Today is not just another day. Today is a dreary day of rain, rain and more rain within the Charleston, SC community. We've had a bitter winter here - once with a dusting of snow. I wanted a full snow storm, a storm so great I could rush outside and make a snow angel with my pups. And so, today is not just another day. A day of rain - within my heart and soul - rain for the world, rain for the city, and rain for all the pain within my heart.

My friends on Facebook wanted to know what is the matter. Nothing, I say. Just life. I hurt for those in Cairo, I hurt for America. I hurt for all that is wrong with the world, and I hurt for my close friends.

Yes, it is a dreary day. A good day to curl up with a good book. I have several to read, so I will curl up later and relax.

Just How Rude Can a Southerner Be???

Listening to the President's speech last night, I must say, I was embarrassed of my Southern heritage. Joe Wilson was so disrespectful and downright RUDE! How dare him to be a voice while screaming, "You lie!" After all the hassles, discussions, and editorials about our governor, isn't it time that this state woke up and recognized, we must respect others in order for our state and the government to have respect?

I made the attempt to get onto Congressman Joe Wilson's web site. No surprise. It is down, due to heavy traffic. No doubt! How rude!

My wish for South Carolina is to recognize we need to drop the good ole boys at election time and demand a bit of respect for our state. For now, I'm embarrassed -- again.

Yes, Sanford made a mistake and I am certain it will cost him dearly. Some men fail to think with their brain -- I'll leave you to decide what influences such men, and I must add women to that statement too.

As for Joe Wilson -- he lost all respect from me last night. He was R-U-D-E! We should respect our President. He is trying hard to change things and it isn't easy -- especially with disrespectful people in Congress.

Joe Wilson -- just go back to South Carolina and do something productive. Haven't you heard that unemployment in this state is 12.0% and rising? For the South, we are number 1 in unemployment -- number four in the nation. Isn't that something to think about and improve?

How rude of you, Joe Wilson. Have you no Southern boy manners???

During the heated controversy of a ‘war conflict’ in Vietnam, a group of men bonded as brothers, in hopes to survive the horrors of war. After the war, they often thought of their times together, curious as to where everyone was and what they had accomplished in their lives. My husband coped by doing his best to erase Vietnam; however, those memories were embedded within his brain. Each time he remembered them, he whispered, "It don't mean nothing." As his young wife, I could not understand and I struggled to be supportive while being a bit curious as to what those four words really meant. During heated arguments, he whispered those words to me. I retaliated by saying, "It does mean something. When we fight it destroys me." Little did I know, those four words, "It don't mean nothing," were his way of coping with a war conflict that America failed to support.

Reunions can be an experience you will either remember with happiness and pride, or something you would prefer sweeping under the rug. This week, my husband and I retreated to a reunion of Vietnam Veterans and spouses at Hidden Mountain Resorts, Sevierville, Tennessee. Never have I laughed so much this year, or for many years. Perhaps laughter is the easiest way to cope with such raw emotions. Vietnam was a long, long time ago and for this group -- the HHC 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, they were all in Vietnam during 1968-1969. The reunion was a time to reminisce about Vietnam and the bonding all of them shared. It was a time to be thankful for all that we have accomplished in our lives, during Vietnam and beyond. A time to appreciate life, family and friendship. A time to cherish just being together again, hearing stories, sharing laughter, hugs and the bonding that happens between soldiers and families. The reunion isn't about Vietnam, but it is about a group of youthful guys who gave their all for freedom and their beliefs.

The reunions began in 1996 with only a handful of veterans bonding together to reminisce and share how they survived and built a life after completing their tour of duty. Each reunion adds new members to the group and together they discover how important and healing their bonding is to them and their families. Originally the group of soldiers consisted of 41. For 2009, 26 veterans gathered. To date, five have left us and there are a few who are sick or recovering from illnesses now. All we can do for the future is to pray for each other, support each other and do all we can to reminisce and share the love and bonding of such a group of soldiers who stood tall to support our Nation and fight for freedom. This group of men consist of professionals who returned home to become attorneys, judges, truck drivers, DoD contractors, military retirees, iron workers, and professionals from all walks of life.

While at Hidden Mountain we shared delicious meals of hamburgers, turkey burgers and hotdogs, shark steak, shrimp Creole, homemade banana bread, chicken Cordon Bleu, and prime rib. The food was always within reach, making many of us realize we had to learn to say no to one more bite.

During a banquet wise words were shared, reminding all of us that we never know what we will find this year at the reunion, but we do know, we must get together to enjoy our friendship, remember the good times we had in 'Nam, and the great times we are having together again in friendship and our bonding. We must remember to cherish every breath we take. We must enjoy the journey and adventure of life and be thankful for being here again.

The reunion is credited to Dusty "Pops" Dewberry, his lovely wife, Lou, Greg Ellis and his lovely wife, Judy, and all of the men and women who attended. Gathering from Saturday until Tuesday, it was difficult to say goodbye. Throats tightened, tears poured and hugs wer unlimited. The next reunion is scheduled for July 30 - August 3, 2010 at Lost Arrow Resort Gladwin, Michigan.

My husband's military reunion is this weekend in Sevierville, Tennessee. This is the weekend of my birthday. While it is true, a lady does not 'share her age,' all I will say is my age is just a number. I am still young at heart, and I do all I can to make my life as young and vibrant as humanly possible. Still, I am in awe of how the years are flying by -- not just passing by -- but FLYING! As a military man during the Vietnam conflict, my husband kept everything inside. At first, I felt threatened that he refused to share his war experiences with me. After a few years, I realized, war is something a soldier does not share. When I was younger, I couldn't understand. I thought a husband and wife shared everything. Silly me!

The Vietnam 'conflict' was a war where family was not considered, at least for the military family. My husband came home, never to get counseling or reentry adjustment, or whatever they choose to call it now. Never did anyone (especially a Family Support Group) contact us about how he was doing and how we were doing. We simply trudged along, readjusting to life as a husband and wife. A bit difficult for me. I had been married only three months when he left. No Power of Attorney. No documents about anything and I did all that I could to make an independent life. After he returned home, well --let's just say, it was an adjustment. Suddenly I had to share my decisions with him, and he with me. Suppose I shall keep the rest of this only to myself.

Now, flash forward, to many, many years later as we meet up with his band of brothers. I have to compliment all of them after meeting them in the 2007 reunion in Michigan. As a group, we all got along great and it was truly a new, lively, and lovely family for me. I felt right at home.

As for this year, I am hopeful to feel right at home again. Phil, my husband, has Karaoke music set aside, and of course, I will be up there singing my heart out, while hoping the rest of the group will do the same.

Vietnam was a long time ago. We all have moved on, recognizing that some of the guys have PTSD -- my husband included, and many of the wives have accepted the emotional scars of war. For the Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers, I am hopeful that they will not have to walk in the shoes of the Vietnam era veterans. I cannot imagine going off to war for three, four and five tours. Nor can I imagine what war is like. I have only lived it during the flashbacks and rages my husband experiences, and each time, I want to cradle him close to me, to make the hurt, fear and anger go away. I cannot erase these horrific experiences from his mind, but I can comfort and pray that someday he will return to me. Perhaps a bit battle scarred, and scared. Life is never easy. Marriage? Let's don't even go there.

According to the "VA" officials, it 'doesn't help my husband's case that he is still on his first wife.'

Yes, those were the words they shared, and I wanted to go on the attack, but I took a deep breath and told my husband I was supporting his experiences and his life.

My wish for all who fight a war is to find peace. Peace within yourself knowing you did the right thing and you coped the best way you could. And for all who have fought in a war, whether it was World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Cold Wars, Iraq, Afghanistan and beyond, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Yes, this weekend will be an experience and I will share more after the fact. As for this chick, let's just say, champagne and O.J. is on my grocery list. Wine is ready to be packed, along with my beach chair, camera, and Netbook. This is my birthday weekend, and I plan to ENJOY! You'll just have to return to my blog to read more -- LATER!

P. S. While writing this, my husband phoned. He spoke with the VA about his claim today. The clerk stated 'claim is still in Washington -- SINCE MARCH 2008 - and it was reviewed AGAIN in May 2009. Now it has gone to the Judge.' Gees. Could the VA move ANY SLOWER???????

Sometimes life has a way of kicking in, stretching us and our moods to the limit. This week has been one of those weeks when it seems as if everything in life has gone wrong. Early this week, I endured several heated discussions with a company refusing to admit they assumed wrong about some events coming up and we parted company. Later, I went to use my cell phone, and it was not working properly. Frustrated, I drove to the AT&T store, in hopes to get my Blackberry in working order, only to discover it needed updating, which I could do at home. Frustration number three came when I reached for the Blackberry, lifted my signature sunglasses, to place on my face, only to have them fall apart in my hands. I smirked expressing to the kind, considerate AT&T customer service rep that this was only one example of my stressful day. He wished me well telling me I might consider happy hour.

"That is something I intend to do this evening -- let's just say a margarita is calling my name."

To say it's been a stressful, depressing week is an understatement, but one thing I've learned, when depression knocks on my door, I must look for the sunshine in life, not the rain.

This is the week of Easter. Normally a happy time for me, but the demands in my life have stretched me into a pretzel shape and I am so frustrated with life I could scream. Writers get this way!

Knowing me as well as he does, my husband decided to keep me occupied today, suggesting we get out of the house for a while. We rushed around to get errands done so we could have a quiet Easter dinner at home, with us and our three precious pups -- Prince Marmaduke Shamus, a giant schnauzer we rescued about 8 years ago; Sir Shakespeare Hemingway, the birthday boy and a mini schnauzer who wishes to rule our house; and last, but never least, our precious little Maltese with a crooked neck -- Shasta Shampagne, the damsel of our home.

Strolling around the Piggly Wiggly, singing to the oldies but goodies music played in the background, I rushed to remember I needed Sweet n' Low, pineapples for the baked ham, and oops -- I almost forgot to get the ham. Dancing to the beat of the music while pushing the shopping cart, I headed to the meat counter, picked up the Smithfield ham on sale and darted towards check outs. Exiting the store, I ran into some friends, wished them a Happy Easter and left. On the way home I joked with Phil. "I can see Shamus and where he will be tomorrow when I place the ham in the oven. He'll plop down on the kitchen rug and stare into the lighted oven, sniffing the aromas of honey baked ham in the oven."

Exhausted, Phil darted to the bedroom to take a nap. I went to my computer, still trying to think of the lead paragraph for a story I am working on. Frazzled, because it isn't working, I decided to read the newspaper. And now, here I am trying to write in my blog -- something I should do on a daily, at least weekly, basis, but with deadlines, stress, phone calls, e-mails, ringing doorbells and barking dogs, well -- at times, I need to relax.

Now, I am focusing not on the stress of the week, but the accomplishments. One accomplishment I never anticipated this week occurred on Wednesday night. Phil and I decided to go out with a few friends to check out the Wednesday night Karaoke at a beach club in the West Ashley suburb of Charleston. With butterflies in my tummy I wasn't certain if I would sing. After a few sips of Kahlua and cream, I jotted down a few songs, and so did Betty, my friend, who sings Karaoke on Friday nights at our local VFW. I wanted to try some new tunes, but could not read the book with the lights so low, and of course, since my stress level was off the scale, I forgot to pack my pocket flashlight in my handbag. I moved the candle holder closer, but still could not read the song titles, so I decided to hand the disc jockey my CDG's.

Betty and I listened and watched the karaoke singers as they hopped on stage. "Oh, he's G-ooo--ood," we said. The next singer was pretty good too. When Betty's name was called, I whispered, "Break a leg," and she did. Betty can get down with the best of 'em!

After the applause, my name was called. Butterflies danced in my stomach, and I rushed to the stage. I heard someone joke about my name, wanting to know if I was "Barbie, how well did I know Ken?"

I reached for the microphone and quickly said, "I killed Ken." Everyone laughed. Then my music started. Butterflies please go away. I started the song, hearing someone say, "Hey it's Brenda Lee."

"Uh Huh, Honey. All right..."

The more I got into the lyrics of "Sweet Nothings," and the more I danced on stage, the more at home I felt. When I finished, I heard screams, applause, and one table called me over to them. "You sing with a band," one woman said. "Well, actually when I was a teenager, but I got married, and things kind of changed."

One guy sitting across at the end of the table said I could sing professionally. Gee, these people were boosting my crumbling ego. I laughed it all, telling them I appreciated their kind words, but a microphone makes you sound better, I shared. Later, the owner of the bar came over to tell me I had an amazing voice and should consider doing it professionally. I did not know she was the owner until my husband shared it later at home. Although I failed to see it, she had approached him while I was singing, telling him I was a great singer. I admit, when I'm on stage, I am focusing on my performance, not who is watching or listening. The audience is a blurr as I belt out a tune.

The kind words of encouragement from all of these strangers lifted my spirits and although I am still struggling with the story hook, I am certain it will arrive -- probably at 3am like most of the time, and I will meet the deadline. I have a tendency to bounce back during times of stress and adversity. I suppose it is an example of life, adversity and how we build character.

The rest of the week has been stressful, but I am coping better. About an hour ago, a neighbor rang the doorbell, inviting Phil and I to a Greek Easter dinner. How nice of him and his wife to think of us. "Uh huh, Honey. All right."

Better days are ahead. After all, tomorrow is Easter, the sun is shining and every day of life is a blessed day. Phil and I will share our Easter with new neighbors. Sometimes the test of a family is the entrance of new friends into our extended family. As for the baked ham, I'll bake it Monday afternoon, while writing the story. Shamus can sit on the Italian tile kitchen floor and supervise the baking while he sniffs the aromas. At dinner time, he'll sit next to me, hoping to get a bite or two of honey baked ham. Perhaps I'll give him the first bite, just to make certain it is good. He loves his "mommy's cooking!' Happy Easter to all, and look for the positive side of life, not the negative. Spring has sprung, the pollen is off the scale in the Charleston community, and all is good in the world. Ah-choo! Happy Easter!

Friday, July 15, 2005:

Yes, today is just another day, fresh and warm with bright sunshine. Unlike other days, it is a day of many decisions, deadlines and so many things to do. I've had a dreadful week of playing catch up since I was away last week. I'm certain you know what catching up is like, especially if you have e-mails to read and respond to, and still have all of the daily chores to do. What amazes me is how we manage to get those 'unimportant' things done, just in the knick of time. For example, I am a writer and editor, working on marketing copy for a publisher today. The deadline to get this epistle is approaching, and I'm rushing to meet this commitment, while glancing at the dust on the desk, furniture, carpeting that needs a good vacuuming, and the dogs needing attention. So, here I rush, attempting to be Super woman, while knowing full well, she was a fictitious character. Me? I'm supposed to be a woman capable to bring home the bacon, fry it and do all that super woman did. On second thought, maybe I should become a witch -- twitch my nose, blink my eyes, and make everything disappear, with exception of Shamus, Shasta and Shakespeare.

Yes, today is just another day, but for me, and hopefully for many, a day for new birth, new growth, and new interests. Now, I must get back to the grindstone.

Tomorrow is a new day. A day for me to get refreshed. Maybe if the sun is out, I'll find inspiration and motivation at the beach. Now, there's a thought! The beach!