The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion. 

Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument. 

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Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.

---Harry S. Truman

Holly Hobby

Lance,

With all due respect again, there is no criticism, instead hope of mitigating weaponization of the bible and vitriolic response to someone sharing a story elucidating the power of kindness, at the same time serving to inspire.

My story of Daniel, a former Marine, first responder, a man honorably discharged after serving in Viet Nam, could have been any one of our classmates, reportedly men who know all too well the struggle of alcohol addiction (past or present) but not all know PTSD specific to military veterans.  Never will they know the war rendered night terrors; survivor guilt; vivid flashbacks; intrusive thoughts; unpredictable sweating, nausea, trembling. chronic depression, constant state of fight or flight and sense of hopelessness.

Neither will I.  But at least I'm willing to try and help instead of pass judgement. I shared the story of Daniel to illustrate how dangerous it is to pass judgement on others; to believe oneself “Godly” because he/she can recite bible verses.

I also shared the story of Daniel in hopes of helping better understand a concept. Helping someone two-legged or four, is more than just performing a favor.  Its privilege.  Only if one wraps his/her head around  a simple concept  is there hope for others. 

As for not yet having time to finish Daniel’s story, I have a life outside the forum. Busy people prioritize.  Busy people nap. Busy people do not sleep. I enjoy both forums but God, my husband, daughter, cherished friends, my art, investigative work and advocacy for others will always come first.  

Among classmates on both forums are those wonderful and cowardly. The cowards think they’re so clever.  Reasonably intelligent but not intelligent enough  to figure out they look like a single car clown train run amuck with a  a keyboard. Too often their inept attempt at humor explodes in someone's face after which they grin and pat themselves on the back.

 I’m only 5’4” 100 lbs. but upon witness or credible report  of any form of abuse, you can count on a fight.  You can also count on  only one of us will be left  standing and it won't be the other guy. Ever. 

With affection, Queen Svetlana 

David Cordell

Steve,

Obviously you are used to talking to Techsters. We Longhorns don't need to be told twice.

Bob Davidson

No one over 25 does it.  I'm feeling bumfuzzled.  Have you all seen this before?

Steve Keene

David,

So seldom I get to make that post, that I try to get double mileage out of it when I do

Holly Hobby

Sandra,

Pls forgive me. Didn't see your post re your Mother until after I posted last night. 

Since dawn,  crazy busy day.  I'd call/text but dropped my phone. Not all contacts made it to new one.  On really busy days I don't  check my personal email so thought best to post in addition to email. 

"A few choice" words you rightfully said on behalf of your mother.   

Call/text/email and I'll give you some more.   Words astonishingly effective and when necessary, terrifying  to any healthcare provider in desperate need of penetrating clarity.  I'm here if you need me. 

Holly Hobby

Steve,

Reading/posting  at stop lights  thank you for kind words.  yes my legs do go all the way up to my a*#.  Not sure where else they'd go?   Lol 

So like a man   Queen Svetlana not    squatting.  sketch inspired by Prada artist, formerly w/ LV portraying woman HUNCHED over her knees as though saying    go away  cant you see Im trying to think?  in my sketch  pose is slightly diff  allowing gorgeous   cobalt blue Christian Louboutins. Celine shades , afterthought  Lol

Men. Can't live with 'em. Can't live without 'em.  Couldn't tell one designer from another anymore than I could catch a fish. 

Holly Hobby

lance

At stoplight forgive errors  Got it   thanks   :)

Holly Hobby

Sandra and Jan,

(Sandra) Ever since you said "I want to see pic of you and RJ together" instead of simply agreeing to have pic taken, he's been on a mission to find and catalogue pics of our younger days. Check navy blue ribbon in my hair.  Very mid-80's. Channeling Madonna, I guess.  

Also SNL video for you and Jan.  I did something so old person  few moments ago.  Rereading a funny text received earlier this week, I accidentally pressed icon for "didn't like." 

Horrified I scambled to text an explanation at the same time thinking "hopefully he's asleep so by the time he see's my  'didn't like' he'll have my explanation." 

No. No, he wasn't asleep.   Faster than I could type was his response.  Why I ended uptexting him link for SNL "Alex" video  I don't remember.  

But I do remember  admitting  code between RJ and I for one of us has been droning on and on and on and on and on to  the point you're just pretending to listen it's likely the droner will start hearing "uh huh...uh huh....uh huh." 

That. And the only thing I have to do to make RJ laugh is remind him of this video everytime he says, "well I dunno 'bout that.... (hallmark of an old person).  

Jan Alexander

Holly, You look like Rachel Welch ...AND that SNL Echo clip was sooo funny...and perfect. 

TO mix politics up with alittle humor, I have to post something I wrote on the "other" site a few days ago cuz it fits perfectly... Ofcourse, Kurt probably won't think it is funny., in parts. 

After watching tonight's news and we now see how some of the "peaceful"  protesters/ patriots ( as Kurt was saying ) (or should I rephrase that, for he said , "I don't believe what we witnessed was a coup.)..  were with zip ties in hand  to kidnap and kill Pelosi and Pence, I decided to ask my friggin alexa to play some soft jazz (cuz jazz calms me).. It said "ok , here just for you"... and it played "Fortunate son" by Creedence clearwater  revival  .  WTF..... is going on. ? are there storm clouds.,. and are we being hacked................ in the USA.  I know ,cray , cray .. I am freaked out.  Always unplug when you are not listening.  AND my heart SINKS to have to see National Guardsmen sleeping on the cold slab floors of the White House. 

Kurt Fischer

Hi Jan:

I appreciate the mention (I think...).

I guess you remember my thoughts that the protesters / rioters who broke into the Capitol Building should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law?  I certainly don't think they should be excused.  And I certainly did not label the ones who broke into the Capitol Bulding as peaceful protesters.  But they are different than the ones who stayed outside.

I am perplexed by the clowns who wore bullet proof vests, carried zip ties and were looking to capture key members of Congress.  They certainly seemed seditious, didn't they?  I agree.  While there is a lot of light shined on their examples, based on what I've seen of the rioters in the Capitol Building, it appears they were a minority who were really extreme even compared to the others who broke in.  My hope is they are all apprehended and prosecuted.

In reference to the CCR song you included, I think it will be really interesting to review both the Viet Nam war protests and the present day protests in historical light.  My sense is we are too close to the recent protests to evaluate them without being led by our a priori assumptions and politics.  But we continue to see a seismic shift in attitudes on the right and left sides of our body politic.  During our nation's history, we've seen numerous examples of significant splits between political parties, only to see a healing in later decades.  I sure do hope we can see such healing in the future.

Take care.

Jan Alexander

Kurt...good post and amen to finding peaceful resolutions to our differences. We have got to come together. (There is a song in my head and would post it but in grocery store parking lot). Come together right now...I know it is "something in the air...we have to get it together.."by thunderclap Newman. Just weird, I asked Alexa to play jazz and she gave a me a protest song..she must be listening to me when she isn't supposed to. Or it is Russia trying to incite us..via Alexa. Oops 2 songs..and .come together by the Beatles

OH, UNLESS, TEXAS SECESSION PASSES ... then you all will have more problems... :

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Kurt,

In all of your travels abroad, have you ever been to the Holy Lands or to Egypt?

Holly Hobby

Steve,

 At this rate, by this time next week I'll have mastered the art of writing at stoplights and waiting on Zoom for someone legendary for being late. The trick is dictating via voice to text on Notepad later transcribing while waiting in line at Walgreen's to pick up a prescription for allergy meds at the same time thinking the otc version probably works just as well. 

You’re right!  You’re right! Noooooo not about everything, instead something far more important than anything going on in our country: womens' shoes.

 Why didn’t I think of it?   Inspiring almost every piece of my art are other artists. Same with Picasso and Michael DeAngelo who did the same. Except for the trendy “acrylic pour” which even Meeko, my  cat,  could do, subliminal or not, inspiring the work of most artists are those who came before them  or still among us.  Picasso’s line art a perfect example. On the surface line art might look pretty much the same as other artists. But it’s not.  Personal interpretation is the difference. You help me understand it's  no different with luxury brand shoe designers. 

So.  If I’m smart enough to have figured that out, why did it take you to help me figure out?  I do not know the answer. But  I do know I'm deeply appreciative for  you (Frankly though, I think it’s a good thing neither Jan or I knew what cme meant).

Apart from  Jan and my blissful igororance, because of you, now  I  get it. Inspiration for Jimmy Choo’s; Dior: Manolo Blahnik, Yves St. Lauren Christian Louboutin, etc all started at the Busy Bee Strip Club (or similarly named strip joints all over the world. Probably on planets Mars and Jupiter, too). 

You know what that means? It means out there are strippers smarter than any college educated professional woman could ever be.  It means out there are strippers wearing shoes identical to luxury brands ranging  $700. to $3,000 a pair but smart enough to pay only $19.95,  $11.95  or less  on sale.

Thank you so much, Steve. I’ll teach you to walk in 120 mm heels if you’ll teach me to catch a fish.  But I don’t want to kill it. And I don’t want to touch it.  You’ll have to agree to gently remove the hook from it's mouth then gently return the poor thing to the water.  Even fish have feelings. A least I would think so.

If you feel that's a fair deal, ready when you are. Just let me know.

Jan Alexander

Auh ...you can leave me out of this shoe stuff, I just wear Keens and birks.. I haven't had any heels on since I think high school... 

I was talking about sharing Jiffy corn bread and enjoyiing breathing.together.. on the other site. Ha

Spesking about breathing freely.... by the way received my first covid Pfizer vaccine. Arm just hurt later .. nothing else... 

Holly Hobby

Steve,

I beg your forgiveness. Just realized my error. Instead of the Manolo Blanik shoe I posted the Jimmy Choo twice (since corrected in hope of helping those hanging onto every word I write, hopeful at some point, to read something of interest. 

Again, forgive my negligence. The least I can do (assuming you feel my offer is fair) is charter a nice sailboat for that fishing trip. I'm thinking  along the lines of the new Cape Cod sloop, you know, a sailboat  big   enough  for my make-up mirror,  vast collection of lip color, mascara and  skin care products with enough space to hold all my fashion magazines. 

Again, forgive my error. Here ya' go: the Manolo Blanik. 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Lance,

Noticing your last name, I'm thinking it is a Jewish name, then I'm remembering your telling us one time long ago, that Fannie Brice had a hand in your Dad's adoption.  That must be an interesting story!

I know that you will be glad to speak of it here, since you are very talented with writing abilities, as well as a keen memory, doused with a dry wit.

Holly Hobby

Jan,

Proof we are kindred spirits. No need for words. Laughed reading your post.  I could just see you rolling your  eyes, at the same time gagging at the thought of stilettos.  I don't blame you. 

But I'm not all that tall.  5'4" is a stretch. Small boned too.   Combine  petite with (at times) more chutzpah than I really have,  you'd be amazed how formidable the  combination of   Ruby Woo lip color by Mac  and 120 mm heels  on the opposition, including those twice or more the size of me.   But RJ would tell you at heart, I'm a Jiffy cornbread girl, too. Right there with you.

Holly Hobby

Jan,

I always love talking to you either on the forums or beyond. 

Again, you made me laugh.  Again, proof again we had to have been friends in another life, too.  So funny you  said "you look like Raquel Welch" (in photo w/ RJ). 

Just last night we were looking at  it when  out of the blue I said, "is it just me or do I look a little Hispanic?   Leaning in closer, RJ squinted  his eyes. "No, I don't think it's your imagination.  But that's a good thing. It doesn't  have anything to do with looking Hispanic.  I think it's just all that  make-up, remember that phase? Yeah, that's it. All the makeup. Maybe the lighting too."  Looking closer, he said, "and the camera angle." 

Seeing the look of  horror on my face, he tried to cushion the blow. "I mean you look o-k-a-y.... You don't look THAT bad."

Just like a man, efforts to remove foot from mouth an epic fail.  Briefly considered against posting, but one more look at RJ's gorgeous face in that  photo and I willingly fell on my sword to share him.  Love you, Jan. 

David Cordell

Imagine!

Holly Hobby

Steve,

About to wrap it up when I saw your post. On so many levels you are amazing.  Thank you for seriously considering my offer.  I like your idea better than mine. Clearly, I know nothing about fishing, even less about hunting, therefore I will leave to you to select whatever and wherever you choose best for that fishing trip.

Btw: I would talk it over with Sue Daly but we're not speaking.  I'm not at all happy with her behavior. Even less happy she showed up in the first place. 

Until next time, your loving Queen Svetlana.  

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Hey David,

Did you hear KT McFarlane speak tonight on Martha McCallum's evening program about the newly released info concerning the Obama administration's attempt to smear Trump even before he was sworn in, and the continuation afterward.  KT told of how she spent millions defending herself against false claims against her and how her accusations were tied in with the Flynn fiasco; again, totally falsely.

She is a fireband and a lovely lady to note.  She also talked of the viciousness of the Deep State, an awful band of people I have mentioned before.

I hope she writes a book about her knowledge of just exactly what went on during all of that period.  She mentioned how our intelligence community was deeply fouled during those years, and how because of what those guys did to our country, we are all now further divided as a nation.

Crossfire Hurricane was the name of the whole mess.

Holly Hobby

Lance,

 Thank you.  If EVER I can learn how NOT to forgive; if EVER I can learn how TO hold a grudge, maybe I wouldn’t whistle when I walk due to so many stab wounds in my back.  However, any day of the week,  I’ll take whistling when I walk over allowing somone the power to extinguish the light within me.  Carry on, Lance. But always, be a good boy.  :) 

Kurt Fischer

Janalu:

While I wish I had been able to visit Israel, alas my wife and I have never made the trip. 

But your question does make me curious about the countries I've visited vs. others.  I am always amazed at how many people travel internationally now so it's no big deal.  My 31 year old daughter in law has been to every continent except Antarctica.  She was trying to get to all of them before her 30 year old birthday.  When I was 30 I was pleased I had gone to Canada and Mexico, and Canada consisted of hopping over the border at Detroit.

Anyway, here's my list.  It would be interesting to see where others have travelled.  Unfortunately, all of the places I've travelled have at some point in time been due to business, never for only pleasure.

• Canada
• Mexico
• Columbia
• UK
• France
• Germany
• Switzerland
• Austria
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Hong Kong
• South Korea
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Viet Nam
• Australia

Let's see where else people have visited...

Holly Hobby

Jan

RJ's right. I'm sorry. I should have told you "thank you" for thinking  I look like Raquel Welch in that pic. Thank you for seeing the best in me even when I can't.   

I don't  remember the exact day  pic was taken, but I was pregnant with Kate. Over the last 24 hours, I've looked at that newly rediscovered pic several times,  each time, remembering how fat I felt.   Again, efforts to make me feel better, an epic fail.  Thinking he was making amends, RJ said,  "no really.  I think you look cute in that photo.  Reminds me of  whenyou looked like a penguin with  chipmunk cheeks 'this close'  to toppling over." 

Lord Jesus, thank you for my girlfriends.