"Geez, Teacher Jayne," lamented one of the other adults, "I was expecting something better from you...."

::Jayne wipes hands on concrete/dirt/mexico-stained jeans:: "Okay....okay -- here ya go:"

I remember seeing the ground rush towards me, and thinking, "Dang! This is gonna hurt like a fothermucker!" I tried to get my body straight -- straight as I could, and stiffened for the impact.

Witnesses say I bounced three times. I vividly remember the first hit, and maybe the second. But then I just remember sitting up, and pulling my parachute under my bum, so I wouldn't get dragged away.

Brain: move left arm
::left arm moves:
Brain: good! move right arm

::right arm moves::
Brain: great! move left leg

::left leg moves::

Brain: awesome! move right leg

::nada ::

Brain: aw, hell! Right leg! Move!
::nada::

Brain: Must be my knee..

About this time, I found myself surrounded by all my skydivin' buddies.

"APj!" inquired Andy (an EMT), "Are you okay? Where do you hurt?"

"Andy, I'm okay -- but I think I blew out my knee. I can't move my leg"

Andy picks up my right leg......

and that's when my femur hit the skin -- and I....I began speaking in tongues!

"Sonofafuckingtruckingdrivingbastardcheatingbitchlickingshiteatingmotherfucker!" I screamed. (Hey....my mother always said if you're gonna do it, at least make it effective....)

Andy carefully laid my leg down, and when to get supplies other than bandaids....

I, never being one to know when to stop, proceeded with my verbal diatribe, "AsswipingmotherbitchbastardsonofaDONUTFUCKERgawd--"

Somewhere in the middle of this verbal assault, the group that we shared the dropzone with came up to me. Uhhh... the Christian Skydiving Team.......who were already flinching at the hellaciousness spewing forth from my lips. (I'm sure I saw one visibly shaking, and another making the sign of the cross)

"Jayne.....Jayne.....we just want you to know.....that we're praying for you."

"Praying!?!?!?!?" I retorted, "PRAYING.....for ME!?!?!?!?!?"

::here it comes.....Teacher Jayne's most Un-Christian Moment......::

"DONTCHA THINK THE FUCKING TIME FOR FUCKING PRAYER WAS, LIKE FUCKING TEN FUCKING MINUTES AGO!?!?!?!? THANKS A-FUCKING LOT!!!!"

::hangs head in shame::

Amen

Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever!!!

Your results:
You are Spider-Man

Spider-Man Spiderman? White stuff spitting from wrists!?!? Hmpf....maybe Spidergirl.... 75% Green Lantern 75% Supergirl Now this is more like it! Likes to fly? check. Emotionally retarded? check. Attracted to bad boys? check. Yup. I think this is the REAL sUPERHERO me... 72% Superman 60% Wonder Woman Ahh....I already was WonderWoman....in college....didn't get no lasso, didn't get no invisifricking plane either. Only got a severed artery in my foot. Nope -- don't wanna be her again... 57% The Flash flashing? good. but I think I'm a bit too old for it now... 50% Iron Man ironman? Whothefrick is Ironman!?!?!? I think this one is made up....Unless it's that song: "I AM IRON MAN" 50% Robin 45% Catwoman darn. just darn. I wish I could be this good at being that bad....and in leather, no less...Hot chicka! 45% Batman 40% Hulk thank god! I mean - some people might tell you that I turn green and superstrong in a fight -- but hey....who ya' gonna believe? Me, right!?!?!? 40%

You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.

2007 Mission to Mexico

Just thought I'd share a few of my pics from Mexico trip. 4 adults and 10 teenagers built this house in 3 work days.
We are so lucky to live in this country - broken as it is.

Firefly - Hero Of Canton

But this is my fave character: Jayne. No, no, not just because he and I share a name. I mean, yes, that's kinda cool, in a narcissitic way.....but I love the whole "accidental hero" and "morally confused" stuff..

plus...he's hot.

Serenity

Your results:
You are Derrial Book (Shepherd)

Derrial Book (Shepherd) 85% Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic) 65% Malcolm Reynolds (Captain) 60% Wash (Ship Pilot) 60% Jayne Cobb (Mercenary) 55% Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command) 50% Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic) 50% Inara Serra (Companion) 45% River (Stowaway) 45% Alliance 45% A Reaver (Cannibal) 15% Well, I GUESS if I've got to be one of them, he's a good one: kinda mysterious, good with a gun, but, geez-louise! a priest!?!?!?!?!? Oops!!! Some of you may not be familiar with this Whedon series (same guy who did TV Buffy series). Fanfrickintastic show - Firefly -- and followup movie: Serenity. Here's a link to the quiz http://www.seabreezecomputers.com/serenity/ and...for the geeks among you: http://www.serenitymovie.com/

Even though you are holy you have a mysterious past.

Another goofy quiz evening.

The Keys to Your Heart

You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free. I, being a horse-0wner know the purpose of a bridle: a bridle is used to guide and gently suggest (and...not so gently for the more stubborn mount) a better course of action or direction. So.....translated into human-speak: I wanna man who doesn't like to be told where to go (and doesn't need a map), doesn't have footprints on his backside, and isn't tied down. Duh. In love, you feel the most alive when your lover is creative and never lets you feel bored. Huh? Sorry....I was still at the store from talking about mounts and maps.... But yes, it's true: Creativity and non-boredom are good -- especially when dealing with my A.D.D. You'd like to your lover to think you are optimistic and happy. I am optifrickingmistic! And happy!?!?!? I'll show you happy... Hey....what a minute. You said "my lover." where is he!?!?!? How come I didn't know about him? What's he look like? You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please. Not true. I seem to be drawn to emotional moody wrecks that are never happy. err....not that I'm complaining. :) Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with. Yes -- it's true. I'm not interested in fleeting. I'm not interested in lukewarm. And, yes, I am really not interested in Mr. Right Now. Unfortunately, I don't know as to whether or not Mr. Forever exists.... ::sigh:: Ahh.....the perils and travails of the Romantic Cynic.... Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment. Cheating is a definite buzz-killer. You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred. Yup. Despite what I say, and my own experiences, I still believe in marriage. And little baby ducks, old pickup trucks. and love. In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted. Or when both are committed. Err....in a relationship way -- not the institutional way....

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?

Your Life Path Number is 5 What the heck is a life path number!?!?!?!

Your purpose in life is to life freely and collect experiences. Life free!??!? Perhaps they mean live free? Collect experiences!?!?!? WTF!?!?!? "Hello. I'm Jayne. Have you any experiences you'd like to give me? I'm life freely.... You love life - new adventures, new people, new ideas. Yes....I love anything new. "I wanna new drug. One that won't make sick...." You are very curious, and you crave novelty in all forms. So....totally off the subject.....but I'm curious: why do they call ice cream treats "novelties" Geez....I'd sure like a bomb-pop right now.... You tend to make friends easily, and you enjoy the company of all types of people. I have many different types of friends from the many different circles of my life. One of the interesting things I noticed is that, regardless of the circle, I am always the strange one! In my "artsy" circle, I'm the normal one. In the "normal" circle, I'm the artsy one.... In love, you are fun and even a bit intoxicating. But you won't stick around for long. Obviously the "PATH" folks and the "KEY" folks don't meld together! Key says I'm looking for commitment and devotion. Unless...unless....perhaps it really DID mean committed the other way..... You are impulsive and spontaneous - which sometimes leads you to do things you regret. I am spontaneous -- but only when I know I have the time for it...... No regrets. Oh yeah, I do occasionally wish I'd done something(s) differently....but....no regrets. Sometimes you can be overindulgent with food, sex, or drugs. what about rock and roll!?!?!? Don't they all go together? You have many talents, so many that you are often scattered and unfocused. Wrong -- I am so focused.....unless, of course, I don't have my contacts in..... hey! how 'bout that bomb-pop?

What Is Your Life Path Number?

thanks to Joy for getting me going on this one.....

Adios amigos! Yo trabajo en Mexico.

(I think that's "Goodbye friends! I work in Mexico." or close enough!)

Cowboy UP!!!!

SPRING BREAK!!!!!

I, and 13 of my closest friends leave for Mexico in the morning...

::girls gone wild::

::upside-down tequila shots::

::underage boys and girls::

No....not that kind of Spring Break, except for the last one. I am chaperoning my youth group on a trip to Mexico to build a house.

Yes, I've done this before.

No, I've never been arrested.

Yes, I will post pictures when I get back...

But I thought I would leave you with a joke.....

The Sheriff in a small town walks out in the street and sees a blonde cowboy (err...or is that kowboi?) coming down the walk with nothing on but his cowboy hat, gun, and his boots, so he arrests him for indecent exposure.

As he is locking him up, he asks "Why in the world are you dressed like this?"

The Cowboy says, "Well, it's like this, Sheriff ... I was in the bar down the road and this pretty little red head tells me, "Come on out ta mah mowtah home."

So I did.

We go inside the motorhome....and she pulls off her top!

She looked at me with them blue eyes, and said, "Now, Ah whant ya'll ta' take off yah shirt."

so I did.

Sheriff....then she pulls off her skirt! I swear!!! And, and, she sat on the edge of the bed....and looked at me with them there pouty lips and said, "Ah whant yah to pull them trousers off..."

So I did.

Lordy, lordy, then she pulls off her undies, lies back on the bed and and whispered, "Now darlin'.....take off YOUR drawers..."

So I did.

Then....she lifted her head off the pillow.....looks me straight in the eye.....looks to the ceilingg...looks me in the eye.....and yells, "Now go to town, Cowboy!"

.And here I am....

Son of a Gun….

Blonde Men do exist!!

See ya'll when Ah return!!

Josh Verdes- Original-

...stumbled upon this song while perusing youtube.
Home is such an important part of me: I'm lucky to have two: my little slice-of-heaven-ranchette, and Nebraska - where my folks are. As long as I have threads back to those places, I feel free enough to fly.

so if you're feeling homesick, borrow this song. and if you're still ill...well, in the words of Mr. Wizard,
"razzle dazzle dazzle dome, time for this one to come home"

I Am From...

Okay....everyone has done this... but I have stolen it from Lime and Cosima. Of course, I made a few changes....cause, after all, "rules-schmules." But I'm happy with the end result -- I think it's a good reflection of me.

I am from salt, ordinary and plain.
Like Morton’s girl, always prepared for rain,
From laughing, sunny Kool-aid days
To tragi-comedic Shakespearean plays.

But I’m from simple salt, ordinary and plain.

I am from the Midwest,
Common-sense stained,
From Cornfields wind-dancing
Seeming classically trained.

Ah…I am from seasoned salt, ordinary and plain.

I am from Sunflowers, seeds and all,
Ever striving….ever tall.
And iris and crocus
Fighting winter’s chill to be
The new Spring focus.

Yet still, I am from salt, ordinary and plain.

I am from peeking at packages
(And feigning surprise),
spiders in boxes
from (clever foxes) Dad, Mom and John
for me, Lady Jayne.

Hah! Challenge me not!
for although I am salt, ordinary and plain

I am also from fists that fly to defend, and hands that hold and heal hurt.
From “a thousand times no” songs to
“I can’t let you go…..but I will.”

I am tear-stained salt, ordinary and plain.

I am from a Man who died on a cross for me, and a God who will always run to pick me up when I fall.

Embarrassed, yet (somehow) proud, to be from salt, ordinary and plain.

I am from Oz and Kansas, and every Military base between
From fruit loops, air sandwiches, and chocolate ice cream.

Yes, even though salt I am, ordinary and plain

I am from stock that is truly unique. From my brother who rose above addiction and shame and whose song makes the angels weep. From my sister whose love took us halfway around the world to bring my niece home to sleep.

I am salt, perhaps not so ordinary and plain.

How could I be?

When I am Airplane Jayne?

Tommy Emmanuel - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

If happy, little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why, can’t I?

I love this movie. I always have. I remember discovering the whole “Technicolor” thing
--hey, MY mom refused “to buy a color TV until the old one breaks” - so we didn’t get one til I was in high school!

-technicolor thing, and having to go to the neighbors to watch it each year. I remember “discovering” that the Hunk, Zeke and Hickory were also the Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man…..and not wanting to share that secret.

Ah….to have such friends! Zeke goes rushing into the pigpen to save Dorothy. The Scarecrow devises a plan to save Dorothy, even when his personal safety is in jeopardy.
Witch: How about a little game of catch, Scarecrow?

And I love when the Wizard
--who really is no Wizard at all. In fact --
Dorothy: You’re a bad man.
Wizard: No, I’m just not a good Wizard.
--but I love when the Wizard tells the Tin Man,
“A man is not judged by how much he loves, but by how much he is loved.”
Makes me cry to this day.

But above all, I love Dorothy. And how much family and home means to her. Home and family are so important, that she is willing to leave Technicolor OZ for Sepia Kansas. Home is not about appearances; it is about love.

Oh….and did I tell you? I was born…..in Kansas…..

::click, click, click::
There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home.

Me-me-me-me!

Okay.....I got this from Solitaire.

Write exactly whats in your head and don't change it..

1. My 'ex' is still.... a loser. With a name like "Voldemort" what do you expect?

2. I am listening to.... God….or at least I’m TRYING to….if these damn voices in my head would settle down.
3. Maybe I should....try harder? take a different train? try blue eye shadow? I don't know, you decide. I'm tired of the "woulda-coulda-shoulda."

4. I love....::little baby ducks, old pickup trucks...::

5. My best friend(s)... is threatening to become homicidal. Omigawd!

6. I don't understand.....so many things. But I often tell myself that I don't have to UNDERSTAND, I just have to ACCEPT and go with it.

7. I've lost my respect for..... hmmm....I think we'll leave this blank for now. Seriously...

8. I last ate...... when I was hungry.

9. The meaning of my display name is.... because I grew tired of being plain Jayne, flung my body from the sky, and was dubbed air-plane-jayne.

10. Love is....blind...NOT! Geez, wouldn't it be great if it was? Blind I mean?

11. Someday....I will find my ship and prince. Because OBVIOUSLY they are both lost. or confused. or blind. Geez, why can't men just ask for directions? Or for SOMEONE TO DRAW A MAP!!!!!
12. I will always.... persevere. Even when I say I won’t…I will.

13. Love seems to be.... fickle, fleeting, unreachable.

14. I never ever want to lose.... my perseverance.

15. My mobile phone is.... way different from everyone else’s. But I wanna new one. I NEED a new one.

16. When I woke up this morning.... ::you were on my m-i-i-n-d. You were on my mind! I got…

17. I get annoyed at/with.... artificial ______________. Insert your own noun: intelligence, friendship, sympathy, etc.

18. Parties….Rock! As long as there is dancing. ::Shake, shake, shake. Shake,shake,shake!::

19. My pets...are much loved, but can be a burden. not complaining, but two inside cats, a bird, three horses, and 4 homeless ferral cats can be a bit much.

20. Kisses....unless we’re talking about the chocolate kind, I don’t remember what they’re like.

How 'bout you?