tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51936258251135400062024-03-21T01:01:34.144-07:00Life in the MiddleJoanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-84761859010050821912010-09-06T14:54:00.001-07:002010-09-06T20:09:52.401-07:00Making Runes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUwZ6096497c2HgBxc2W2CGsJsUEeatredtqry5LTi0VV2JFcZ7Rgu5wilYs36pIQkcnEAmhZnPJGXuVpLSpx5GimWXFyCkSLHYlR-tMF5A7S52O147pKgXr7_ICFCzOqs73mpDK8u0o/s1600/MyRunes02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUwZ6096497c2HgBxc2W2CGsJsUEeatredtqry5LTi0VV2JFcZ7Rgu5wilYs36pIQkcnEAmhZnPJGXuVpLSpx5GimWXFyCkSLHYlR-tMF5A7S52O147pKgXr7_ICFCzOqs73mpDK8u0o/s320/MyRunes02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513922707097883074" /></a>A recent storm brought down a large branch from the cedar tree next to our house. On further examination we realized that one of the large, trunklike branches was growing into the roof. We called a tree guy to take it down. This is the tree that was next to the bedroom in which I grew up. In my youth, I would sometimes imagine it to be my guardian, protecting me from tornados and thieves. <br /><br />Yesterday, I was mowing the lawn and returned to the tree when I finished. I thought of the recently removed trunk and wished I'd grabbed a branch from it to make runes. I got off the mower and asked the tree if I could have a living branch so that I could make a set of runes. It's best to use living wood because a piece of the tree's spirit remains in the runes. I don't know if I believe that, but it still seemed polite to ask. I was hoping for a sign.<br /><br />To my surprise the answer was clearer than I could've imagined. The stump that was left from the trunk removal was a perfectly shaped heart. The tree – my guardian tree – showed that it loved me. I sawed off a branch that looked like just the right size for runes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_XWF1vxxiyc7zqmTdnq36x8mr8XWjaXAnqo94YaEa_yiu-OzQo6_DnVxFyOw33ZwnH1vklb5f1pysIAL3KQ6UGiAaHORVzMAu3sps6deX1kCPEyxSXi0b89qBevrSyVRdcUM1B_O3bk/s1600/MyRunes03.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_XWF1vxxiyc7zqmTdnq36x8mr8XWjaXAnqo94YaEa_yiu-OzQo6_DnVxFyOw33ZwnH1vklb5f1pysIAL3KQ6UGiAaHORVzMAu3sps6deX1kCPEyxSXi0b89qBevrSyVRdcUM1B_O3bk/s320/MyRunes03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513922920408659906" /></a><br /><br />I had to borrow a neighbor's electric saw because ours was too small (a kid's jigsaw). I made a quick trip to the hardware store for sandpaper, safety goggles and a pair of leather workgloves (my pair is missing one glove. Wish I could find it). Then I put the branch in the vice down in the basement and started sawing. I made 35 rounds (I needed 25, but I wanted extra blanks in case of errors).<br /><br />I then sanded each of the rounds with coarse (60) sandpaper and then with finer (120) sandpaper until they were smooth. I have to admit that I love the smell of cedar and this beautiful, fresh wood was so aromatic my nose was in heaven all night. <br /><br />Next, I took the sanded blanks and drew the runes on them, using a pencil. When I had everything to my satisfaction, I took the wood burner and burned in the runes. I was a little sloppy on some, but that's why I had the extra blanks. In the end, I had my full set of runes, made by my own hand from a tree that had grown up with me, sharing a wall of my room. I can't wait to use them. Runes are never stronger than when made by your hand from wood that holds personal meaning. <br /><br />This is going to be fun!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeViUOjQ7BCRZZQTUoGlVHQ7jRZEMZ0Sy3cu9O4cXmbirF3AMUZDUMPRY4VbOrza4iwJFVFWg3j3hd30zM18qVk0le-uZrn4jxOxC1RrXjwu2fAnUZJFuEeVsVhyphenhyphen0jeZT053_WClSHjE/s1600/MyRunes07.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeViUOjQ7BCRZZQTUoGlVHQ7jRZEMZ0Sy3cu9O4cXmbirF3AMUZDUMPRY4VbOrza4iwJFVFWg3j3hd30zM18qVk0le-uZrn4jxOxC1RrXjwu2fAnUZJFuEeVsVhyphenhyphen0jeZT053_WClSHjE/s320/MyRunes07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513923871427666818" /></a>Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-69721259709962121502009-02-10T04:26:00.000-08:002009-02-10T04:29:27.098-08:00Me Want<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=joannasandsma-20&o=1&p=12&l=ur1&category=kindle&banner=1RR50DN6TK7D02JARP02&f=ifr" width="300" height="250" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe> On the flight home from Christmas I sat next to a woman who had a Kindle. It was so cool. I immediately got a bad case of Kindle Envy. Now they have a new version (too bad everyone who paid the big bucks for the first one) and it's even cooler. It reminds me of the whole iPod/iPhone thing where each successive generation has more and more features and memory and it's impossible for anyone to keep up. Well, some people could keep up and I could keep not being up at all. Maybe some day I'll Kindle with the best of them.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-39602808140365355812009-02-06T01:25:00.000-08:002009-02-06T01:44:32.152-08:00GamesBy now you've figured out that I love to play games. There is a subcategory of computer games called "Casual Gaming". These include Hidden Object (HO) Games, Puzzle Games, Adventure Games, Time Management Games, SIMs and more. I'm a big fan of casual gaming. I love HO Games and tend to get very envious of the PC crowd because they tend to get so many more choices than Mac people like me. For example, Amazon has a new casual gaming center. <br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=joannasandsma-20&o=1&p=21&l=ur1&category=game_downloads&banner=13PTQH69Q2290VF8SR82&f=ifr" width="125" height="125" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />Just click on that and it'll take you straight to their game center where you'll find truckloads of games for under $10. You can try most of them for one hour free. If you like it, buy it and it's yours. No box, disks, or fuss. Just a download, a free trial and a credit card. However, you'll notice that none of them are Mac games despite there being Mac versions of quite a few casual games.<br /><br />That's where Big Fish saves the day. I love Big Fish Games. <br /><br /><a href="https://my.bigfishgames.com/index.php?afcode=afde1db45346" target="_blank"><br /><img src="http://www.mygamespace.com/images/banners/mbfgads_300x250.jpg" alt="mbfgads_300x250" border="0"></a> <br /><br />If you join the game club you can get games for as little $6.99. Oh, and yes, that "2 free games" thing is for real. I know because I grabbed my two free games. They also have really great customer service. I've been impressed with the folks at Big Fish and their games are an awful lot of fun. <br /><br />This isn't meant to sound like an ad. For some reason I enjoy getting other people hooked on these games. I think it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only person addicted to them. <br /><br />Anyway, I hope you have fun at <a href="http://www.bigfishgames.com/index.html?afcode=afde1db45346" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.mygamespace.com/images/banners/bfgads_125x125.jpg" alt="bfgads_125x125" border="0"></a> (yeah, that's clickable, too) <br /><br />and <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=joannasandsma-20&o=1&p=26&l=ur1&category=game_downloads&banner=18F6QNRQ34899GR27S02&f=ifr" width="468" height="60" scrolling="no" border="0" marginwidth="0" style="border:none;" frameborder="0"></iframe>Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-41814407565551459672008-10-01T06:12:00.000-07:002008-10-01T06:25:16.791-07:00Out of Print<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nScAcn7iZWcrMucvQxNKBMVavax_iD8aAXc_NVwf3gUuHn4H3KW_8goBYDBdQhLXuhGpeeXBRnImrXV2BqyYGE8i0e7nxQLG-pjWlsbgPRVBmVjGOO9yN1s7KBTaCue-VMGohuckT4w/s1600-h/10Cat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nScAcn7iZWcrMucvQxNKBMVavax_iD8aAXc_NVwf3gUuHn4H3KW_8goBYDBdQhLXuhGpeeXBRnImrXV2BqyYGE8i0e7nxQLG-pjWlsbgPRVBmVjGOO9yN1s7KBTaCue-VMGohuckT4w/s320/10Cat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252175460994679346" /></a>Two of my books are going out of print: <u>Explore Your Destiny with Runes</u> and <u>10 Spriitual Lessons You Can Learn From Your Cat</u>. I had intended to get fancy and make both titles links to Amazon, but it's late and I'm feeling a tad lazy. If you look on the right side of the page you'll see a picture of the books with links to Amazon. Much easier that way. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszGNukUTHrdul3oKUOcAbu-ES7aAdUScfhaHSsglYUBpeWd5G_PjEjtalrSA3QOALQUy9F27oGfT71tqjxJKAn9Seh90Lg0EI8tEXA9hzzvQJyY6r-dKkMxlKbJk47fRXHLihuRAglos/s1600-h/RunesBookplate.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszGNukUTHrdul3oKUOcAbu-ES7aAdUScfhaHSsglYUBpeWd5G_PjEjtalrSA3QOALQUy9F27oGfT71tqjxJKAn9Seh90Lg0EI8tEXA9hzzvQJyY6r-dKkMxlKbJk47fRXHLihuRAglos/s320/RunesBookplate.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252175270204128002" /></a>Get'em while you can cuz soon they will be no more. Well, except for used copies. And foreign editions. In fact, I received the letter telling me they were going out of print and two days later I received the Hungarian edition of the Rune book. One must assume the "going out of print" thing refers to the English versions only.<br /><br />I'm sad to see them go, but that's publishing. They've both had a good run. Besides, they'll still be hanging around on bookshelves for awhile yet.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-81493677305861127312008-05-26T08:05:00.000-07:002008-05-26T08:22:50.509-07:00Yarn<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdGoUA-XIRxzwyPcTfBaPa7TAwfHpDO2cGZEkUOVMlESX7dpmKpCuPkuW84bimawGntBJXlRbPIz0CPJyJRPQObYo0NJTClWeslsRKJlI0yWooeRrNiaRfm1YDn9mwyC0nhMZe8ohdZk/s1600-h/yarn01.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdGoUA-XIRxzwyPcTfBaPa7TAwfHpDO2cGZEkUOVMlESX7dpmKpCuPkuW84bimawGntBJXlRbPIz0CPJyJRPQObYo0NJTClWeslsRKJlI0yWooeRrNiaRfm1YDn9mwyC0nhMZe8ohdZk/s320/yarn01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204706741516777874" /></a>I know, it's been way too long since I posted but I had to take a little time out and blog about yarn. A dear friend in Australia is going to the hospital for a tricky operation. She's a member of the writing list I'm on and we decided to do something a little special for her. She's passionate about knitting, but lives in the Outback, so doesn't have access to all the fancy-shmancy yarns that some others do. Instead of a bouquet of flowers, why not send a bouquet of yarn? There's a yarn shop where I live that has quite an amazing selection. I don't know a lot about yarn, but even I could tell this was quite a cool place (it turned out to be internationally famous). <br /><br />The other writers on the list got behind the idea and gave me an enormous budget to do the shopping. This meant I could get the really, really good stuff. The store owners helped me out in a big way, giving great suggestions. They even threw in a knitting bag with their logo for free. Wonderful people. I'll call them today and let them know that the yarn got to Australia and was everything we hoped it would be.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GyHAPhs3YJA3wAR2cogbPWMJpKA6UgiWADNAlmRlAmgn5_ymyM1iHBN0mC2_YxvL7zYpuobx_Dp9K1VIrX7qO9RmKaiUUwnHZ9ZucMGbHXClcuwj-8HJUYlbSTPmiDdgCrkDPA69Yxk/s1600-h/yarn03.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GyHAPhs3YJA3wAR2cogbPWMJpKA6UgiWADNAlmRlAmgn5_ymyM1iHBN0mC2_YxvL7zYpuobx_Dp9K1VIrX7qO9RmKaiUUwnHZ9ZucMGbHXClcuwj-8HJUYlbSTPmiDdgCrkDPA69Yxk/s320/yarn03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204707012099717538" /></a>My favorite selection were two very small skeins of hand-dyed cashmere. I was assured this was the best stuff made and I believed it. It was the most expensive in the lot and it was also the very first thing I purchased. I wanted to make sure she got something spectacular and one touch told the story. Beautiful, beautiful stuff. I learned a lot about yarn while I was there and enjoyed the experience immensely!<br /><br />So to my friend, Bron, I wish you a wildly successful surgery and good health from now on. To Edith and Merrill at La Knitterie Parisienne I give you my sincere thanks for all your help. And for all the batty folks in my writer's group -- what an incredible bunch you are.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-15580400241654618682008-02-11T20:48:00.000-08:002008-02-11T21:02:22.719-08:00And the Music is Silenced<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn2YVMzw_trEV1i4io5RDn7l1TNlS3V5jrJfILrX7rJU5x_TbQIloucpUGSYmk9GKgR4-91ctHQ6VFDSjTN3c8lE6YK6L2z5dLCaHowgsAK1Wdd-oDxbh-wk1L9MW4IgowA7J9LeZYqY/s1600-h/icomp.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn2YVMzw_trEV1i4io5RDn7l1TNlS3V5jrJfILrX7rJU5x_TbQIloucpUGSYmk9GKgR4-91ctHQ6VFDSjTN3c8lE6YK6L2z5dLCaHowgsAK1Wdd-oDxbh-wk1L9MW4IgowA7J9LeZYqY/s320/icomp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165952646321276082" /></a>A couple of days ago, one of the sites where I post my music had a catastrophic failure of their back-up systems and -- okay, I don't really understand exactly what happened. I just know that the site lost all of its data. They're trying to raise the money to send the corrupted, failed drives to a data recovery place. The site is <a href="http://www.icompositions.com"target="_blank">icompositions</a> and there's a donation button on the page. I mention this because it's always possible a billionaire might be slumming and run across my blog and decide to save the day. Or maybe a millionaire. Or a thousandaire. Or someone with a spare $10. Or not.<br /><br />I miss the site. I had tons of really cool comments from people who had listened to my music. The music isn't lost. I still have my copies of everything. It's the comments and the threads in the forum, and lists of favorites and well, everything that's meaningful and worthwhile about a place that's a much-loved community. I still have my music on <a href="http://www.macjams.com/artist/Joanna"target="_blank">Macjams</a> and <a href="http://www.macidol.com/jamroom/bands/1049/music.php"target="_blank">MacIdol</a> but I hate to see any of the music sites disappear. <br /><br />Anyway, here's to you, iComp! May your data be recovered and the music play again.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-15858397626952335642008-02-07T23:32:00.000-08:002008-02-07T23:50:05.853-08:00Avoidance<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifW1q_RxoLXfk91XrXEJjWcOGKdUNJ-RaQZ1CuYdrTIeFIlA4yN9rcrPhWXerlLGYPtbvn5uUbANujCUXVVHyJBgtMn6Qzo11QOcHx5ZT8i4byuoQP936tD08o7Y2oOxSliwP8HdSE5s/s1600-h/cutfinger.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifW1q_RxoLXfk91XrXEJjWcOGKdUNJ-RaQZ1CuYdrTIeFIlA4yN9rcrPhWXerlLGYPtbvn5uUbANujCUXVVHyJBgtMn6Qzo11QOcHx5ZT8i4byuoQP936tD08o7Y2oOxSliwP8HdSE5s/s320/cutfinger.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164513471688642770" /></a>I gave blood again today. My least favorite part is when they prick your finger to test the hemoglobin count. Hate that. The guy took my pulse right after and it was a little high. I thought, "Duh, you just pricked my finger and made it bleed. That made me unhappy." Five minutes later he took my pulse again and it was fine. Yeah, I get over finger pricks pretty fast. Amazing, huh? <br /><br />When I finished giving blood, I had four elderly volunteers hovering around me because they thought I was going to pass out. What they didn't know was that my semi-wobbly walk from the cot to the snack table was caused by arthritis in my knees plus cold, somewhat damp weather. Dry warmth is a lot kinder to me. After they plied me with water and cookies, I finally figured out why they were concerned and told them the cause. That made them all relax and they went back to work. Have to admit, it was kind of funny to see these four frail women staring at me with fearful eyes when I had absolutely no idea why. I felt fine. Still do, but don't tell me that.<br /><br />Why "don't tell me?" I should be working on the next part of the Supergirl story I'm posting on my <a href="http://comicbooksrevisited.blogspot.com"target="_blank">Comic Books Revisted</a> blog, but I'm copping out with the ole "I'm a pint low" excuse. Yeah, one part of my brain is trying to snow another part of my brain. The sad thing is, it's working.<br /><br />I also need to do my taxes, but I hate working with numbers. So I'm avoiding that, too.<br /><br />And finally, I'm avoiding editing my novel because it's tricky and difficult. I'm turning it from Romantic Suspense into a Suspense Thriller and that means tough decisions have to be made at almost every line, especially since I need to cut nearly 20,000 words from the thing. It's a daunting task.<br /><br />I guess I need to chuck this avoidance behavior and get my nose back to the grindstone. The pint low excuse has a statute of limitations. It is never allowable on any day but donor day. So tomorrow, it's back to work.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-36232941185371509012008-02-01T08:30:00.002-08:002008-02-01T08:36:10.719-08:00Keith Olbermann's Special CommentsI'm a big fan of Keith Olbermann, host of Countdown on MSNBC. His Special Comments are often extraordinary. He's an excellent writer, an intelligent student of history, and has an unashamed liberal slant. Last night he had a special comment that's definitely worth seeing.<br /><br /><iframe height="339" width="425" src="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/22941422#22941422" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-11747412423194319302008-01-15T04:30:00.000-08:002008-01-15T04:43:31.331-08:00The Flu<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cb4kD6kGyJvSW92TwfTOXf3y2CR5pFCw3UrcnabjTOeCMfWyhXIcRKqzyr33km0hXI4b1S9pQnZe9BneLgb0dE4cysM-wD1dpCiyi8FonOBYw3B6Ex_vbDjZs7TLPp87Ml0_pNRuizw/s1600-h/thermometer.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cb4kD6kGyJvSW92TwfTOXf3y2CR5pFCw3UrcnabjTOeCMfWyhXIcRKqzyr33km0hXI4b1S9pQnZe9BneLgb0dE4cysM-wD1dpCiyi8FonOBYw3B6Ex_vbDjZs7TLPp87Ml0_pNRuizw/s200/thermometer.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155683044828750866" /></a>Not dead, but I came close. Last Tuesday brought on a violent attack of the flu. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. It began with projectile vomiting, then came a high fever and chills and we rounded things out with one of the flu's best buddies, diarrhea. What a lovely time.<br /><br />Unlike past illnesses where I felt like heck but was never actually afraid of the darn thing, this one was different. It was virulent, vile and very violent. (Ah, alliteration! Such fun). High fevers tend to addle my mind to a frightening degree and this high fever was a terror. At one point, I woke up and found myself lying on my side in the bathtub, the water having grown cold while I slept. I did not remember getting in the tub, nor how I fell asleep in it. I count myself lucky that my tub drain leaks a bit, therefore taking the water level down just enough to keep me from drowning. Even in my my fever-addled state I realized how close I'd come. <br /><br />I managed to keep myself awake long enough after that to determine I was in a safe place before nodding off again. There was a lot of sleeping (constantly interrupted by dashes to the bathroom). I called a friend and asked her to check up on me, which she did. All day long she called to make sure I was still okay. (She lives in another state so calling was her only option). <br /><br />After days of battling the symptoms, it finally abated. I was left feeling weak, wrung out, but alive and on the mend. I've almost regained my strength now. I'm eating again and have been taking it easy, hoping to hasten my full recovery. I don't know what strain of the flu I had, but do whatever you can to avoid it. Get a flu shot or go live on a deserted island or something, but avoid this bad boy with everything you have. It's truly the worst case of flu I've ever experienced.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-91651440283194921362008-01-01T00:14:00.000-08:002008-01-01T00:28:24.904-08:00Happy New Year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q8RCU6-KC8FbttApLvbzSkCUExHffyhPRfS3NPJeNregi8dkLZMFsSWAtiTRo-bLlXA5NUoFkuIgppDDsBvtXPZF57677afZ7t5L65LqBm6Wa582Uhw2anYf9BXk_bbmcpZAw4MwxKI/s1600-h/fireworks.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q8RCU6-KC8FbttApLvbzSkCUExHffyhPRfS3NPJeNregi8dkLZMFsSWAtiTRo-bLlXA5NUoFkuIgppDDsBvtXPZF57677afZ7t5L65LqBm6Wa582Uhw2anYf9BXk_bbmcpZAw4MwxKI/s400/fireworks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150422117913043490" /></a>I'm back home after a trip to Wisconsin to spend Christmas with my Mom and my brothers and their families. Great trip as always. I had such a great time. As always, it was too short.<br /><br />And now it's 2008, a brand new year. I won't bore you with a list of resolutions. I tend not to make actual resolutions, as a rule. It's more a sincere hope that the year will be a good one for me and everyone I know and love. I could use a good year as last year held some big disappointments in my professional life. Won't bore you with those details, either.<br /><br />The past couple of days I've been working on the comic whose story I will be revisiting on my other blog. When I finish that, I'll be working on getting some projects ready to pitch, as well as polishing a query letter I'm hoping will snag a new agent (please, Lord, make it a GOOD agent this time! I've had 4 agents in my life for various things (voice acting, TV writing, and books) and so far I'm 0 for 4 as far as good ones go. I'm not giving up; I'm just hoping that this time things work out better). I'm a lot better at writing than I am at pitching and querying, but the latter is a necessary part of the profession, so I simply have to do the best I possibly can. That's as close to a resolution as I'll probably get.<br /><br />Here's hoping anyone who's reading has a fantastic 2008 that surpasses all your own hopes, dreams, and resolutions! Happy New Year!Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-9385031780382189342007-12-20T04:41:00.000-08:002007-12-20T04:49:25.164-08:00A little holiday musicI've been collaborating with a gentleman who goes by the name Wal4u at iCompositions (along with his son, Wal4uJr). We've done two duets in a holiday theme so I thought I'd share them with you. <br /><br />The first is <a href="http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=79869"target="_blank">Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas</a> and it's nice and jazzy. <br /><br />The second is <a href="http://www.icompositions.com/music/song.php?sid=57053"target="_blank">Baby, It's Cold Outside</a>. I really like the way this one came out.<br /><br />Have a listen, drink something warm and inebriating, and have yourself a jazzy little Christmas!Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-51821322868239749102007-12-16T00:22:00.000-08:002007-12-16T00:35:17.486-08:00Happy Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF6suuxjHp9ceXhDZlknQQajqYTdLpsXdoo06tBXPkO5n5yBrD2yoYgJdutyolx00V8_PYe6xtQ8eV5pnvH3dtsFLMk4U_k9WANsRmCBMrfXDopiy-zUlN7DEI169rDmefxi0l4VDTSI/s1600-h/LB-HB-Cake.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF6suuxjHp9ceXhDZlknQQajqYTdLpsXdoo06tBXPkO5n5yBrD2yoYgJdutyolx00V8_PYe6xtQ8eV5pnvH3dtsFLMk4U_k9WANsRmCBMrfXDopiy-zUlN7DEI169rDmefxi0l4VDTSI/s400/LB-HB-Cake.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144486520354611634" /></a>Today is my birthday. When you have a birthday in December it tends to get wrapped up in Christmas and the new year. People like to give you "combination" birthday and Christmas presents. And you are a year older very near when the world is also a year older (in a calendar sense of the word, of course). It's a time for introspection and resolutions, for family and friends. <br /><br />For me, this is also one of those nasty "decade" birthdays that appear to exist simply to make a person feel old. It's doing its job well. Of course, it doesn't help that there's a very high decibal party next door with loud music, shouting 20-yr-olds (it's really just conversation, but it's so loud that shouting is the only way to communicate. I know because I popped in last year and nearly went deaf). They share a wall with me and there is a small hallway leading to their front door where one of my windows is. No way to temper that noise level. <br /><br />No one local is doing anything for my birthday but I've already gotten a great gift from one of my best friends. I also know there will be phone calls from my mom and brothers today, as well as cards. <br /><br />I'm now going to bake myself a cake. No candles needed. I know how old I am.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-66442744201089304252007-12-14T01:47:00.000-08:002007-12-14T05:11:19.445-08:005 random or weird things about meI have been tagged and need to give 5 random or weird facts about myself. Here’s how it works: <br /><br />Link to the tagger and post these rules on your blog. Share five facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag five people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.<br /><br />I was tagged by Dawn over at <a href="http://dawnallcot.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">It Had to be Said</a> (she's also the wise and mysterious tarot card reader <a href="http://joannasandsmark.blogspot.com/2007/11/prognostication.html"target="_blank">I mentioned before in this blog.</a>) Okay, here's my list and let me figure out whom to tag next. Hmm...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNYpilmk0NIE_BDv2vbYhhDdkt57O6Q_w7z_ETGafCB_1QQ9PjIV8xDFXmYwDP-xPm6YigOIO4ys8Ht2_srZSKe8UYpV6H7okhBfDuTdZv2OUPdvVMK609puQVwvJvrxMPCdea1U-Zn0/s1600-h/cauliflowerhand.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNYpilmk0NIE_BDv2vbYhhDdkt57O6Q_w7z_ETGafCB_1QQ9PjIV8xDFXmYwDP-xPm6YigOIO4ys8Ht2_srZSKe8UYpV6H7okhBfDuTdZv2OUPdvVMK609puQVwvJvrxMPCdea1U-Zn0/s400/cauliflowerhand.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143764914309275986" /></a>1. I am double-jointed. My hands are especially double-jointed and although this was loads of fun as a kid (I could do bizarre things with my thumb and fingers as they bent in unnatural ways -- the pose in the photo at left is something I call "cauliflower hand". It's quite unatractive in person, though it does have a fascinating "Escher-like" quality to it, don't you think?.) eventually it led to me getting trigger finger. That stopped my career as a technical illustrator in aerospace. No biggie because I really wanted to pursue voice acting at the time anyway.<br /><br />2. I was a huge fan of Barbra Streisand when I was a little girl. I had all her albums and used to listen to them every day and sing along in front of a mirror. I bought my very own record player (a cheap yellow plastic beauty) for $40, using all of my savings, birthday and Christmas money. I used to put the speakers next to my ears and lie under the small record stand, pretending I had headphones.<br /><br />3. I took a year off of college between my sophomore and junior year, worked as a member of a grounds crew at a resort, then as a factory worker at Carnation Co. and finally as a parts finisher in a fiberglass company to earn money for six months. I then spent the next 6 months back-packing through Europe with two friends. It was the adventure of a lifetime.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKWkTfl4wOmf-qoLOcbXzIOpe7kxPPJWSkcjMlUqe82g9yd541UIiabMLPcOnHtxh6N2p_r7pNqPvfEIgAqQSRtABAaZHyyNuVgApJeUMia0LBOCnyKKuq8AQmqKYvSte5wDUCc96z4w/s1600-h/lace.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghKWkTfl4wOmf-qoLOcbXzIOpe7kxPPJWSkcjMlUqe82g9yd541UIiabMLPcOnHtxh6N2p_r7pNqPvfEIgAqQSRtABAaZHyyNuVgApJeUMia0LBOCnyKKuq8AQmqKYvSte5wDUCc96z4w/s320/lace.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5143764029546012994" /></a>4. I can crochet. I've crocheted a number of afghans and 'lapghans' for myself and for friends and family. I can also crochet lace and have made pieces for several friends. I learned how to crochet lace when I visited my relatives in Norway during that European trip I mentioned in #3. You can see a sample of my lace in the photo.<br /><br />5. I have a fantastic family. I constantly hear about the difficulties friends and acquaintances have with mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters and I feel completely blessed. I adored my father, who died too young. I get along great with both of my brothers. And my mother is my favorite person on the planet. I adore and admire her to the depths of my soul. It isn't that we don't have differences in my family. We do. But what matters to us isn't what separates us, but what holds us together. I feel for anyone who has difficulties in this area. I figure I just won the lottery when I was born.<br /><br />There are my five random and/or weird personal facts. They look more random than weird to me. I guess I'm just too normal for interesting weirdness. Well, except for that double-jointed thing. It can get weird.<br /><br />And now, here are my five unsuspecting victims:<br /><br />Laura Hamby, romance writer and chocoholic who can be found at <a href="http://laurahamby.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">Laura Hamby's Musings of a Chocoholic Romance Novelist</a><br /><br />Amelia Elias, paranormal romance writer without shame whose blog is <a href="http://ameliaeliasblog.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">This Wasn't In The Job Description</a><br /><br />Grace Tyler, romance writer and businesswoman who can be found at <a href="http://grace-tyler.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">Grace Tyler</a><br /><br />Fred Sandsmark, professional writer, independant businessman, a possible relative (we don't actually know, though probably not) and a fine human being who has many blogs including <a href="http://www.marblepub.com/MarBlog.html"target="_blank">Fred Sandsmark's Blog</a><br /><br />and <br /><br />Ed Pahule, technical writer and novelist whose blog is worth reading at <a href="http://edpahule.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">Upon Reflection</a>Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-12370519836109501482007-12-06T22:29:00.001-08:002007-12-06T22:37:35.171-08:00Give Blood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx4wAxabiPiXF0hyphenhyphenfIj9YC78hcbJKl3K98_WrWmDLy2hK5sv_LWD4BHyXWpNBjAJWJJr4syWsc58MortPrG7cUzJ3f8U_LkQtQryPBZjb6dX3mMtBou0tGLyTWaGnceGZ1gvuVdsdYRY/s1600-h/hero_small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqx4wAxabiPiXF0hyphenhyphenfIj9YC78hcbJKl3K98_WrWmDLy2hK5sv_LWD4BHyXWpNBjAJWJJr4syWsc58MortPrG7cUzJ3f8U_LkQtQryPBZjb6dX3mMtBou0tGLyTWaGnceGZ1gvuVdsdYRY/s400/hero_small.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5141116085944462946" /></a>Today I donated blood at the Red Cross. I'm type O-, the univeral donor. Hospitals always need a big supply of O- so the Red Cross has special incentives for us. Depending on how much we give, we can get t-shirts, jackets, etc. Last year, I donated my prize back to the Red Cross. I'm just in it for the free cookies. (Well, not really but my donation center does have Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies -- not too shabby). <br /><br />If you're able to give, consider donating some blood. I stopped at 7-11 prior to going to the donation center and talked the clerks into donating. It doesn't take much time and your donation can save up to 3 lives. Pretty easy way to be a hero, don't you think? G'won, give it a try. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit <a href="https://www.givelife.org/"target="_blank">their website</a> and make an appointment. Free cookies and juice -- can't beat that!Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-23732118265771677382007-12-05T21:39:00.000-08:002007-12-19T22:01:40.287-08:00Absolute Write Blogchain #13: Give Peace a ChanceThe December Absolute Write blogchain (lucky number 13) has begun and tag, I'm it! Kat, over at <a href="http://theblog.frassrand.com/?p=38"target="_blank">A thoughtful life</a> wrote about making lists, something I do occasionally. They tend to frustrate me because I'm forever not doing at least one item on my lists. Then Gillian over at <a href="http://www.foodpast.com/blogchains-lists-cheating-and-fried-food-all-at-once-of-course/"target="_blank">Gillian's Food History</a> talked about cheating in order to accomplish the day's tasks. Tina at <a href="http://confusedandundone.blogspot.com/2007/12/absolute-write-blog-chain-13.html"target="_blank">Getting Confused and Coming All Undone</a> took up the idea of food as a source of nurturing and the difference between gardeners and flowers (care-givers vs. care-givees). Then it was a smooth punt to me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eqnKeYu3tMSW9Lry8fvXd21EQMckyFM1AT6WuwfosS5gVj6s-REy8F4T7HOnyzHJg_RFvSgjFX0_IeAsMaL47ZTUZ_UuKOdA4HkuMi4TTyjX4CivLs70GBjAqUUMUAUwxMmYSpr_SUQ/s1600-h/armedflower.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eqnKeYu3tMSW9Lry8fvXd21EQMckyFM1AT6WuwfosS5gVj6s-REy8F4T7HOnyzHJg_RFvSgjFX0_IeAsMaL47ZTUZ_UuKOdA4HkuMi4TTyjX4CivLs70GBjAqUUMUAUwxMmYSpr_SUQ/s400/armedflower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140736221856935490" /></a>I suppose if my thumb were even the slightest shade of green (and it isn't. I'm a notorious plant-killer) I would probably try to make the flowers and weeds get along, claiming there's enough sunshine and water for everyone. I have a peacemaker streak in me that doesn't remain silent for long. <br /><br />Online flame wars can be a lot of fun to watch, as long as you're not involved. However, if the subject is something close to your heart they can be very unsettling. Without the visual cues of body language and the aural clues of tone of voice, we are left with only the printed word. Words can hurt (that sticks and stones axiom never did make a lot of sense to me). <br /><br />I've mediated a lot of flame wars but rarely take part in them. Last night, was quite a struggle. On a message board I belong to a member was denigrating the striking writers in the WGA (hence, last night's post). His arguments were filled with falsehoods, basically called writers lazy money-grubbing leeches (and the multi-billion dollar studios and producers were made of cotton candy and angel dust and deserve to keep those extra four pennies of profit or else he won't get good special effects in his entertainment. Quite an interesting take on things, huh?). <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB4IZ4pMrwu2GTXG_I92eSU1m0-QIDMCbnSGV4mPhHpKiv83XKPc7pOn0tCjdoDZyJuI3oRK3cuqW9zD9OED596xVH79gQOhKPy-3GF-4qFqIt7Cmceh4LKS_HHCgtY_po7tiNshg4pY/s1600-h/peacesign.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB4IZ4pMrwu2GTXG_I92eSU1m0-QIDMCbnSGV4mPhHpKiv83XKPc7pOn0tCjdoDZyJuI3oRK3cuqW9zD9OED596xVH79gQOhKPy-3GF-4qFqIt7Cmceh4LKS_HHCgtY_po7tiNshg4pY/s400/peacesign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140736367885823570" /></a>I desperately tried to stay out of the thread, but like a Godfather film, it kept pulling me back in. I did my best to keep my responses short and tried to end the flood of anti-writer posts that ensued. I'll admit, it hurts when people you considered nice intelligent men call you and your profession a string of invectives simply because they're going to have to watch reruns for a bit. That is, of course, at the heart of the argument. "I want my TV!" Well, shoot, so do I. But some things are more important than sitting through a rerun.<br /><br />Yeah, I failed at my peacemaking mission. When I'm sitting squarely in the crosshairs, it's not my job to make peace. I either have to remain silent, burn people to a crisp or do my best to control my responses. I did the latter. I suppose that's the way it always is. If you're a nurturing person, you do it as much as you can but there will always be those who refuse the help. If you're a peacemaker you will occasionally find yourself in the middle of the war, much as you hate to be there. In the end we can't control everything around us. Lists won't do it. Food won't do it. Gardens won't do it. Peacemaking won't do it. Life will always throw you the occasional ringer.<br /><br />And now let's see if Jen over at <a href="http://fatchickconfessions.wordpress.com/">So You Want to be a Chic Chick</a> can handle this ringer I've thrown at her. Take it away, Jen!<br /><br />Here's the list of the blogs in the chain. Go read'em all and comment!<br /><br /><a href="http://theblog.frassrand.com/?p=38">A Thoughtful Life</a><br><br /><a href="http://www.foodpast.com/blogchains-lists-cheating-and-fried-food-all-at-once-of-course/">Gillian's Food History</a><br><br /><a href="http://confusedandundone.blogspot.com/2007/12/absolute-write-blog-chain-13.html">Getting Confused and Coming All Undone</a><br><br /><a href="http://joannasandsmark.blogspot.com/2007/12/absolute-write-blogchain-13-give-peace.html">Life in the Middle</a><br><br /><a href="http://fatchickconfessions.wordpress.com/2007/12/09/controlling-responses-aw-blogchain-13/">So You Want to be a Chic Chick</a><br><br /><a href="http://williebee.blogspot.com/2007/12/making-list-checking-it-twice-yup-still.html">Williebee</a><br><br /><a href="http://twistedfantasy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/12/my-first-chain.html">Twisted Fantasies</a><br><br /><a href="http://dawnallcot.blogspot.com/2007/12/unchained-confessions.html">It Had To Be Said</a><br><br /><a href="http://kateboddie.blogspot.com/2007/12/working-on-chain-gang.html">Finding Boddie</a><br><br /><a href="http://virtualwordsmith.blogspot.com/2007/12/another-link-in-blog-chain.html">Virtual Wordsmith</a><br><br /><a href="http://randomactsofunkindness.blogspot.com/2007/12/link-in-chain.html">Random Acts of Unkindness</a><br><br /><a href="http://sherryantonettiwrites.blogspot.com/2007/12/why-we-have-artificial-tree.html">Chocolate for Your Brain</a><br><br /><a href="http://virginialeenc.blogspot.com/2007/12/aw-blogchain-13-from-distractions-to.html">Virginia Lee: I Ain't Dead Yet!</a><br><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/awchain" rel="tag">awchain</a>Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-78413503003788398912007-12-05T00:58:00.000-08:002007-12-05T01:00:26.434-08:00The WGA StrikeI'm a member of the WGA (the Writer's Guild of America) and right now, we're on strike. I've found there's a lot of misinformation out there and wanted to get some of the facts out instead of the made-up crazy stuff. Here's a great video that explains it very well.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJ55Ir2jCxk&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oJ55Ir2jCxk&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-4616939274918359132007-11-30T02:04:00.000-08:002007-11-30T02:18:58.817-08:00I made it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiwUzPtXfPrkjAYY7kcSghySTmI9lRRkLjkwmwdGI1ErJZrAgtqdToNqwjsfAnW6QobudQ3KXxicvEWf9-Vrb6s3IxTODz2djeeMa4-zmqFleSTqVXTizKzJcUoDd1mSBtTC0kOD4AgI/s1600-r/LL016smcover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5lbbPBtj743jjtsyXCr6bGN0fKjJ7edRoepl7V8gCI2GTMZEz9Xp9qjdj9Eix0AP5GLyig6M0GndeCJr4tHT0uPZzbeM8ixYXdrGndEyEvmlel0y8djfzgYpOh-d-5qETXE1QCpd0h4/s400/LL016smcover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138575241240656498" /></a>Today is officially the last day of NaBloPoMo and I made it! I posted every single day throughout the month of November. Now, I'm going to take a wee break while I work on some things that need my attention. It's been an interesting experience posting every day. Have to admit, not many people are reading this blog so it makes all the work I've done seem rather silly. Yes, I put thought into every post, found or created images, tried to think of interesting things to say, but I just couldn't find a way to get decent numbers. No problem. I will continue to post on <a href="http://comicbooksrevisited.blogspot.com"target="_blank">Comic Books Revisited</a> every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The next story (the one that begins Monday) is a must-read Lois Lane. She turns herself into a black woman in order to experience prejudice. It's pure 1970s relevance, can you dig it? Please join me for this wonderful bit of pop culture history.<br /><br />Meanwhile, please enjoy the Holy Chip auction below. It's cornalicious! And consider clicking one of those book links to the right -- they make great gifts! If you know a cat-lover, "The Wisdom of Yo Meow Ma" is my personal recommendation.<br /><br />Until then NaBlo NaBlo, as Mork never said!Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-44917520760881527032007-11-29T14:35:00.000-08:002007-11-29T15:12:13.670-08:00The Holy Chip Auction<i>Awhile back I promised to post my infamous Holy Chip Auction. Below is the auction in full as it appeared on eBay. Well, close to how it appeared. The formatting didn't fit the blog so I had to make some adjustments. But all the text and photos are here. Remember: I'm not making fun of religion. I'm making fun of people who rely on false visions in grilled cheese as opposed to the true residence of God, in each and every one of our hearts. Enjoy!</i><br /><br />Only once in a lifetime does something so miraculous arrive in the guise of a lowly tortilla chip. For lo, out of a bag of Tostitos® brand tortilla chips did I behold the breathtaking beauty of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying serenely, the folds of her long, flowing sleeves covering her pious hands. I knew instantly that I had received a Divine message from God on High: "Go forth and sell this Holy Chip on ebay!" He said unto me. Now, it is your turn to own this Miraculous Snack Food. <br /><br />At first, I merely marveled at the size of the chip. It was as thick as dozens of other chips put together. Half the bag's weight appeared to be tied up in this one, amazing chip. I knew then that this was no ordinary factory error. The mere touch of this mighty Chip of Destiny was enough to make me speak in tongues as I repeated over and over, "Tostito! Tostito! Not Dorito but Tostito!" It was a humbling and rare experience.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/HolyChip5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Knowing then that the Blessed Salted Wonder was not some oddity to be unceremoniously masticated, I searched its craggy features for the message hidden within. "Looks kinda like a cowboy boot," I murmured, examining the back of the chip. "Or maybe a snooty guy with a really big nose." But yea verily, these seemed so ordinary, so mundane for a chip with supernatural girth. I knew I had to look deeper for its meaning.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chipback1a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chipback1b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Turning the chip over in my trembling hands, I allowed my chili to get cold and my Diet Rite Cola to go flat. So enraptured was I when I first laid eyes on the visage engraved by a Holy Hand onto the face of the chip. "Holy Mary, Mother of God..." I gasped as her serene features made themselves plain before me. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chip1a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chip1b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I saw her hands raised in supplicance, her mouth open, as if whispering a prayer or singing a hymn. With a slight turn in angle I saw the baby Jesus resting in her arms, as she sang him to sweet sleep. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chip2a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chip2b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Another view and her mouth closes, her prayers now silent and beseeching. Quickly, I made a tiny bible to place in her upstretched arms, so that she could read her son's biography. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/HolyChip3trim.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Glancing at the back of the Sacred Tostito® again, the form of a woman emerged before my wondering eyes. I needed no more proof.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chip8a.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/chip8b.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I was infused with peace as I held the Holy Snack, knowing that I had been chosen from out of so many chip-munching minions, to be the vessel of this Blessed Sign.<br /><br />But, why me? Why was I the Chosen Disciple? I don't know. I could say it was because my husband left me alone to raise our 15 children on the meager $27 a month I earn collecting aluminum cans, but I don't have a husband or children, nor do I have a job in the recycling business. I might think it was because I recently survived a near-death experience and walked through a tunnel of light toward my Lord and Master, but nothing like that has ever come close to happening (although I did have a near-life experience recently when I had lunch with a friend). Am I a poverty-stricken product of society's uncaring indifference? Well, I'm broke, if that helps. But I have too much pride to play upon your pity. Bid not to help your wretched fellow human being – Bid because YOU are the rightful owner of the Blessed Chip! Bid because only YOU deserve to bask in its Unearthly Aura of Cornicious Beauty! Bid because no matter what you think of me or of my auction, the chip really is unusually chunky and does indeed possibly maybe have the sublime countenance of the Virgin Mary etched in its salted surface. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/HolyChip6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />The Sacred Tostito® bag was purchased in Los Angeles (the City of Angels – how apropos) in a special edition USC Trojan bag. Although Trojans ordinarily prevent conception, this particular chip was born anyway. Dare I say, "Intelligently Designed?" Okay, I won't. Search not for Sacramental Salsa or Nativityish Nacho Cheese, for this chip was not immaculately conceived for such ordinary things. It was meant to bestow upon its owner a true and sacred blessing. Art thou the Pious Picante that canst dip deep into thy wallet for this Hallowed Chip of Righteousness?<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m157/jsandsmark/HolyChip7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Or you could bid 'cause it looks kinda like a cowboy boot. Your choice. <br /><br />A note about shipping: It's $5.00 for priority mail, insurance optional (and based on the Final Market Value of the Blessed Tostito®). I will offer insurance, but cannot mark in the amount until I know the price for which this one-of-a-kind Heavenly Snack Food sells. Please ask for insurance, if you so desire it, at the end of the auction. I'd suggest you get it due to the somewhat fragile nature of this unique item.<br /> <br />All Tostito® brand Heavenly Blessed Chip sales are 'as is' and there are no returns.<br /><br />I hereby swear on a stack of bibles (real ones, not tiny fake ones) that I did nothing to alter, shape, or in any way impose my will upon this very special Tostito® brand tortilla chip. It is exactly as I found it in the original packaging – which, by the way, had almost no chips in it because this one was so heavy. Total ripoff.<br /><br />I accept Paypal or Money Orders. No personal checks, please!<br />If a personal check is sent, there will be Hell (and possible brimstone) to pay.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-37726187505721059922007-11-28T14:07:00.000-08:002007-11-28T14:11:36.300-08:00Pets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiOv7oZ9_LTPNSZKQLU6u5c6fZI8jkeOaw5jBEljs2Gka8VuAl37-R00nJAaMc_e5w6CbSJZjA0JTrABwoxStM2nlOQsqhqrKzpGu3GbhUwC1djzAKrApJNvxvZBfMvh0wDvTx1ZMov4/s1600-h/Trace&Ilsa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiOv7oZ9_LTPNSZKQLU6u5c6fZI8jkeOaw5jBEljs2Gka8VuAl37-R00nJAaMc_e5w6CbSJZjA0JTrABwoxStM2nlOQsqhqrKzpGu3GbhUwC1djzAKrApJNvxvZBfMvh0wDvTx1ZMov4/s320/Trace&Ilsa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138016706513615426" /></a>A couple of days ago I mentioned the rune book I'd written. If you look on the right side, you'll also several books about cats and dogs. When I was growing up, we always had a dog. They're a fantastic pet and I love them dearly. But when I moved away from home and got an apartment, cats seemed a better choice for a pet. I had two cats, sisters, and they were some of the dearest friends I've ever had. <br /><br />You can read <a href=" http://www.joannasandsmark.com/cats.html"target="_blank">the story of Trace and Ilsa</a> on my website. I shared a bond with those two that was deeper than I'd ever felt with another animal. We were constant companions and adored each other, all three of us. When Ilsa passed away, Trace and I turned to each other in our grief (and if anyone tries to convince you that animals don't feel grief, they're full of it).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Urd7WD20sLSndhfZYyZHhYWNCUzPpYeqY2VKhRIKvTWQ0iUreNIKqtqRFxTE6bbbdeXDNof_3e90Jf6sZYuV63KiF8lIXHMIp7s2Xogi1rfItDhhQnjyxXfmoByhviTp8CSPsg2RtpQ/s1600-h/Trace03.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Urd7WD20sLSndhfZYyZHhYWNCUzPpYeqY2VKhRIKvTWQ0iUreNIKqtqRFxTE6bbbdeXDNof_3e90Jf6sZYuV63KiF8lIXHMIp7s2Xogi1rfItDhhQnjyxXfmoByhviTp8CSPsg2RtpQ/s320/Trace03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138016886902241874" /></a>Am I one of those crazy cat ladies? Maybe a little. I miss my girls terribly. For awhile, I couldn't even consider getting another pet. But now I really want a kitten. Unfortunately, I can't afford one right now. I don't mean I can't afford to buy a kitten – there are free kittens if that were the case and I never go for pure breeds anyway. I mean that pets take resources. Food, litter, and vet bills all add up. It would be irresponsible of me to take on a pet without the finances to fully support her. <br /><br />So I wait. When I sell another book, the first thing I'll do is get a kitten. Not that selling another book will make me rich or anything. But it would make me feel a little bit better about taking on the responsibility. Until that time, I'll go on missing that extra heartbeat in the room, those sweet soft purrs, and the feel of downy fur under my fingertips. Now go hug your pet!Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-16277860904365032992007-11-27T15:57:00.000-08:002007-11-27T16:07:44.815-08:00Geriatic computers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT75KdTvBoiVUL8dVSr8XijdErL1CPpew0fZZPG1JzOvc3vORV3yUkv5gW_xxC3ltapWC2-QQ8IFT-I2GQqZ93mAb6_oRtET0motP8Ea371G_uNpTvHF84RP28nEfKOxjyNUAJkv1CZg/s1600-h/leopard1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT75KdTvBoiVUL8dVSr8XijdErL1CPpew0fZZPG1JzOvc3vORV3yUkv5gW_xxC3ltapWC2-QQ8IFT-I2GQqZ93mAb6_oRtET0motP8Ea371G_uNpTvHF84RP28nEfKOxjyNUAJkv1CZg/s320/leopard1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137674844296722898" /></a>Apple has just launched their newest operating system, Leopard. It looks absolutely amazing. I watched the <a href="http://www.apple.com/macosx/guidedtour/"target="_blank">guided tour</a> and drooled all over my keyboard. So am I going to buy it? The primary problem is that my Mac is over 3 years old. For most things, that wouldn't matter at all. In the world of computers, it's retirement age. <br /><br />I've read the system requirements and I could install Leopard if I can open enough room on my hard drive. That's one of my biggest problems right now. My hard drive is almost maxed out. Whenever you buy a new computer the space available seems outrageously huge. "I'll never fill that up, yay!" But reality is that applications keep getting bigger and bigger, gobbling up gigabytes like a hippo in a hay field. Enormous applications often make gigantic files, too. I love the program Garageband (it's what I use to record my music) but the song files are so big it eats up a huge amount of space. Photos are another byte muncher, as are videos and games. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTJK0tLqm0Z1hxNksEU1VUPOBH4UXejUfVO0Dt-EDezB2hI2vjCaLbiJoW-4Li0XJEHoXvD_FwLE2BlMiNV_LOsJKTixEP4yUF6sPAFsLY4N5d-Sq8Num9qBRAE_w9T-cwMyA5Ucon6s/s1600-h/iMac.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTJK0tLqm0Z1hxNksEU1VUPOBH4UXejUfVO0Dt-EDezB2hI2vjCaLbiJoW-4Li0XJEHoXvD_FwLE2BlMiNV_LOsJKTixEP4yUF6sPAFsLY4N5d-Sq8Num9qBRAE_w9T-cwMyA5Ucon6s/s320/iMac.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137675870793906658" /></a>I have a back-up drive and that's where I store the files I don't need to access immediately. But the process of dumping files is a tedious one. Still, it's not impossible so I probably could find the room to install the new system software.<br /><br />But the problems of having an old computer multiply. It's slow compared to the newer models, holds a max of 1 gig of RAM (yes, I've already maxed out on that) and now RAM requirements keep rising. I'm out of warranty, with a full hard drive, maxed out RAM, and a slow processor. I'm in a position where I have to watch the world surpass me as I type on my dinosaur. <br /><br />On a positive note, it still works, so I'm very grateful for that. I can't afford a new computer so I'll continue to nurse this one along, trying to stay up to date. When you live on your computer as I do, this is all serious stuff. Without it, I can't earn a living. Geriatric or not, as long as I get that happy Mac face every day, I can keep on keeping on.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-63562733042503247982007-11-26T13:38:00.000-08:002007-11-26T14:22:00.843-08:00Prognostication<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmP_yfiE0l-VVupuZ9B9UZKE6rN-62uYFgL7DFqgrNyGRgm7-tT1mCtyQboiM4bF2W01UpgtLqsV7JWayWwmcz2Qp8rcFxyps4qBG9aP9hfuBGepl1ZSUhJp84IF91l1kmVraIMcHAzc/s1600-h/runes7.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmP_yfiE0l-VVupuZ9B9UZKE6rN-62uYFgL7DFqgrNyGRgm7-tT1mCtyQboiM4bF2W01UpgtLqsV7JWayWwmcz2Qp8rcFxyps4qBG9aP9hfuBGepl1ZSUhJp84IF91l1kmVraIMcHAzc/s320/runes7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137277130325113282" /></a>As you can tell by the list of books I've written, I wrote a book about runes (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1841813052?ie=UTF8&tag=joannasandsma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1841813052">Explore Your Destiny with Runes: Reveal the Secrets of Your Future with this Ancient Divination System</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=joannasandsma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1841813052" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />). This was not a scholarly treatise, rather it was about using runes as a prognostication device or oracle. It is, as they say, "for entertainment purposes only." Truth is, I do find this sort of thing entertaining. But it can also point to things that may be under the surface, or shine a light on areas that don't currently have your focus. <br /><br />When I heard about <a href="http://missmichelestarot.blogspot.com/"target="_blank">Miss Michele's Taro Blog</a> I had to give it a try. The <a href=" http://missmichelestarot.blogspot.com/2007/11/regular-visitor-poses-difficult.html"target="_blank">reading</a> gave me a lot to think about. It's obvious she takes a lot of time, uses great insight, and thinks through what the cards tell her. She's knows her tarot, that's for sure. I don't know much about it myself, but am always interested in seeing how other people interpret their chosen method of prognostication. I know when I wrote the rune book, I used a lot of source material to get the basics but added and interpreted using my own sense and instinct. Writing a book is different from doing an individual reading because the former has to apply to everyone while the latter is specific. Still, they both require a leap. You have to trust yourself and whatever message is coming through.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_ogb1UlUAp6ANUWLdfDRBpg1vDXwIHnnpMCf_yYudg2HRNZ4MCqWFxg55Z675xOkhW1Q5_3rnEQBqHOID5ZY1964vldAR9etpeC59Kk7BFQ8XAdfkLl3Nnfyh_bbrLiyppX865wHGRo/s1600-h/tarot.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_ogb1UlUAp6ANUWLdfDRBpg1vDXwIHnnpMCf_yYudg2HRNZ4MCqWFxg55Z675xOkhW1Q5_3rnEQBqHOID5ZY1964vldAR9etpeC59Kk7BFQ8XAdfkLl3Nnfyh_bbrLiyppX865wHGRo/s320/tarot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137276868332108210" /></a>I'm a pretty grounded person and I don't believe in everything, but to me, these tools are more about focus than hocus pocus. We all have so many things vying for our attention. Sometimes it's important to take a step back, ask for help, and listen when something presents itself. By putting the spotlight on one possible path, we can choose whether that path is a good choice. I thank Miss Michele most sincerely for shining that light for me and for a good friend. We both got a lot out of the readings.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-90415347577658145692007-11-25T10:26:00.000-08:002007-11-25T11:05:24.647-08:00A little musicOn this lazy Sunday after Thanksgiving, I'll give you a little jazz song called <a href="http://www.macjams.com/scripts/quicktime.php?type=song;type_id=31120;play=false;play=true"target="_blank">Rainy Day</a>. On the piano is Mori Behar, on the sax is Ilya Gerasimenko, I do vocals. Mori sent me the piano track, I found a melody and wrote the lyrics. After I added vocals it went to Ilya for sax. Mori then added drums and bass and did the final engineering. I hope you enjoy the song!<br /><br />P.S. I tried to embed the file but although I came close, it simply didn't work in the end. Therefore, if you click the link above it should take you to a Quicktime file of the MP3.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-37410604860495806382007-11-24T11:51:00.000-08:002007-11-24T12:01:15.486-08:00Malibu is on fire again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc2HO0aUi0Mh7-iTHXlj5WOr6Tkk5XFgK6V7RrufMjcZLWyFsQUqiZAUT84V-6_oXtrM4UdJ4RweTn7DoHp77GNEV1gZqVh3aBRudWMUgK0W1qaNJVuge9dqUOZHCJ6TTSTYFMEVd3ic/s1600-h/malibudeer.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYc2HO0aUi0Mh7-iTHXlj5WOr6Tkk5XFgK6V7RrufMjcZLWyFsQUqiZAUT84V-6_oXtrM4UdJ4RweTn7DoHp77GNEV1gZqVh3aBRudWMUgK0W1qaNJVuge9dqUOZHCJ6TTSTYFMEVd3ic/s320/malibudeer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136498787761797410" /></a>It's always a horrible feeling to wake up and see that Southern California is yet again burning. This time it's Malibu and possibly some part of San Diego. The local coverage was all about Malibu (photos are from the L.A. Times). 35 homes burned so far, an enormous wall of smoke and thousands of acres destroyed. They don't yet know the cause but the subtext was a strong suspicion it was arson. <br /><br />I don't understand the minds of arsonists. I don't understand how anyone can get pleasure out of seeing nature, homes, and people destroyed. There are a lot of people whose brains are wired wrong. Or maybe it's some childhood trauma. I don't know. I just know that I hope the penalty for arson on this scale takes away the person's ability to ever set a fire again. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFDoPgQfM0pQFVr1q84PAqaLiiu2OCdr8aT5F0X31CGSq6Dwp47FEBWix2lsP9AcqjhOudLh_ld0L_HT4W7W2vCavlUvA_ffP-d1bHpD6XxBF7MLlimAI4ive8dM8FJuJZ7NOkSUsewM/s1600-h/malibufire.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFDoPgQfM0pQFVr1q84PAqaLiiu2OCdr8aT5F0X31CGSq6Dwp47FEBWix2lsP9AcqjhOudLh_ld0L_HT4W7W2vCavlUvA_ffP-d1bHpD6XxBF7MLlimAI4ive8dM8FJuJZ7NOkSUsewM/s320/malibufire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136499071229638962" /></a>To the people of Malibu, my heart goes out to you.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-51263407734300085572007-11-23T14:17:00.000-08:002007-11-23T14:34:39.131-08:00A Peanut Brittle Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMsOQtUHt3Wjocpl45IgBcSsQzAdFXsp4m5hJq5eXduSu9fXgRNIlNc4drZPUfJKcMmWwq7PZUOCltI__VFGTy6KeeOvAIdUzLOeR0nlfLRfjejbPZxc6FCAhsm5jm54s6F99Ve9KLRo/s1600-h/peanutbrittle.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMsOQtUHt3Wjocpl45IgBcSsQzAdFXsp4m5hJq5eXduSu9fXgRNIlNc4drZPUfJKcMmWwq7PZUOCltI__VFGTy6KeeOvAIdUzLOeR0nlfLRfjejbPZxc6FCAhsm5jm54s6F99Ve9KLRo/s320/peanutbrittle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136165970746030338" /></a><br />Thanksgiving is over; Black Friday has arrived. I wouldn't go anywhere near an actual store today, but back when I was a kid, the big "shopping for Christmas presents" day was enormously important to me.<br /><br />Every year when I was a kid, my family made homemade peanut brittle that we sold to make Christmas money. It was a recipe passed down from my maternal grandmother. Mom was in charge of the operation and we kids helped make the peanut brittle, prepare the cans (we used coffee cans, which people would donate to us all year round. We'd wash and then paint them in Christmas colors), make labels, and do the deliveries. We hand delivered every pound, collected the money and put it in a little wooden box, as well as enter the amounts in our accounting ledger.<br /><br />The business started small but grew every year. Everyone in town appeared to be hooked on our peanut brittle, and to be fair, it was worth getting hooked on. It was by far the best I've ever tasted and that's what our customers told us, too. Soon, they relied on us for Christmas gifts. It was a great gift for all those people you don't want to spend a ton of money on (it was very reasonably priced) but want to give a little something. According to our customers, lots of out-of-town friends and relatives received it, as well. <br /><br />At a certain point, it became a bit overwhelming. We had so many orders we were cooking nonstop. The thing about making peanut brittle is that once you put the raw peanuts in the pan, you have to stir nonstop until it's done. So this wasn't like cookies, where you put them in the oven and don't interact until you take them out. This was hands-on work. One of our secrets was that we pulled the brittle to make it thin (you haven't tasted good peanut brittle until you've tasted the homemade, pulled stuff). This meant we weren't done after stirring. When it was ready to pour we had to time it exactly (not by a clock, but by instinct) to know when it was exactly right for pulling. It was still extremely hot and to avoid getting burned was quite the trick. <br /><br />When we got to critical mass as far as orders went, we had to make a decision. Do we "go pro" (rent a factory and gear up for professional candy-making) or do we quit cold turkey. We decided to quit. My brothers and I all had jobs or were in college, so the old "make your Christmas money by selling peanut brittle" reason was gone. Mom was tired of the business, too. (Everyone who worked the business got an equal share of the profits. As kids, this allowed us to buy presents with money that we'd earned, so that we'd understand value and generosity. We were also required to give a portion to charity, to foster altruism.) <br /><br />Our customers were devastated when we quit. They begged and cajoled and pleaded for peanut brittle, but Mom was adamant. It was no more. For years former customers would continue to ask for "just a pound or two" but Mom usually turned them down. If you do it for one, the word could get out and then we'd be inundated with calls. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAGUXOyJz98gc1OJV7C0PByhll94PzL2lVkQV6Y8htg5T_a6pjuJfY7fGzc48wkfvU0kAgZyE7flQIS-gQZ_dHav_0qy6fkaNtLJrIXtm4VOYRLy5i-7PTOFUnv89Iliom1oj8VZlZdk/s1600-h/Santa.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAGUXOyJz98gc1OJV7C0PByhll94PzL2lVkQV6Y8htg5T_a6pjuJfY7fGzc48wkfvU0kAgZyE7flQIS-gQZ_dHav_0qy6fkaNtLJrIXtm4VOYRLy5i-7PTOFUnv89Iliom1oj8VZlZdk/s320/Santa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5136167654373210386" /></a>Even to this day, Mom still gets asked. In fact, despite having been out of the business for decades, last Christmas I made a couple of batches for a former neighbor (and mother of my best friend growing up). Mom's will to resist had eroded enough to promise my services while home for the holiday. I hope she didn't tell anyone (and that no one back home reads my blog).<br /><br />As much work as it was, it taught me a great deal when I was a kid. We never received a dime from our parents for Christmas shopping. When we went on our annual shopping trip (which was usually a week or so before Christmas because we had to get all the orders filled and paid for first), the money I spent was mine. I earned every cent of it. It made me really think about the gifts I bought. It also made giving every bit as important as receiving, even at a tender age. That's a lot of life lessons gleaned from making candy.Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5193625825113540006.post-23020846165770816442007-11-22T10:39:00.000-08:002007-11-22T10:41:45.323-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAs-1nmqrMKrzXUbtdVMgieuhr7E-gbC0HQ3aka6eJLnfXOD31Q7rPWSRS8tTI7v0nFP5aChiBc6Qmy-5x0ZVE05YHYUw6hP-v1nYhhxpXlQk0G6RuLtcpW-9DWs1Frte2IwmUtaIjB1U/s1600-h/Thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAs-1nmqrMKrzXUbtdVMgieuhr7E-gbC0HQ3aka6eJLnfXOD31Q7rPWSRS8tTI7v0nFP5aChiBc6Qmy-5x0ZVE05YHYUw6hP-v1nYhhxpXlQk0G6RuLtcpW-9DWs1Frte2IwmUtaIjB1U/s320/Thanksgiving.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135736551325841650" /></a><br />Every year for Thanksgiving I go to a friend's house and get treated like family. There's always a spectacular meal, great company, and deep affection for all involved. I usually hitch a ride with some friends because the hostess's house is around an hour and a half away and my car is old and has some things that need to be fixed. This year, my ride isn't going. That means I can't go. It saddens me not to be able to see my friends, share good food and conversation, but sometimes life is like that. Hopefully, I'll be able to attend next year.<br /><br />Here's hoping everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving has a great day and for those of you who don't, well, have a good time anyway. Happy Holidays!Joanna Sandsmarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08185283030930904414noreply@blogger.com2