The Cold of Snow & The BRRR

We lived in Rome, NY when the big blizzard hit in 1966. There was so much snow the drifts were as high as our second story windows. My brother and I were young enough to think that amount of snow was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Once the snow finally stopped falling the two of us went outside to see what kind of damage we could accomplish in the drifts. Tunneling was the order of the day ... BUT, it was all I needed to convince me I'd had enough of the cold temperatures.

Living in Virginia, there was less snow in the winter, but when it snowed it would stay on the ground for weeks at an time and could accumulate to a couple of feet. I hated it -- and when I got an opportunity to move, I did.

Texas is cold in the winter and last winter over the Christmas holiday we had a huge snow and ice storm. For me, my intolerance has more to do with the radiation and chemotherapy then anything else at this point. Once I get cold, it gets into my bones and I just don't get warm.

So, even though the springs and summers in Texas are temperate -- the winters are intolerable and I just cannot do them anymore.

Did you see the picture of my puppy standing in the snow? That was just a couple of years ago - and it really doesn't get any better. Being cold -- is there any thing worse?

Of course there really is, and I know there are much worse situations, but, for me, being cold and not being able to get warm is very bad.

So, throw me a quilt and put another log on the fire cause this gal ain't going outside until spring!

Pornography in "Wholesome Canyon"

I was perusing through the web option opinion page of this local paper when I came across the letter, “Wanting to Keep ______ a Wholesome Community”.

At the offset you should know, I too am very interested in keeping ______ a wholesome place to live. However, the writer of this opine took Movie Gallery to task for something that Hastings also does, but in a much more grievous manner .

In addition to renting traditional pornographic movies, Hastings also makes available an entire series of pornographic anime movies. Remember, the anime was created in Japan and brought here through video games, comics, books (which Hastings also sells that have a pornographic nature). Now, anime has come to some of your young children’s favorite television cartoons.

The anime movies are not aimed at families, they are not inspirational in any form, they are targeted to kids … and of course, those who fall in the same mindset.

You should also know, that Movie Gallery keeps the offensive movies on the top shelves so they cannot be easily accessed, and the covers are blocked so they cannot be seen. At Hastings, I have seen the offensive movies on the same level for the innocent eyes of your little ones to view.

One other thing. When the Illustrated Sports Swimsuit edition came out last year, I spoke with the then manager about the offensive cover and it being so available for children to see. His response to me, (and I am quoting him), “This is business, and we’re not going to change it.” It was at that point I decided to give my movie rental business to Movie Gallery.

Not sure I know what I’m talking about? Then I challenge you to spend some time in Hastings looking at the wall of anime movies available to your kids. Did you think because they were cartoons they were innocent? Guess again. The anime books I am talking about can be found in the video game area towards the back where the t-shirts are. Spend some time.

Hastings also has books available for purchase (and perusing by your children … which I have witnessed) whose only subject is sexual pleasure: karma sutra, variety of positions, and suggestions for self pleasure. All in pictures that leave nothing to the imagination. Have you discussed sexuality with your children yet?

Hastings has no intention of changing their structure because, “… it is business“. Movie Gallery is more sensitive to those who would be offended. That, by the way, includes me -- and I appreciate their willingness to go that extra mile.

So, if you really care about keeping _____ a wholesome community, and where your discretionary funds go, I suggest you give your business to Movie Gallery.

The New Year is just a week away. What a great time to start a new tradition in your family. Rent your movies at Movie Gallery. Treat Hastings like the business it is. A provider of pornography in “Wholesome ______”.

(I sent this to the newspaper of the small town I live in. I blanked out the name of the town on purpose so you could insert your town's name and see the universality of my writing. The old adage, “Evil prospers when good men do nothing”, is evident here.)

Suicide -- The Pain We Don't See

His name is Gatlin and you can clearly hear how talented he is.

For some unknown - crazy reason, this precious child, a high school freshman, with his entire life in front of him, took his own life.

I don't know his parents, but I am a parent and I would be devastated - as I am sure they are. I never met this young boy, but his parents now have to live the rest of their lives without their son. What could have been so painful to him, so anxiety ridden, that his seemingly only answer was a permanent solution to a temporary problem?

To his parents, my heart goes out to you and I will keep you in my prayers.

It doesn't matter his mode of suicide. What's important is he is gone.

I tell you -- if you are a parent, don't miss an opportunity to hug your kids, tell them how precious & unique they are, how much you love them -- don't miss any opportunity.