The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll under Mimi Writes)
The Cat Meme
This is going to be weird; buckle up!

1. Do you have a cat?

I don't think one ever "has" a cat. I think it's more likely, just from observation, that a cat "has" (a) human(s). On the other hand, I am allergic to cats so I try to avoid them, which only means I am their favorite person, probably because I won't pet them.
On the third had, I am a Cat.!!

2. What is your cat's name?

This cat is named Cat. My imaginary cats are legion, and nameless, except in their ineffable inscrutability. (see here)

3. What makes you love cats?

It's a self-referential thing, don'tchaknow?As for the furry kind...I don't. I find them rather annoying at best; this is primarily because they literally make me sick. Just thinking about my niece's house--she's "down" to "only" three cats now, from a high of five a couple of years ago--is giving me a headache and making me itch. From a distance, I admire how independent cats are, and how well they are able to train their humans. And they are amusing, whether then intend to be at times or not.

4. If you are not a cat person, why not?

I believe I've gotten there already. I'm not kidding: I'm getting a psychosomatic headache just thinking about this subject....

5. What is the funniest thing your cat has ever done?

I do ridiculous shit practically on an hourly basis. But, like all cats everywhere, I totally MEANT TO DO IT!

6. Do you think you have to have a special gene to be a cat person or can a hooman be trained to love cats?

Oh, I think anyone can learn to love animals, except I suppose sociopaths. Even then ... The mere fact of being an animal lover shouldn't blind us to other negative traits--wasn't Hitler a dog guy? Woops, there's a digression of epic proportions!

7. Do you think cats have feelings and can talk to their owners?

Of course they can! I may not love them, but for crying out loud, of course they have feelings and communicate with others!! What sort of elitist human wouldn't admit this? This reminds me of the Bio prof in college who insisted that animals don't feel pain; all us non-sciencey people in the (Science for Dummies) class just stared at him like he'd just told us the chairs and desks were made of braunsweiger. That was the moment when I realized the door to my potential science career had slammed shut in front of me.

8. (BONUS QUESTION) The Rainbow Bridge is the place where cats go when they pass away. I think it's a lovely idea. If humans could have a bridge of their own in the afterlife, what would you name it?

I thought dogs went there too? Frankly, when I get to the afterlife, it better be RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the Rainbow Bridge, because if there's not dogs (and, ok, cats) in heaven, I don't wanna be there!! Seriously. This is not negotiable. I hope the Big Guy is paying attention.

Patrick's Place

(Link in meme-roll)
Saturday Six
....the last one....new things ahead next week....

1. What epitaph would you like to have engraved on your tombstone?

One strong contender: "I hate publishers!" I say it an awful lot. Otherwise: "Leave me alone and let me sleep." I can be snarky about it because I really have no intention to be buried. Take the organs that are usable, and then either cremate me or send me off for medical research.

2. If you could be certain that there is an afterlife, what would you want heaven to be like?

I would hope all the people I love are there, those that have gone on before me. Otherwise, I don't much care. I'll gladly leave the details to the Big Guy.

3. If you could bring back a deceased relative you knew in your childhood back today to have a conversation with, whom would you choose and why?

I'd love to have a long conversation with either one of my grandmothers: Grandma before she went goofy at the end, and Nannie...well, anytime. I think she was pretty coherent up to the end. I wonder if they'd answer questions honestly. I have tons.

4. Do you consider death to be more of an ending or more of a beginning?

Both.

5. Do you ever feel as if you “hear” from people you know who have died, as if by hearing “their voice” or sensing an insight that you don’t think you would have gained on your own?

I heard Dad several months after he died. Just the once. That was enough. He wasn't happy with me. I'm sure several of them have surrounded me in the worst of the years since they died, keeping me safe and sane, and sending me book recommendations.

6. Aside from your epitaph, how do you hope those who have been closest to you in your life will truly remember you?

I hope they know I tried my best, did more good than evil, and worked very hard to become the person God intended me to be.

Friday Five

(Link in meme-roll)
Five Random Questions

1. Would you sell your soul to the devil and what would it take?

It's unlikely, although for my son or an iced sugar cookie...anything's possible.

2. Who do you think will be the first 5 people you meet in heaven?

Ellen, Dad, Nathanael, Mom, and Jean. In that order, and followed quickly by MIL, FIL, and several dear friends.

3. Is life more fair to some then others?

"More fair"? Hmmm, we all deal with shit. Some shit is pretty major and obvious (think Anne Frank level), some is not. It's really how we deal with it all, though. Don't expect fair; nobody promised life would be fair.

4. Do you think some people are just born unhappy?

No. I think that's a function of nurture. But I think some people are more prone to sensitivity to pain, which can lead to unhappiness. But see above: it's about how we deal with it.

5. If you could have a magical power (like the charmed ones), what would it be?

Invisibility is my go-to for this.

W.T.F.

(Link in meme-roll)
Be sure to load your dishwasher before going to Heaven

1) September, a.k.a. National Coupon Month, begins tomorrow. Do you ever use coupons when you go shopping?

I used to be insane about coupons, spending hours clipping and filing them. Then, about 15 years ago I realized that the healthy stuff we should be eating almost never has coupons. The coupons are for processed foods that we shouldn't be buying anyway. So I stopped. And never went back.

2) What topics do you usually think about on your drive home from work?

I tend not to think. I've usually got a book in the CD player, so I'm thinking about it. Also, trying to let go of work stuff, so I'm not all wound up when I arrive home.

3) According to the calendar on my wall, it's still June because I never changed it to July or to August. Do you still use traditional calendars (or daily planners) or have you digitized your life into some sort of digital-based calendar?

I use Google Calendar, and a Mead paper planner, and a dry-erase calendar on the fridge.

4) What do you hope is in your "welcome basket" when you get to Heaven (assuming you'll be going to Heaven *** insert evil laugh ***)?

I doubt I'll need a Welcome Basket, but I'd take a map so I can find those who got there before me.

5) Today (Aug. 31) is National Trail Mix Day. If you were to create your own type of trail mix, what would be included in it?

I hate trail mix. What a horrible combination of tastes that shouldn't be in my mouth together! So my trail mix would be all nuts, or all candy, or all raisins.

6) Today is also Eat Outside Day. Do you enjoy going on outdoor picnics?

"Outdoor picnics"?? OK, yes, I do, but Beast doesn't. I have to laugh at the concept of an indoor picnic; because Sparky's birthday is in February--not a big picnic month in the Northern Hemisphere--when he was little, I'd throw a blanket on the floor in the living room, bring all the food for dinner out there with plastic plates and cutlery, and we'd eat there for his birthday.

7) Do you have a specific way to load your dishwasher? If so, if someone else loads it for you and does it a different way, do you get upset?

Hey, listen: if someone loads my dishwasher, and it all gets clean, I'm NOT complaining!! It would be great if they'd empty it too...

8) If there were four specific words written on your heart, what would they say?

"Act, Love Mercy, Walk."

9) If you could add an 11th Commandment, what would it be?

"Shut thy mouth and use thine ears."

10) Which of your five senses normally evokes the strongest memories in you?

My strongest memories are probably brought by smell.

The Queen's Meme

(Link in meme-roll)
The AfterLife Meme

1. Have you ever seen an angel? If not, do you believe in them?

I have not, and I'm ok with that. Have you noticed that biblical angels tend not to bring unequivocally good news? And the first words out of their mouths are usually, "Don't be afraid"? Yeah, don't think I need to meet an angel.

2. Tell us a real ghost story. Ever seen one?

Nope. Only on TV.

3. Have you ever had a near-death experience?

Nope. Thank God. I'm hoping for only the one at the end.

4. It is midnight in Heaven. You have just arrived. You are told that you can choose any kind of "Heaven" you want. What would that be?

What does midnight have to do with this? I'm sure my heaven will be 100% appropriate for me, and I have no idea what that means. I'm kinda hoping there'll be dogs.

5. You have come back to Earth as something or someone else. Describe that entity.

Hopeful it won't be any kind of insect. Wouldn't mind being a cat.

6. It is your first morning in Hades. What fascinating aspect of the underworld will you visit first?

I've already spent a lot of time in hell. Hopefully, after I die, I'll be done with that.

7. Scientists have just created a new pill that induces immediate immortality. You can live forever! What are you going to do with the rest of your life?

Memes, of course.

Cinn's Friday 5

(Link in meme-roll)
no more trials, no more tests

[01] What food are you unable to resist?

Lately, it seems EVERY kind of food is irresistible. However, in general, I gotta go with carbs, bread specifically.

[02] If you could support one charitable cause as a full-time career, what would it be and why?

Ooh, wow. Uhm, Heifer Project or Red Cross are the front-runners for sure. Maybe the Central Asia Institute.

[03] What famous person do you admire?

I admire anyone famous who makes more than a nodding effort to help others, whether that be financially or physically.

[04] How do you express yourself creatively?

Pretty much here. And possibly at work in some of my more random moments of cataloging.

[05] Who is one person from your past you wouldn't mind seeing, if only for an hour?

I have hope that I'll see everyone from my past again in the future, but I'd love to meet my mom's dad. he died 20+ years before I was born.

Manic Monday

(Link in blogroll)

When and with whom was your first kiss?

Intentionally romantic kiss: my high school boyfriend, probably in his car or on my front porch (No, I did NOT grow up in the 1950s, though I might as well have in some respects!). There were cutesy kisses before that, but I don't think those count (and I don't remember the earliest).

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

I believe we can take a lesson from everything that happens. I'm not sure the actual events are always very reasonable, though. I'm a bit of a deist that way. It's more "What can I learn from this?" more than "Why is this happening?"

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

"Hi. Come on in. The buffet is to the left. The library is to the right. Your loved ones are straight ahead waiting for you."

No-Brainer

You Are Going to Heaven

You're so saintly you're practically an angel, and there's no other place for you than heaven. You are always concerned with doing the right thing. You consider being a good person a joy... not a burden. You're not perfect, and you don't expect anyone else to be. You are ethical without being sanctimonious about it. You are happy with yourself and the decisions you've made. And that's what's important.

Are You Going to Heaven or Hell?

Well, it's not a surprise, but I sound like a right dork, don't I!?

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What book has most touched your soul?

"The Hiding Place," by Corrie Ten Boom. I think of its lessons on a very regular basis, at least weekly if not more often.

2) How do you think being a teenager today is different from when you were a teenager?

Obviously, the physiology is the same, but I think culturally we put an awful lot of 'stuff' on teens that is unnecessary. Maybe more than we used to? They are certainly exposed to things now that I wasn't at the same age. On the other hand, I grew up in the disco era, so what do I know? :-)

3) If you found out for sure there was no afterlife at all, would you change how you live your life?

I think I've mostly recovered from living my life on a promise of reward, or punishment.

4) What is the biggest regret of your life so far?

The amount of time I spent worrying about whether I was going to heaven or hell.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one. Public Domain Photo

I love moose. Moose are one of the reasons I like Maine so much. Most times we have been there, if we drive a little bit north at dusk we have been able to see at least a half dozen (individual) moose loping through the woods. They are unbelievably odd-looking but somehow it works, which is sort of inspiring.

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) What is the worst thing you've ever said to your mother?

So many things, starting with the winner: "I hate you!" and ending with, "I'm never going to be good enough for you, am I?" The things we say that we regret....

2) If you could have avoided knowing about one thing during your life, what would it be, and why?

Pain. Death. The pain we feel when those we love die.

3) What is the strongest part of your marriage/partnership?

We talk about everything and back each other up in public.

4) What would your heaven be like?

Lots of animals and babies and children. George Carlin better be there, too, dammit!!!

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Public Domain Photo

I love porcupines, probably because I've never been in an argument with one. I just think they are so cute and weird-looking. More proof of God's sense of humor, eh?

Curious as a Cat

(Link in blogroll)

1) Of all the children you know, who do you think will be the most successful? Why?

I guess it depends on the definition of success. I think Sparky will be an awesome guy once he gets over himself a little more. I think the kids in our youth group at church will do all right; some of them will take a little longer, though. In terms of financial success...probably Braden.

2) If you found out that someone you just met is a recovering alcoholic, would that change the way you felt about them? How?

It would make me think they had a great deal of self-knowledge. It would make tell me a lot about them, but it wouldn't change things. I already know a few recovering alcoholics at church and elsewhere.

3) What one possession would you like to take with you to heaven (or equivalent)?

Seems a bit redundant to take anything: surely whatever I need I'll have, including my family and friends.

4) Who is the closest to being an angel of everyone you know?

Uh...babies. In general.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Photo © Cat. 2007

This photo was taken from the car on our trip through Kentucky last year. I love the mountains. I think these are the Blue Ridge, and it clearly explains their name.

Monday's a Bitch

(Link in blogroll)
The Big Ride

1. If you were to die today, do you think you would go to Heaven or Hell (assuming such places exist)?

I'm betting on heaven. I don't actually, really, truly believe in hell as a place.

2. If there is a God, what do you think his/her name is (or should be)?

Uh ... 'God'?
Well, here's the thing: in Judaism, one does not speak God's name because of its power. God is usually referred to as G-d, or the equivalent in Hebrew.
Perhaps, like cats:

The Naming of [God] is a difficult matter ...
... the name that you never will guess;
The name that no human research can discover ....
His ineffable effable
Effanineffable
Deep and inscrutable singular Name.

pace TSE

3. Where would you want your ashes sprinkled if you were to be cremated?

Maybe a few in Ouray. Otherwise I don't care.

4. If you could have any person from history welcome you to the afterlife, who would you choose?

I'm betting again, this time on Jesus.

5. Everyone from Morgan Freeman to Alanis Morissette has done it. Who would you cast to play God in a movie?

No one famous, that's for sure. Maybe Red-Faced Man, one of our regular patrons at work. Or any other random homeless person. As our pastor said yesterday in the sermon (quoting someone else), a homeless shelter or food pantry is a likely place to find Jesus hanging out. And that leads to the saying that we should try to see the face of God in everyone.

Curious as a Cat

1) If heaven looked like the inside of a friend's home, whose would you pick?

I hope heaven looks like J & L.'s house: busy, noisy, disorganized ... except I'd like a more loving atmosphere among all the people!

2) If you could redesign your country's flag, (how) would you?

I'd like to find a way to include the non-state parts of the country: Puerto Rico, American Samoa, etc.

3) What question--that you have never worked up the courage to ask--would you like to ask your best friend?

I dunno; after 25 years, I think I've pretty much gutted out all the big questions.

4) Who has caused you the most frustration in your life?

Moi of course!!

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
Public Domain Photo

Photos and scenes like this always remind me of Beast (and his father) who love sunsets, well beyond normal appreciation. They have each filmed/video'd multiple sunsets while on vacation. Can you imagine watching a sunset on TV--all 20-minutes-plus of it?? OMG--yawn! I kid them that it would be a good video to use for meditation, but neither of them actually watch the sunset at home.

I do love the colors and textures in this photo, the differences between the hard lines of human "stuff" and the softer curves and dissolves of nature.

Friday fiver

(Link at left)
Open up my head

1. What's your personal hell?

Living inside my own head too much, and trying to make sense of other people.

2. Do you prefer brightly lit rooms or dim spaces?

Bright! I can't stand dimness. In fact, one of the things I'm going to be purchasing today is another lamp for the living room. Come hell or high water: winter is coming and I just can't deal with our living room.

3. What's the weather like today?

Cloudy and cool.

4. Is it easy to be you?

I make it harder than it needs to be.

5. Friday fill-in:

My heaven is (with apologies to and pace Sartre) other people.

Dante redux

I did this quite some time ago. I ended up the same place this time (consistent at least), but with slightly different ratings.

The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Very High
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	Low
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	High
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	Moderate
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	Moderate
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	Moderate
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Low

Take the Dante's Inferno Hell Test Kind of fun to see how I think I've changed in the intervening years......

Curious as a Cat

(Link at left)

What one thing in life is the cause of the most unhappiness?

Reality not meeting expectations.

What is something good that happened to you today?

People left me alone--mostly--at work. And I slept till 7:20 this morning.

If you could ensure one thing about Heaven besides its existence, what would it be?

That our pets and everyone we've ever loved will be there with us.