That's how we roll in the land of The Tara.

2007-10-31T12:53:00.000-05:00

October 31, 2007 - Wednesday

11:52 AM - Bluopatra
Current mood: happy
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

Here's Blu in her Halloween costume. Cleopatra. Or Bluopatra as I called her.
She's a platinum blonde, so the dark hair is a result of black hairspray. I used the whole can, but you can still see some goldylocks. The dress was a simple gold sheath with a yellow one under it. White yoga pants for warmth and gym use.The armband stickers were vetoed after first application. The snake armbands were demoted to anklets after they too were deemed "funny feeling"; but are not visible in the photo.
Pretty good for Mommy starting at 9 o'clock last night, isn't it?
Her first costume was a CIA agent, but she changed ideas me 2 weeks ago. lol
In the 3rd photo, I included tht house bear in the shot. She turns the "Go Away/Welcome" sign when ever we are gone/at home. Just a funny tidbit.

2007-10-22T18:12:00.001-05:00

3:06 PM - Just a poem
Current mood: hungry
Category: Writing and Poetry

My big cat tries to make himself small.
My shallow cat tries to flesh out his soul.
What's left to lead me to smile?

That's all I have, so far.

2007-10-22T17:59:00.000-05:00

I listen to Jamie Cullum all the time, you should too.
One of my favorite songs of the last 2 years is his "All At Sea".
I find a little bit of peace when I tune it in and tune the world out, just as if I was all alone at sea.

Currently listening :
Twentysomething
By Jamie Cullum
Release date: 11 May, 2004

2007-10-22T11:03:00.000-05:00

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 22, 2007

Today is much more about life's small pleasures than about huge successes or long-term planning. In fact, you're much better off just slowing down or even taking some time off from regular activities.

Daily Singles

For Today: October 22, 2007 That friend of yours wants to hear it straight, but you sense hesitancy. Are they really ready for brutal honesty? Temper your comments with kindness and compassion. Don't needlessly hurt their feelings.

I think the "friend of mine" is really myself.
This weekend I was told that I make someone think of me as quartz and Johnson grass; and that I have a spirit doing figure 8s revolving around myself.
This is soooo true, for many reasons. Thank you for the observations.
This week is going to be about taking care of me and mine, and some snowglobe gazing. It's all about life's small pleasures right now. Maybe I'll buy some more capers, I've been out for a while.

2007-10-20T10:05:00.000-05:00

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 20, 2007

Your social intuition is off the charts and that makes it a good time to read people and understand where they are coming from. You may find it especially helpful at work with new customers or employees.

Daily Singles

For Today: October 20, 2007 Practice your communication skills today. You can never be too prepared for any situation, especially those of a romantic nature. Talk to absolutely everyone and cover a range of topics. You'll knock their socks off.

Ohhhh.... yeah! That's what I'm talking about!
But some of the people that I'd love to talk to, or need to talk to, are unavailable.
I'll say that it's their loss, and maybe someone else's gain. Cowgirl up!

2007-10-19T14:06:00.000-05:00

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 19, 2007

Your social energy is just about perfect right now -- and for you, that means quite a lot! It's a great time to reconcile with those who've wronged you, or maybe to forge newer and stronger connections.

Daily Singles

For Today: October 19, 2007 Flirtation from an unexpected source throws you off balance today. Take a minute to regain those sea legs and return this flattering attention. Don't go too overboard on the innuendos; keep it light and fun.

Well, well, well...... What is in store for me? My social energy had been all over the place this week. I've been full of celebration, elation, scared out of my mind, in the bellies of despair, distraught, excited, disappointed, fearful, focused and scatter-brained.

2007-10-18T18:02:00.000-05:00

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 18, 2007

You need to take a little extra care today, as there are factors at work that you can't see at first glance. As long as you keep your eyes open, though, things should be fine for you and your coworkers.

Daily Singles

For Today: October 18, 2007 Reach out to friends right now. Lots of emotions are swirling around in your head, and you'll need someone to help your work them out. Don't be afraid of complete honesty. Rely on the empathy of your pals to pull your through.

Well, I did just as it said I shoud do, but I didn't read my horror scopes till the end of the day. I guess I am true to by Libra spirit and soul. Thank you to all.

2007-10-17T06:50:00.000-05:00

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 17, 2007

You and an authority figure clash at one point in the day -- or maybe your own authority is questioned by someone who really ought to know better. Try not to lose patience, as things should improve pretty soon.

Dear Tara,
Here is your single's love horoscope
for Wednesday, October 17:

Avoid the temptation to corral your pals. You're feeling bossy and overly organized. The problem is, your friends will resist the pressure. Instead, loosen up and let life take its course. Don't be so quick to plan.

The first one is funny, because I am bossy at times, but I am trying to overcome my superiority complex. The second one..... too late! Already planned something, and my friends couldn't resist! I heart them.

2007-10-14T18:08:00.000-05:00

If you know me at all, you know that I have always been intrigued by elephants.
Tarra is an Asian now living in Tennessee. On all of my visits to that state, I never knew I was that close. But they are not open to the public, understandably so. It's a center for troubled and retired pachyderms.
One of the most interesting comments I've heard this week was "For as thick as elephant's hides are, they are remarkable thin skinned."The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee

2007-10-13T00:47:00.000-05:00

What a week!
My Blu child is feeling better. I still enjoy my work. The painter is strong. E is full of As.My mother is alive and doing well and are planning her 70th birthday party soon. D is kicking ass and taking names with his new job. My sisters are working magic together and seperately. My HB was in a wreck, but is not harmed too much. KarBear's dad is seemingly okay; keeping him in my prayers. Little Manny is scoring touchdowns and I am sure that his father is looking down on him from above. My Angle Lover and I are both needing each other's support during trying times. I still continue to suprise my Asian brother with my understanding of life, no matter how twisted that may be. I had a nice, quiet, listening dinner with a wonderful desert.

In an effort to dilute and elude Batman's need to be a lap baby, I poked him in the eye with my fingernail. He didn't have anything to do with me for a day, but now is back in my lap. I guess when you have people that you truely love, it's comforting to know that they usually come back when they are hurt. That's when we work hard to make things right.

As I come to the end of another calander year of my life, I come to realize who and what are really important to me and my life. Here's to another good year.

2007-10-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 10, 2007

You can make almost anyone feel at ease and are at your best in social situations that require a bit of finesse. Your mood lifts others higher and customers or relatives should leave wanting more.

Daily Singles

For Today: October 10, 2007 Helping a friend's not always fun, but today, it's a necessity. Just straighten up and get it over with. And think about it: You're investing in that karmic bank. When you're done, get ready for an unexpected phone call.

Yeah, I think today is going to be a good day for me, or least I hope so!
The Tara

2007-10-09T14:31:00.000-05:00

Someone asked a friend for their prized recipe. This was my response to them.

Here's the banana bread recipe that you should give.

First thing you do..... you take your banana, and you have sex with a garbage disposal, then you take your nuts and beat them into tiny pieces. Mix that in with the syrup from all that sap you spread around and add some of your sour milk, cause I'm not crying over what you spill. Then shove it in the oven, which is the right temp from all of your hot air. Enjoy!

I just thought that was too funny not to share.

The Tara

2007-10-07T23:13:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, Blu and I took Manny to his flag football game. I am Manny's second mom almost every Saturday because his mother works on Saturdays. His father past away in February. On the car ride they were debating with me their needs for siblings. Blu is good at sports, but she's humble, Manny is not. It's funny to see the differences in them appear.

Blu: Mom, do you know that people think I am good at sports?
Tara: Well, you are. But what made you say that?
Blu: When I made that second 3-pointer when playing basketball with the boys at church they said, "Do you know what you just did?" Then when we were bowling, and I put a spin on the ball and picked up the spare, Devin said, "Do you know what you just did?"
Tara: You are good at sports. You develop the skills quickly for what ever game you are playing. You could say, "Yeah, I'm all that and a bag of chips."
Blu: Yeah, I'm all that and a bag of chips. With extra salt!
Tara: But you are humble and probably won't say that.
Blu: This is true.

So, at the game, Blu and I are watching the football game where everyone on the field is male, and all of the cheerleaders and sponsors are female.

Blu: It's not fair Mommy.
Tara: What's not fair?
Blu: That girls can't play football. I don't want to be a cheerleader, I want to be running for touchdowns and blocking running backs and stuff. If girls are big and strong enough, they should be allowed to play with the boys.
Tara: Well, there are some girls that are on football teams, but some of the guys make it difficult for them. But, in Dallas there are rugby teams that are just for women.
Blu: What's rugby?
Tara: It's like football, but no shoulder pads or helmets.
Blu: Ohhh COOL!
Tara: Do you want to play rugby?
Blu: Totally.
Tara: You remember Erika? She plays ice hockey.
Blu: Erika rocks.

I guess I am raising a little feminist.

2007-10-05T10:56:00.000-05:00

Libra

September 23 - October 22

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 5, 2007

Gloss over the small details of whatever project you're most intent on finishing. Either someone else will take care of them, or they won't really matter in the long run, so finish it up and move on.

There's absolutely no way that I can let this happen.
My job is as much about the details as the whole picture, maybe more so, but that's why I am good at what I do. How is 1/4" on 5 panels going to affect the jointing pattern of a whole building? How stylized am I going to make this volute? Will it look better with 9 courses or 10? Sprinkles or none on my Krispy Kreme crack this morning? Which flip flops do I wear today? How many pairs do I have in my trunk? Do I really need to put 1/16" joints into that countertop layout? They are just going to slap it all together anyway. Do I take the time to go through all of the "A Beautiful Mind" scraps of paper from today, or do I wait till Monday? Will the koi in the pond really care if I don't have the mill finish the bottom side of that limestone bridge piece? Do the inscribed crosses on the table top need to be 3/16 or 1/4" deep?

But it's the act of sweating all the small stuff that I find the most difficult and I tend to stumble at times. It's hard at times to do one small thing at a time when I know there's 100 that need my attention. So, I'll just blog about it. lol

2007-10-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

October 4, 2007 - Thursday

Breakfast anyone?
Current mood: chipper
Category: Romance and Relationships

Lacee posted a Myspace bulletin of a quiz (imagine that).
There was one question, for which the answer stood out for me.

13. What features do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?
I like someone who has good stature and laughs alot.. But I gotta leave Lauren's answer too.. It's below..

When they give you the look you could pour on a waffle.

I've been asked before what "type" of characteristics I like in a man. I have no set form for which appeal to me. I value personality, intelligence and wit over seemingly good looks any day. For beauty fades, hair thins and falls out, supple skin becomes wrinkled, stature shrinks, but the look of adoration, respect and love only grows and endures.

Currently listening :
The Way I Feel
By Remy Shand
Release date: 12 March, 2002

2007-10-02T10:20:00.001-05:00

Libra9/23-10/22

Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: October 2, 2007

Try not to worry about how much you get done today -- sometimes you need to just give yourself a break! It's a good time to relax and maybe think about rearranging furniture and other low-stress activities.

Well, I am at home today, but with a blue Blu. Her allergies are soo bad.
I'm taking her to the doctor today. Her eyes are bloodshot and swollen. She has a slight ankle sprain from tripping when she sneezed, she she has a little limp. She went to bed with wet hair last night, so it's a wild tangled mess. She's my precious little Quasimodo.

2007-10-01T10:27:00.000-05:00

Daily Singles

For Today: October 1, 2007
Don't hold back on those crazy thoughts and notions of yours. You might scare some people off, but that's okay. They're not worthy of your personality anyway. Those who stick around truly admire your wit.

This horror scope couldn't speak any truer of myself.
My birthday is coming up soon. I think it's going to be a good one.

2007-09-30T02:28:00.000-05:00

I was a social butterfly tonight.
I went to 3 of the 4 events I had plans to attend Saturday night. A stealthly Stealth prevented a 100% Tara showing, although that event would have been the most exciting. I felt really good about myself today. I even painted my finger nails. My toenails are always done, but rarely my fingernails. I chose black, that's a new color for me. I was smiling brightly.

My night started with a great compliment from a pretty blonde, that left me blushing and having trouble opening a door, which led D to laugh at me, but I didn't mind. I was smiling brightly. Then I went to a birthday/housewarming party where the 10 year-old daughter of a friend rocked at beer pong, but she did have a designated drinker. Then I got to hang out with my super great friends and some Scoobys singing Buffy.

I met some nice people from OKC and made an instant friend. We paid each other compliments about our tresses. Also, they agreed to volunteer for Can't Stop The Serenity 2008. They let us stand with them, thus moving us up like 50 people in line. I was smiling brightly.

My Honey Bunny (a bunny that I'm not afraid of) said that I looked extra nice tonight. That made me smile extra brightly. OX OX OX

I feel taller than my frame that's just shy of 6' says I am. I guess my spirit is growing again. It's been in a slump for a while.

Tomorrow I am going to bask in nature. There's a bonsai and orchid show and sale that I am excited about seeing. I will smile brightly.

2007-09-24T13:10:00.000-05:00

Thank you to Suzanne for the new band pleasure of the day!
But could someone please tell me why I'd not heard of Velvet Love Box before?
They are a local band from Fort Worth.
Being that I am a lover of Reggae (even though I always have difficulty spelling that word)/Ska/Ethnic music and all. Do they play cover gigs at large Sherlock-type of bars or something? I can see that I'd not hear of them if they play those type of places. I see where they do play The Flying Saucer a lot. Maybe that's why, I don't go to Addison or Sundance Square much for music.

Has anyone seen them live and would recommend them for my listening pleasure?
Do they go well with a pint of Newcastle, Scotch, martini as well as a can of Lone Star?

Gees, I've gotten so far behind on experiencing new-to-me bands this past year.

Life has gotten in the way. I need another live music buddy to get into trouble with, that also has a couch for me to crash on, that lives in Fort Worth or Dallas, or anywhere closer to live music than where I live. Guah!!!
I wake early and cook a mean breakfast!

2007-09-24T01:20:00.000-05:00

From the world of Blu.

Blu: Mom. I know what I want my Halloween costume to be this year.
Tara (fearing something that includes lots of sequins): What's that Honey?
Blu: I asked you to stop calling me that.
Tara: Sorry. What's that Sweetheart?
Blu (with a sparkle in her eye): I want to be an FBI agent. You know, a spy.
Tara: You probably mean a CIA agent. FBI are like super cops, not spies.
Blu: Yeah.... CIA. I want to wear all black and stuff.
Tara: Okay. Do you still have that ear piece I gave you for the cell phone, and those black sunglasses?
Blu: Yeah, I have the earpiece, but I lost the sunglasses. I need new black boots too.
Tara: How about black shoes?
Blu: No, they have to be boots. The girl spies are hot when you see them in the movies. They wear boots, not flat shoes.
Tara: Done.

Blu's choices of Halloween costumes have been great.
A farmer.
A dinosaur.
A dinosaur. She wore the costume all the time for a year.
A clown.
A wolf, dressed in Grandmother's clothing.
A fairy.
A fairy godmother (same costume, different theme).
A Celina witch (school color is orange).

She's soo going to rock being a CIA agent. She's already got the attitude.

2007-09-23T23:15:00.000-05:00

Here's a story from a few years ago.
I promised Suzanne that I'd blog about it in response to her latest "lesibian moment".

When Blu was about 4 years old, she and I went to visit my younger sister. We were going through boxes and working in her yard or something. She was wearing overalls, I was wearing jeans and a flannel jacket. We were both wearing ballcaps and our best low-maintance no make-up look. Blu was wearing overalls too.

We went to the movie rental store and made a stop at Albertsons. All the way from the truck (yeah, add that to the whole look) my sister and I were holding Blu by an arm and were doing the "1,2,3 weee!" arm swing the child across the parking lot. Cindy said "Hahaha... it looks like we are Blu's 2 moms!" We chuckled and started to shop.

When we were checking out, with a long line in a crowded store, Blu chose the most appropriate time to say loudly, "Guess what? I have 2 moms!" Damage control time. Cindy and I both turn bright red and talk over each other's words like a Robert Altman film "We are sisters! Really. Not that there's anything wrong with being homosexual. Kids are so funny. The repeat everything."

Aren't kids just great?

2007-09-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

9:52 PM - Day with The Blu
Category: Life

Today was a wonderful day!
Any day that I am with The Blu is wonderful, but today was extra special.
We spent the afternoon and evening together with friends and a suprise visit from my younger sister. With any long car ride to Fort Worth, we share music with each other.

Today, we listened to the whole Johnny Lloyd Rollins CD on the Southern trip, which she knows all the words to all of the songs, On the Northern return trip, I let her listen to a variety of songs... Nick Drake, old school David Bowie, lots of Lucinda Williams, Bjork, Block, Amy Winehouse, Baby Boy Da Prince, and Keane. We were driving the final mile to the house when The Sugarcubes "Birthday" was playing, and sat in the driveway finishing the song. She said, "Wow, she is really good. I want to hear more of her songs." I am amazed every day with her music appreciation.

Blu is GOLD! But I am her mother, I am biased. :o)

Thank you to everyone that came out to meet up with us for lunch and for inviting us to the birthday party. She had a blast and enjoyed your company as well. She thinks you all are awesome.

Peace,
The Tara

2007-09-22T23:46:00.000-05:00

Baby Blu is starting to feel better. She's been quite sick this week. With, as it seems, half of the DFW population.

It was a good day. The bungalow was filled with kids and a frightened yet curious kitty cat. Boy games, girl games, darts, kiddo fashion show, cartoons, pizza, taking a nice brisk walk, grocery shopping and dropping some cash at the auto repair shop and being chased by a dog were all part of our day.

I did a lot of cleaning today. I rid myself of some clutter and it felt good.

A movie started to play on "Dinner and a Movie" on TBS that I questioned my watching. So I sent out a text. "Should I really watch "Serendipity" alone? Or will I cry myself to sleep because I'm without a partner? lol" My older sister replied with "Crying is good sometimes. I say yes." My Honey Bunny GF replied with "Don't you dare watch that! (She said it was all about long lost love and how life won't be good without it) ...Call some-such, he's always good for a f*ck love conversation." I told her it's too late to heed her warning, due to that I already invested 10 minutes in to it and will finish watching.

Then we had a back and forth funny banter about it all and how I should live closer because they were trying out a new blender and drinks. This made me smile and laugh.

Oddly enough, I've seen this movie before, but I totally forgot how the middle went or what the ending was. The movie is now coming to an end.
I remember the beautiful snowflakes.

Destiny? Fate? Some glorious plan? Right time, right place?
No, I don't think so. People do things every day that thwart all of that. I think that life is more like a game of Frogger, where you have to jump forward and backward, left and right, away from resistance and harm. Is there ever a real chance of finding your soulmate, or even someone really appropriate for you when you are merely trying to survive?

For me? I will just exist. This is what I know how to be best. I will go with the ebb and flow of my life and the experiences it has in store for me.
So far, I am still alive and kicking.

2007-09-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

Where ever I go, I take pop tabs from aluminum cans. With the help of neighbors and co-workers, Blu and I have collected at least a 1,000 since last December.
I get some stange looks and questions about my klepto behavior.
Here's why.
The Ronald McDonald Homes have a fundraising campaign called The Pop Tab Collection Program that was started in 1987. It's a little thing that each child (and their family) can do to help support a worthy charity.

Celina is a nice small town where it's people gather to help their neighbors in time of need. Last year, a beautiful little girl in Blu's grade named Claire was diagnosed with an inoperable brainstem tumor. She became a patient at The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and her family would stay at the the local Ronald McDonald House during the time of her treatments. Her prognosis is not a good one, 6-12 months is what her doctors are currently saying is what's left on her life expectancy. The current efforts are trying to get her into a program outside of the US for trial medications.

The Celina Elementary School collected over 50,000 pop tabs last year.

Blu was invited to a birthday party this past Sunday and Claire was in attendance. She is thin, with translucent jaundiced skin. Her hair is growing back and is short and smooth as velvet. Her presence is guarded by her friends, holding her hand to steady her walk as they played. Her smile was grand though.

There's another fundraiser to help the family cover medical costs next month. Cars for Claire is Saturday Oct. 6th at 9am.

I am sure that all of us have been affected by cancer, but especially if your loved one or friend is a child. So, collect your pop tabs and know that this little act will help some family out there.

A good thing that has come from this, is that Blu would like to start a community wide recycling program to help fund the Rondald McDonald Houses. I will gladly volunteer my time to help accomplish the goal of a child to help other children.

2007-09-10T14:08:00.001-05:00

The power went out on the block where out office sits earlier this afternoon.
After a few minutes, my boss came back into my office, which is through a normally dark storage section between our connecting buildings. He emerged from the darkness, clicking his cane against the wall as if to announce his presence, saying, "Ewww, ohhh, it's really dark back here. What kind of operation are we running?"
I replied, " A shady one Sir." That made him chuckle.

2007-09-08T12:18:00.000-05:00

On Fridays at work, we have a weekly progress meeting for the boss, project managers, and the self-titled Minister of Propaganda. So the four of us (lol) gather in our Frank Lloyd Wright conference room. If you've ever seen my office, you'd know how true, yet tongue-in-cheek this really must be.

I started a list of things to do for the rest of the day and ideas for the week. I didn't care for the order, and wanted a fresh start, so I tore out the sheet, crumpled it in to a ball and tossed it towards the middle of the table. This behavior is totally out of my norm, so the table became silent.

"What? It's an origami boulder." I jokingly replied to their stares. "Tara, is that a new product line you are wanting to introduce?" my bossed quipped. Rebecca, our Minister of Propoganda pointed out, "No two are ever alike."

Stealth sent me this link a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for the inspiration for a funny episode at work.

2007-09-05T13:52:00.001-05:00

A super coolio group of friends and I went to The Fort Worth Modern Art Museum this past Sunday for the Ron Mueck exhibit. There's free admission the first Sunday of the month and every Wednesday. It was sooo crowded being it was a holiday weekend and having a popular exhibit on view. For the most part, people were considerate and polite. But I did hear a few people complain about it being "too crowded" for their pleasure. I was sooo super excited to see it that full. Most of the time I go, I am just one of only a handful of people in each gallery room.

I've never been to New York City or Washington DC, but I could only imagine that the museums there are crowded every day.

As a child, when I'd go on summer trips with my mom for her annual medical conferences, I always looked forward to going to the local museums. We didn't have a lot of extra money to go to the theme parks and such, and museums are usually free for kids. I've always loved to go to museums, regardless of size or the nature of the collection. I also relish is the smaller ones of little towns in the area. They are so quaint and special.

I remember one time at the MOD, they have a piece that's a large wooden box made from the wall material of the artist's studio. It had small holes cut into the sides and top. Most adults just walk around it and move on. My companion and I got down on our hands and knees and looked through the holes at each other. The museum guard in the room started to giggle. He told us that he's never seen an adult do that before, just kids. He thought it was awesome.

One time I took Blu to the Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Modern Art in downtown Dallas when she was 6. There are a few Auguste Rodin sculptures outside that really grasped her attention. She said, "Look at the size of their feet. Do you think that Rodin made them so much bigger than they should be, because they have to balance and hold the weight of the sculpture?" She's gold I tell you! We then walked over to the Nasher Sculpture Center and got in trouble by the security guards for walking hand in hand up the rising planter walls." We were just being kids, sorry." I told him. He smiled and let us finish up to the top and then we jumped down.

So, go to museums more often. Look at things the way a child would. You'll enjoy it.

2007-09-05T00:33:00.000-05:00

Every time my mother comes to visit she brings a bag of stuff from my past.
This evening I opened it up and sorted through what I want to keep and what to toss.

It was filled with art projects from 7th grade, a journal from 10th grade along with term papers on Andy Warhol and Edgar Allen Poe, and a whole stack of books that I read sometime in early junior high. There were a lot of Duran Duran magazine posters with various other New Wave bands. I found something that scared me, a pen & ink drawing of a freaking unicorn! The only thing that saved me is the fact that it was in a Japanese style, I was probably copying some of my father's stacks and stacks of mythological book covers. The journal was very interesting reading. Some of the same issues and thought processes I still have. I find it comforting that I was as much of a introvert rebel in my early youth as I am now. My handwriting was total crap. But will I ever solve the world's problems?

Last week I told Lacee about a recurring nightmare that I have had ever since this time period. I almost fainted when I read in my journal of the recounting of that nightmare. I had it again last week. Too scary. It was about losing my older sister.

The sketches that I found we of the same quality of some of the sketches that Blu is currently drawing. She is going to be awesome!

Here's a list of the books that I was reading during this time period. Funnay!
Tom Sawyer, Hans Brinker, The Handbook of Beauty, Organic Chemistry Study Cards, The Exorcist, Guide to Painting, Listening to the Great Teacher, America's Great Heroes, and Dr. C.G. Jung's Flying Saucers.

Maybe the best reassurance that you are on the right track as an adult, is to go back to the past, to the core of your childhood, and see what your goals in life were.

I remember being as much as an insomniac then as I am now. Damnit!

2007-09-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, when other children are watching cartoons, Blu is again watching the season finale of America's Got Talent where the wonderful Cas Haley of Woodbelly was the runner up.

Blu: Will you take me some time to go see Cas play? He's like super famous now. Will he know your name?
Tara: I sure will. If he or Woodbelly are playing a festival or daytime show that children can attend, that doesn't have a cover charge of $20 a ticket, I'll take you for sure! Yes, he knows me by name, but it's not like I can call him up on the phone or anything.
Blu: You know people, can't you just ask someone to get us in for free?
Tara (laughing): The whole deal with musicians is that music is not only their life, it's their work; that's how they earn a living. That's why Mommy has a good little collection of local music cds. I try to support their music.
Blu: Oh, that's cool. I can dig it.

Currently listening :
Woodbelly
By Woodbelly

2007-09-03T16:12:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone that met up at the MOD yesterday.
It was a beautiful day filled with beautiful art spent with beautiful friends.

I try to learn everyday. I want to learn about art, society, friends, others and myself.
I've learned some more things about myself this weekend; some things good and some ways that I need to better myself.
I will become a hard working woman.
I have a lot to prove, if only just to myself.

2007-09-01T13:34:00.001-05:00

My silence and lack of action is in no way my acquiescence to a situation.
I choose to take the high road.
I am not saying that I am a better person.
I am a good, honest and trustworthy person.

I am making the conscious decision to not allow someone else's ill feelings
to dampen my joy, damage my peace, or taint my karma.

Peace,
The Tara

2007-09-01T11:37:00.000-05:00

This morning I put some medicine on Blu's arm where she had a scrape.
Blu: Thank you, thank you very muuuuch.
Tara laughs uncontrollably.
Blu curls up her lip, stands off to the side and points both index fingers at me and says, "You're a hunka hunka hunka burning looove Baby."

Life can't get much better than that!

Blu is the best 8 year-old girl Elvis impersonator I've seen in my kitchen in a loooong time.

2007-08-31T16:10:00.001-05:00

These things were said and done this week that pleased The Tara, or just entertained her in general.

Honey Bunny: Ohhhh...... booby hugs!

Cherub: This just in... Celina woman goes on murderous rampage due to lack of peaceful sleep!

Monet: Here kitty kitty kitty...

OP: Ohhh.... the yummy goodness that is The Tara.

Tara: Dawn, you are our own real-life Bridget Jones.

Blu: You know I won't eat that sandwich if there even a hint of crust!

Stealth: What do you mean "Who am I?" You don't know? Ohhh, that's right. You don't even have high enough clearance to read my file!

Monkey Boy: Get down on the floor and dance with me!

Tara: Ohhh girl, that sounded like a guilt trip. Did Ali teach you that one?
(After which I recieved a swift slap on the arm from Ali)
Ali: Ohh, you liked that, didn't you?

PP: I'll call you and we'll talk soon. I promise.
(Yeah right...)

Stealth: You are soo optimistic. That's cute.

Marty: You've given me another "city folk" term of the day.

My 89 year-old boss reading his after lunch fortune cookie:
You will have many mysteries come your way in the near future.
Co-worker: Did you just say mistresses?
Massive laughter from myself and another co-worker was heard.
Boss (smiling a cheshire grin): That would be mysteries my dear!
Tara: This is where you use your line of the week "But I'm a married man, damnit! Don't try to tempt me with such things. Don't you understand?"

Lacee: But you've seen me like a bazillion times! What do you mean?

My mom: I love you too!
My older sister: I love you too!
My younger sister: I love you too!

Blu: I love you. You're the best!

2007-08-31T13:28:00.000-05:00

It's been requested of me to post another Bluism.
"Churub" or Eric as his parents named him, brightened my Wednesday evening by saying "I'm having a Blu withdraw!" So here you go. Enjoy.

This past Monday was The Blu's first day of the school year, so she asked me if her dad and us could go to dinner together. I called him up and we met up at one of the finest dining establishments in our city. There's only 4 in our little town to chose from. lol I was finishing up a funny phone conversation with my OP Dawn while Blu and her dad were playing Trivial Pursuit. Here's how the conversation went.

Marty: Thank you Darling for the dinner invite. Are you picking up the check?
Blu: I guess so. It was all my idea after all. (She used "air quotes" when she said "my idea")
Tara: Did you just use "air quotes" sweet child of mine? (laughing)
Blu: "YES" ( using "air quotes" again)
Marty: Where did you learn the idea to use those?
Blu: You know, from my peeps.
Marty: Your what?
Blu: My peeps; my hommies on the street, Yo.
Marty (with a look of complete disbelief): I am soo lost to what you just said.
Tara: Peeps means her people, her associates. Hommies on the street means her friends in the hood, the neighborhood.
Marty: Where did you learn that?
Blu: I don't remember, I just did.
Tara (to squeltch the upcoming lecture on society): They use those terms on Disney Channel's Hanna Montana tv show.
Marty: I watch that show with her, but I don't remember anything from it.
Tara: Blu, I just got off the phone with Dawn. She says hello to you.
Blu: Who?
Tara: You know, Dawn who married John at suite night at the ballpark.
Blu: Oh yeah. She's nice. But they kiss weird. He leaned her back and planted one on her and it messed up her lipstick.
Tara: Yes, they are weird, but nice.

2007-08-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog.
I've blogged on another site that was all about my space, but this is just for my blogs.
So, I'll be copying most of them from that site and publishing them here.

Read, enjoy, think, hopefully be moved at times, laugh, cry, hug your loved ones and bask of power of The Blu. That's my awesomest child by the way. ;o)

If you have a question about anything I write, please send me an e-mail or leave a comment.

Peace,
The Tara

2007-08-30T11:32:00.000-05:00

11:19 AM - Sad, sad, sad, sad, sad, sad
Current mood: crushed
Category: Friends

I was told of some really, really sad news today about a business associate who was also a friend. I am distraught as to why or how someone could be driven to do such a thing as murder, none the less, to murder 6 people. My friend, who is known by his middle name of Scott, his first name veing Jay, that's why it didn't ring a bell when I had read of the story earlier in the week, was murdered in the home of his girlfriend, her and her teenage daughter, and the daughter's friend, also 2 others lost their lives.

Please remember everyday to tell those who you love, and who are close to you how much they truly mean to you. You never know when they may leave your world.

2007-08-29T13:41:00.000-05:00

This week is "Heavy Metal" week on NPR's "Fresh Air" radio program. It's been an awesome listening experience. I'm going to download the podcasts.

On today's episode, Metallica's lead singer and guitarist James Hetfield talked about his battle with various demons and how therapy helped his personal life and also his fellow band members mental health and relationships in dealing with each other.

There were many great things that he said, but one in particular stood out for me. This is not verbatim, but as close as I remember.

"The amount of love you give someone when they are in your life is equal to the hurt you get when they leave."

Why does this have to be true? Why do we have to have heartache when any type of relationship ends? My theory is (and I know it's not always the correct one...what a shock ;o) ) is this: If you feel no pain, if there's no hurt, then maybe the relationship didn't mean as much to you to begin with. If you feel pain, that's exactly what you are feeling. Pain comes from injury. Or as Nate says, "Pain is weakness leaving the body". That could be weakness that comes from being dependent on someone else in the past for your own happiness, and now you are lonely. Or it could be pain from the loss of your family member, soulmate, and friend. Any way that it hurts, we all hope that the pain will subside with time. It's what you do with that time that helps you heal faster and better with less scaring.

At peace,
The Tara

Currently listening :
All at Sea
By Jamie Cullum

2007-08-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Ohhhh..... my boss went out for lunch and invited me to tag along, but I opted to stay here and work. But he's bringing my back a $8 ham & cheese sandwich from Amuse Bistro near the South Side on Lamar Building that also contains my favorite coffee shop Opening Bell and the recently relocated Bill's Records & Tapes.

Anyways.. enough of the links......

This sandwich.... it's no ordinary ham & cheese sandwich. It's made with prosciutto & gruyere with tomato and fresh basil. Yummy

Currently listening :
Black Sheep
By Martin Sexton
Release date: 20 April, 2004

2007-08-27T22:49:00.000-05:00

Cherub crushed my lust tonight.
He informed me that Anderson Cooper was gay.
I am crushed, crushed, crushed.
Almost crushed enough to go gay myself.
Okay, not that crushed.

2007-08-27T13:30:00.001-05:00

Today is Blu's first day of school. Her dad and I walked her to school. She was so excited. We met her teacher last Thursday and she's an art major graduate and has taught for Celina ISD for at least 25 years or so. I really like her and I hope for a continued pleasant experience for Blu's education. There's a classmate from last year that's in her class again, he steals pencils... so Blu is not liking that too much.

They are filming "Prison Break" again today. So we are sitting up front in my boss' office watching Danay Garcia hail and get int oa cab over and over. lol Rumor is that this afternoon the scene being filmed includes Amaury Nolasco. Oh yeah...
My intercom buzzed an hour ago with boss saying...."Tara, they've started filming. Where the hell are you?" I laughed. He's so cool for an 89 year-old.

Saturday, I spent about 7 hours sanding 108 square feet of 2" limestone pavers for a construction project. Yeah, I go and do site work from time to time. The mill didn't put as nice of a finish on the pavers as the customer wanted. The customer is a friend, so there I was, in the heat, with dust flying, wearing goggles, work gloves, operating a sander and listing to some tunes on the iPod. It gave me lots of time to think. I was at peace, and I wasn't even sweating too much. I like power tools! lol

I've been too good of a friend to some, and not enough to others. I need to be, and I am working on being a becoming mother, daughter and sister.

I've been ridding myself of excess in a few ways. I had a long way to go, but I've made a good start.

Fung Shui is a lot of work!!

Another thing, I am tired of proving to people how nice I am and can be. If you haven't figured that out on your own, then oh well, you've missed out.

2007-08-25T21:10:00.000-05:00

Libra's Daily Horoscope - Overview For Today: August 25, 2007 You've exhausted the limits of one area you've been exploring, so it's just about time to move on to something else. You may want to survey where you've been in anticipation of future travels and growth.

Hummm... very interesting horror scope for this weekend.

2007-08-24T13:47:00.001-05:00

Friend them, listen, buy, enjoy.
Current mood: impressed
Category: Music

Thanks to Derringer a friend in Chicago, whom I'll always trust his amazing taste in music, I've found a great band from across the pond. Their music is awesome! That is, if you like that sort of sound. lol Trust me, you will.

The Heart Strings

I was reading their song lyrics and there was one song in particular that struck me like a cosmic 2" x 4". Normally, I am not like one of the tweens on Myspace that post song lyrics all the time, but today I am.

Her New Disaster

She found him the same way
She finds all her new flames
Close to an old grave

I better get my shoes on
I better get my coat on
I better grab my hat cause

This is gonna be her new disaster
This is gonna take some looking after
Yeah this is gonna be her new disaster
Cause everytime I try to steer her clear
She makes a mess and ends up back here

She sunk like the last
And swam for the frontlines
Half dead but still trying

I better get my shoes on
I better get my coat on
I better grab my hat cause

This is gonna be her new disaster .

I used to advise her
Inbetween despising her
But this time I'll have no time
This time I'll have no time
This time I'll have no time
This is her disaster not mine.

She could've kept her head on
She could've kept her dress on
She could've been long gone.

2007-08-20T13:16:00.000-05:00

Wedding and the World according to Blu

posted August 20, 2007 1:16pm

Current mood: nostalgic
Category: Life

The C & C wedding (my younger sister Cindy and her husband Clayton) this weekend was awesome!
We met some amazing people from all over North America that traveled to FTW for this special event. I might blog about it later, or may just keep it private Idaho.
But there was some funny and amazing quotes.....

I was wearing a great kimono blouse to the rehearsal and dinner Thursday and Blu said this:
Blu: Look Mimi. Don't you just love Mommy's shirt? It's Japanish.
My mother and I both laugh and I say:
Tara: Actually the word is Japanese, but I like "Japanish" a whole lot more.

Jan (older sister): Did anyone in out family bring any wine?
Tara: Yeah, Mom brought a case.
Jan: That should hold us for a night at least.

Tara: Look Blu, we are staying next to Ol' South Pancake House. That's where Monet (my best friend) and I usually wind up at 2am eating breakfast.
Blu: Ohhh...... can I go too? I'm a Big Dog! (Big Dog is what our little power group of peeps call ourselves)

Cindy (looking down the front of her wedding gown):
How do the girls look?

Monet (after seeing all of the cowboys and vet students in attendance):
Oh my, there's cowboys here, I just have to leave. I'm in a church, I've just had communion and I am having impure thoughts. Ohhhhh...Cowboys.

Tara: We were just a-swinging out on the porch, watching the sunrise. I promise.

Tara to the best man: Diego, you got my best friend's phone number, good job!
Diego: I did? When?
Tara: Last night, out on the porch.
Diego (looking through his cell): Wow! That's impressive. Even drunk off my a$$ I can still pick-up a hot chick.
Diego's Mom: Yeah, that's my boy! He's got talent!

Mom to me at lunch: I wish you wouldn't try to solve problems all the time.
Tara: Ohhh, you don't know how much I can agree with that!

Blu to me from the pool: Come on in Mom. The water is inviting!
Tara (right before I jump in the pool fully clothed): Alright, I'm game!

Virgina (groom's mother while giving me a hug):
Now we are offically family! We are so glad we have you in our family.
Tara: We are too, but I think you got the short end of the stick in this deal! LOL

Blu to Mimi: Oh, these shoes are killing me, but they look great!
Mimi (as she was changing into tennis shoes): I couldn't agree more.

Stephanie as she was asked to go to the reception hall to gather cousins for photos:
But I just walked all the way over here, have you seen the high heels that I am wearing?

Blu (waking up Sunday): Ohhhhh yay! CBS Sunday Morning is on! I like this show.

2007-08-15T23:15:00.001-05:00

I've learned something lately.
Some learn it in their first 15 years, others in their last.
The world is not mine to save. But my world is.
I hold those dear, close to my bosom, and others, at arms distance.
It's my nature.
I will continue to be self-sacrificing, scrappy and protective of my charges.
So world, bring it on.
But my world will be safe, sound and full of peace.

2007-08-15T12:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, I was driving Blu over to a friend's house to spend the day.
So happens, Blu's father was within 1/4 mile of the friend's house moving some hay bales from a lease pasture, he's a cattle rancher. I called him and he met us on the road to surprise Blu with a short visit. He gave her one last hug and a kiss on the cheek before parting.

Blu: Daddy needs to shave. His whiskers hurt.
Tara: I'm sorry Darling. I'm sure he would have shaved this morning just for you had he of known he was going to see you. His facial hair grows so slowly that he only shaves like twice a week.
Blu: No worries. It's a good kind of pain, like when you pinch yourself.
You know what I mean?

I busted out laughing and smiling.

Blu: What's so funny?
Tara: Nothing Darling. You are just so funny at times.
Blu: Are you going to blog that?
Tara: Probably so.
Blu: There's nothing like The Blu is there.
Tara: Absolutely nothing quite like The Blu.

Yes, The Blu uses rhetorical questions with ease and poignant placement and occasionally refers to herself in the third person. She's GOOOLLLD!

2005-10-16T18:37:00.000-05:00

First posting.