Gun Control

The media coverage of the Virginia Tech shootings continues. What I think is conspicuously missing in the coverage of this tragedy is that the guy had a legal gun. A legal hand gun.

Okay so he was unstable. But let's be honest. If he was unstable and had to use a knife or a cooking pot, he would not have been able to do so much damage. The fact that he had a gun completely changed the dynamics of situation.

Yes, I've heard all the hype: "guns don't kill people. people kill people"
Why put the blame on guns? Besides we have a constitutional right to bear arms (don't most of us have 2 already).

I do not have a knee-jerk reaction to guns. I know that there are very responsible gun owners out there. And hunters use guns for sport. My real issue is with the fact that hand guns are legal. What are you hunting? Well, people I guess.

On the news today - several people killed in a shooting in a Boston neighborhood.

Why does the media shy away from talking about gun control? Yes, I understand that it's a huge industry with powerful lobbies. But when do we as citizens of this republic stand up and say enough is enough? What does it take? We have a war against drugs. A war against terror. What are these killings if not terror at home?

Glorious Weather & Bad Books

We have had incredible weather these past several days. And just in time too - all that rain was getting me down - though I do love to curl up with a good book.

Speaking of books - it might just be me, but I've always felt that once I start a book, I should finish it. Finish it for whom? I dunno. Just know that I must. It has taken me many years to allow myself to discard a book that does not hold my interest. I mean, it's not like I see the author for dinner on a regular basis is it? But I always feel a little guilty - like I did not see something through. You can take the girl out of the church, but..... I try to be rational with myself - there are so many, many wonderful books out there waiting for me to read, why bother to trudge through one that does not interest me at all?

I just gave up on (notice my language?) " The Double Bind" by Chris Bohjalian. Simply could not get into it. I am certainly fascinated by the concept. What happens in the lives of people who were once wealthy/professional/had a home and love ones that leave them homeless? Who would not be interested? I was intrigued by the real-life story that sparked the novel. But the writing is poor, and the story simply does not hold my interest. So off my night stand it went.

It's not just a myth that the grass is greener on the other side. Sometimes it really is.

Watercolor Journal

Created a new watercolor journal. I love creating and binding my own journals - they are exactly how I like them, and considerably less expensive than store bought ones - though I've never met a blank book I did not like.

Here are some recent pages from the new journal. I have yet to decide what I'll do with the cover - there are so many options.

Color Swatches

A rainy day is a perfect day to play with art supplies.
Here are a couple of swatch pages I created in my visual journal.

Recent Movies

Here are some worth mentioning:

1. Babel
Is it just me? I did not get this movie. Seemed deep. But maybe too deep for me? What was the point? 3 interconnected stories? What did the Japanese story line add to the movie? All stories about people who are in trouble, make poor choices, and yet are redeemed in some way?
I really wanted to get this movie, but am afraid that I missed some essential part I was supposed to understand.

2. Word Play
A delightful, and insightful documentary about crossword junkies. I really enjoyed this movie, and learned about an entire sub-culture along the way. Who knew that Monday puzzles are the easiest? Now I know, and am delighted to say that one of my presents from the bunny was an easy crosswords book, and I am hooked. I see what all the fuss is about.

3. Windsor Castle: A Royal Year
Another delightful documentary that enlightened as it entertained. The film-makers were given unprecedented access to Windsor Castle, and it really is amazing. After watching, I feel rather like an insider - maybe the Queen will invite me over for crumpets and tea.

4. The Producers
While the remake is not as good as the original, the cast of Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Will Ferrell and Uma Thurman, make for an entertaining time. I now have a new image that pops into mind every time I hear "The Chrysler Building" - see it and you'll know what I mean.

Easter Musings

“I know all about Easter", my nephew declares.
"It's all about the EGGS!"

A little pagan in the making.

Had a wonderfully relaxing and re-charging weekend. There is nothing quite like doing what ever one pleases, in the way one wants to do it. I spent a part of my time reading, painting, finding the perfect bag for my art supplies.

Now, it's not just me. There live 2 bagophiles in my home. Actually if you take into consideration the cat's fascination with paper and plastic bags, maybe everyone in our house is a bagophile. What gives? I have no idea. Maybe it's the joy of having everything in its own bag. Maybe it's having things packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Where to you ask? What does that matter? Anywhere. Even if the trek is to the dining room table so as to not disturb the sleeping feline. Strange but true. I 've got a thing for bags. Little ones. Big ones. Plain. Colored. Striped. Leather. Plastic. Cloth. Seems to make no difference. I love bags.

Susan says...

Why do they call it PMS?

Mad Cow was already taken.

Is it just me or does the whole PMS thing get harder as you get older?

I'm convinced that once your body believes that you're close to the end of your child-rearing years, all the fuzzy hormones that flood your system just stop being produced.

No wonder so many women change their lives dramatically as they reach their 40s/50s/60s - we've put up with enough crap for this lifetime thank you very much!!

Quote of the Day

“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.”
- Colette

Crocus Sighting

What fantastic weather we had this weekend.
Here are some of the lovely flowers in the yard.