Something: Hold Hope

Dear Sillies, 

I hope you're doing well and taking good care of yourselves.

It's been a while since I wrote a non-erotic poem. Instead of starting from scratch, though, I revised an oldie. Times are tough, so it's an attempt to inspire.

Keep a smile and a stash of chocolate.

Enjoy.

Sometimes we reach for something

but it's something we can't see

When a moment feels like hours

and we struggle to just be.

Despair is all consuming and 

the future beckons fear.

We listen with intention

unsure what we yearn to hear. 

Sometimes we pray for something

though we lack religious creed,

still staking faith in one thing

to provide all that we need.

Yet  in this desperate stretch
At times
We sense a subtle shift.

Gentle breath

and tender hues

console an injured rift.

Hold hope 
when there's no hand to hold

nor signs to guide you through

That something of a priceless kind

will find its way 
to you.

                                                              colored pencil drawing by me, 2003

Celebrating Jacqueline!

Dears,

I'm very sad to say that our beloved Jacqueline (of Randomosity and then Cranky Bar) passed away on 2/6 - due to a severe stroke. In spirit, she's still with us in a loud and lovingly playful way. From my understanding, Jacqueline was surrounded by loved ones, including the Great Scot, and had been a spunky pistol until her final breath (including attempting to dance and shimmy from her hospital bed).

 

So we're celebrating our dear friend, Jacqueline. A small group of  us are posting today - Mitchell, Bryan, Cheryl, Debra, Jono, me, and Michael. Feel free to join us today, or any time.  We know that Jacqueline touched countless lives, human and animal, virtually and in a very real way.

One of Jacqueline's many beautiful posts, this one from her Facebook page.

Jacqueline's kidling, Jennie, shared meaningful advice:

If you'd like a way to honor Jacquelineand Mitchell, here are a few ideas:

--- 1 Good Thing: Every day, write down one good thing. It doesn't have to be something big, just something that makes you smile.

--- Learn the signs of a stroke: FAST [Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties; Time to call emergency services.]

--- Advocate for children. Be the person that a child in a bad situation needs; listen and believe them. If there was one thing mom couldn't stand, it was leaving a child - any child - without help.

Alas, Jacqueline loved my Martha Stewart series because she hated Martha. It's another reason I love(d) her. This little bonus is for you, Jacqueline!

  Jacquelineand....said Next thing you know, she'll be selling bronzed pubic hairs...
Don't do it, Martie! Just don't!

Rest in peace, precious soul. 
You're deeply missed, deeply loved, 
and we'll keep celebrating wonderful you.

Chocolate GIVEAWAY WINNERS! Best V.Day Hate!

Dear Sillies,

You make it SO MUCH FUN to HATE Valentine's Day that  I ALMOST don't hate it. But I do still hate it. I also love you and your hate.

Before the big announcement, please enjoy some lovely hate from the lovely Cheryl:

Now, our 4th place winner who - as Pickleope said - made a real Valentine, Shoshanah Lee Marohn! This one's so beautiful, I wanted to re-post. Plus, she's a wonderfully fun artist and author.

Coming in 3rd, the remarkable Mr. Pat Hatt with: 

Roses are red. 

Chocolate is brown
Tomorrow they'll be cheaper, so calm the *uc* down

And now for second place...drum roll, Jeopardy music, and a wink from Martha Stewart (Oh never mind, she was winking at Trump. Yikes.). Stagehand Mccaulay Culkin shouts out, "There was no second place, you dumb f*k!" Oh yeah. Robyn flips him the bird. I forgot, friends. There was a tie for first place, and I couldn't decide. Both entries were equally weird and hateful and accurate.

The TWO WINNERS of Life by Chocolate's Annual VDay Hate Contest are:

A Beer For The Shower 

Valentine's Day: the only time it's socially acceptable to offer up genitalia as a present.

AND

Al Penwasser's entry #3:

"Don't buy me a thing," she tells the poor sap.

Pal, get her some bling 
because...IT'S A TRAP!


CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS!! You'll each receive a generous, sweet package of chocolate goodness. We'll do dealings in private. Wink.

Much gratitude to all who participated and enjoyed this one - Life by Chocolate's best ever V-Day Hate Fest!

In spite of it all, may you experience a sweet Val...err, Chocolate Day!
Much love.