pensieve.me

Wordless Wednesday ~ When is a shell not a shell?

When it's a HOUSE!

(Click to super-size...her beady, alienesque eyes need a closer look!)

Sweet, sweet Anastasia...my crabby, little Antiguan friend...oh, how I wish I could go back to see you!

Wanna play?

Since I've already asked you to trash your friends and relatives today, and also provided a vital public service announcement to assure your longevity, I thought it'd be nice to give you something to do in your spare time.  Two Three somethings.

[1]  Have you noticed the "Free Rice" logo in my left sidebar (madeja look! madeja look!)?  It's been popping up everywhere so I finally decided to check it out (I like rice.) 

Click it. 

Test your vocabulary prowess.

Do your part to end hunger...for some people anyway. 

In the process, you'll discover just how inarticulate you really are have a little fun, too. 

For more information, click here.

[2]  I saw this at Shannon's (Rocks in My Dryer), and doggone it, although the link came with a warning, I found out first-hand how it's just like eating a Lay's potato chip--you can't eat just one of those, and you won't want to make just one of these virtual snowflakes.   While I realize a lot of the country is buried under snow and ice, in the Tennessee Valley global warming is alive and well as December temperatures soar into the upper 70s, people.  IT'S 13 DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS AND I'M SWEATING UNDER MY ARMPITS JUST WALKIN' OUTSIDE! >:(

Anyhoo, weather-hissy fit aside,  knock yourself out.  Make snowflakes in the comfort of your own home.  Pretend it's snowing outside. 

Or, if you live somewhere close to me, walk over to your refrigerator, open the freezer door, close your eyes, stick your head inside, and imagine the beautiful one-of-a-kind snowflake creations you just made.  You'll feel bettah instantly :).

OOooo!  And I almost forgot.  Tomorrow, Rebecca Writes is hosting the December Recipe Round Up, and the theme is cookies, squares, bars, candy, etc.  If you'd like to participate (even if it's linking to a previous post), follow her link for details.

Since it's the season of GIVING...

...it's GOT to be the season of RECEIVING for somebody, right?

Which makes me curious.  What is the WORST gift you've ever received?  What distinguished it as such?  I'm not talking about gag gifts or "gifts" you ended up with at a White Elephant or Chinese Gift exchange...something you received that the giver gave you in all seriousness.  The present, upon opening it, you had to scramble to find the words to voice your appreciation, when inside your brain was screaming WHAT-THE-HECK-AM-I- GONNA-DO-WITH-THIS???! 

Tell me your stories--either leave a comment here or blog it (I think it'd be a fun post) and let me know by linking to Mr. Linky below (all you have to do is type your name in the first window and post URL in the second).  Photographs would be a bonus (but I bet you don't still have it unless it's recent ;) ).

I'll think on mine and get back with ya...I can't wait to hear your stories!

Cinquain ~ It's a Cinch!

Please scroll down for today's Fun Monday post...
you're invited to join in, too!

For December's Pensieve's Poetic License, our theme is celebration; poetic form, cinquain.

Want this button?

Ahhhh, cinquain--I can see the gears s l o w l y revolving as you try to recall exactly what that is.  Why, writing poetry couldn't be any easier than this--it's a simple formula.  The only problem is, after a little investigation, I realized there are multiple formulas for writing cinquain.

First, let's back up a little--the history. 

New York native, Adelaide Crapsey originated the cinquain, influenced by the Japanese haiku and less familiar tanka.  Although not published until after her death at only 36, she is credited with creating the only poetic genre native to America.  Here are two of my favorites of hers:
 

November Night
Listen.
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp'd, break from the trees
And fall.

Triad
These be
Three silent things:
The falling snow...the hour
Before the dawn...the mouth of one
Just dead.

Chipper, wasn't she?  Her work MUST have been heavily influenced by her own poor health, the death of her sister following graduation, her minister-father's trial for heresy and subsequent removal from ministry, and the death of her brother.  Throw in a name like "Crapsey" and she was destined for a hard-knock life.

Interestingly, I didn't find her poems to be in keeping with my perception of modern-day cinquain.  Hers, to me, were more poetic; today's are more formulamatic.  Whatever the case, it's time to stop stalling and for you to go forth and conquer the genre.  I KNOW you can do it! 

Here are three methods for writing a cinquain, you may recall others:

Line 1:	a one-word line, a noun, that gives the poem its title
Line 2:	two adjectives that describes what the poem is about
Line 3:	three action -ing verbs that describe something the subject of the poem does
Line 4:	a phrase that indicates a feeling related to the subject of the poem
Line 5:	a one-word line, noun, that sums about the poem is about, essentially renaming it

(From Read-Write-Think)

A second method:

First Line:  2 syllables - One word, giving title for your subject
Second Line: 4 syllables - Two words, describing title
Third Line:  6 syllables - Three words, expressing action
Fourth Line: 8 syllables - Four words, expressing a feeling
Fifth Line:  2 syllables - Another word for the title

(From Learn Poetry)

Wikipedia's first description is nothing more than a five-line stanza with a rhyme scheme of a-b-a-b-b.

So, there ya go...nothin' to it!

A few of you have told me you've already written yours (once again, skunking ME!), so I'll be curious to see if your selections mirror any of these methods.

You have until next week to write a poem (or two or three...), and I'll have Mr. Linky posted just after the stroke of midnight on Tuesday the 18th thanks to TypePad's pre-post feature.

Didn't participate in last month's PPL?  No worries--anytime is the perfect time to join us!

Related Links:

Adelaide Crapsey on Wiki
Rochester Library
Cinquain, Wiki

Fun Monday ~ Favorite Christmas Ornaments

This week's Fun Monday challenge is colorifically simple.  Kaytabug asked to see our favorite Christmas tree ornaments (please be sure to follow her link to see all the participants this week).

Twenty years into a marriage that is three-deep with children, our tree is heavily laden with ornaments--glittered and glued by my babies, received as gifts through the years, or purchased half-price or less during post-Christmas shopping madness. 

Surprisingly for someone who can't make a decision but at least I'm not linking to a single 'nother post I've written, for quite possibly the first time in forEVAH I knew exactly which ornaments I'd share:  three hand-beaded-and-sequined treasures created by my mother when she was terminally ill with cancer; there are nine in all, and my brother and sister each have three as well.

I'm sure to those who see them hanging on my tree, they're nothing particularly special--they look handmade and since they're over 35 years old, mint condition is a thing of the past.

There are few things that bind me instantly to the memory of my mom--these fall into that category.  Every year I imagine her making them for us...she was very sick for years (that long ago, treatment was barbaric compared to today's :( ), so I wonder was it an effort for her to make them?  a joy?  Did her mother's heart know--just KNOW--that she was sealing her touch in a glittered orb for me to delight in each year?   That they're the last ornaments I put away "this" year, so they'll be the first ones I discover next?  That my own children, grandchildren she'd never know, would know that she made them for us, and appreciate what they represent--the life who gave me life :).

These ornaments are so much more than decorations on a tree.  They're tangible reminders of a mother's love that transcends time and overcomes the barrier of death's separation...to bring joy and sweet remembrance and a richness to a season that celebrates life...God made man.

Merry, indeed :).

I know my limits (and I know when...and who...to ask for HELP!)

1)  This will be my last post until Monday's Pensieve Poetic License's December theme posting and poetic form explanation (PLEASE plan to join in this month...lemme know in comments and I'll add you to the email reminder list) AND my Fun Monday post (both will most likely post Sunday night or reeeal early Monday morning).  This week I'll explain December's PPL--you have until NEXT WEEK to write one (or two or three) and I'll have Mr. Linky ready to go on Tuesday the 18th.

2)  In lieu of posting, I am a) re-working my blog a bit, and more importantly, 2) visiting bloggers who've commented on Pensieve this week.  You know those comparisons/analogies listed on IQ tests?  Blank is to Blank like Blank is to Blank?  Well, Comments to Robin are like Blood to a Vampire or Dance to Helio (s i g h) or Honey to a Bee or a Bandaid to a Boo-boo or Gin to a Drunk or Paparazzi to Britney or Flies to Manure...lol, you get the picture (what analogy would YOU make?!  Tell me, I'd love to hear more :) ). 

I've had more than my share of comment-crack this week without much time to reciprocate, so I hope to remedy at least some of that.  I can't say enough how much I appreciate your thoughts and visits to my blog--y'all ROCK!

3)  Last, a contest of sorts for those of you who can design blog buttons (kinda like my PPL one).   I'm workin' on a little something FUN (of course) but I need some button bling to go with it; I don't have the mad photoshop skills to create one myself :/...  It's Christmas time and I don't wanna pay for it  BUT, a LOT of y'all DO (and some of you have even offered to help me in the past....).  Soooo, I decided to have a CONTEST among those who'd like to submit something, and if I choose yours, I'll give you a design credit in my sidebar, write a glowing & gushing post in honor of you, shower you with blog love and affection...and who knows, maybe send you a prize. 

If you're interested in finding out more, please email me; I'm not going to post the details on my blog, only to those who are serious about submitting a contest entry.  I realize it's a BUSY time of year and this is the last thing you have time for, but for those of you who LOVE this kinda thing, maybe it wouldn't be a big hassle (see?  I don't know how to do it, so I don't know if it's a hassle...). 

Ok...all I have time to write for now, for Robin's PENSIEVE, anyway ;).

15 Words or Less Poem - Feminine Mystique?

Toothy grin, inviting smile
Don't be fooled--a woman's guile.

Hmmm, I think this poem needs a title, don't you?  I believe I shall call it "Sue, the Most Complete T. Rex Fossil EVAH Wants to Have YOU for Dinner".  Fitting...yes? 

Visit Laura to get the details on writing your own "15 words or Less" poem.  A picture like this one could go in a thousand directions :).

Wordless Wednesdays ~ Slippery and Slimy

Hot, boiled peanuts--love 'em or hate 'em?

 

Wordless Wednesday HQ
wordless wednesday

 

Easy, greasy dinner that EVERYONE can agree on

Revised 12/7/07 ~ I had to include this for BooMama's Souptacular, too.  It's a three-ingredient recipe for cryin' out loud!  Your kindergartener could cook it for you (not that I'm recommending you cut your five-year-old loose in the kitchen or anything...it's hyperbole, people!!)

Maybe I should've titled this differently 'cause there's nothing "greasy" about this go-to meal.  The first time I had it was at a day-long winter swim meet--cold and dreary outside, the antithesis going on inside (anyone who's been a swimmer or had a swimmer knows what I mean). 

Kids have a LOT of energy when they're at a pool all day, and they burn a lot of energy swimming their events.  The mom who brought a vat of Hearty Chicken Soup fooled me into thinking she had slaved for hours cooking this substantive meal in a crock; the truth is, it's easier than Rice Krispie treats. 

Hearty Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, skinned (boneless or bone in, whichever grosses you out less when you cut it up after cookin' it)
5 cups broth
16 ounce package of egg noodles
Large can Cream of Chicken soup
salt and pepper, lots of both

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

• Fill a stock pot with water and simmer the chicken 'til it's tender (the longer the bettah, at least 45 minutes).

• Remove the chicken, cool; then cut or shred it by hand into bite-size pieces.

• Be sure to reserve at least 5 cups of the broth to add back.

• Cook the noodles according to the directions on the package.

• Whisk together 5 cups broth and the large can of cream of chicken soup.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Then, combine the noodles and chicken and heat through (or leave in a crock pot on low for hours...).
  

Get a BIG bowl and spoon and enjoy.  Cornbread on the side makes this even better!

Cook's notes: 

You'll want to have about four cups chicken and it's okay to simmer a whole bird or dark meat if that's your preference.

Pepper really makes a difference...I don't think you can have too much (if your kids have an aversion to it, use white pepper ;) ). 

Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for tons of other FANTASTIC simple-ingredient, last-minute meals!  What a great idea for a themed "Works for Me Wednesday" post--this time of year I NEED easy!  Visit BooMama, too, y'all!

Blogger Backlash

Oh.  My.  Goodness....!

I didn't anticipate the outrage I'd hear when I asked a simple question....

Do you think the masterminds at Blogger dot com had ANY idea the fury they'd arouse when they disabled non-Blogger bloggers' ability to register comments with a link back to their own blogs?  And, what about those poor bloggers whose blogs ARE Blogger blogs?  1)  They're finding out non-Blogger bloggers are beginning to boycott Blogger blogs in protest ("nothing personal"), and 2) according to Candid Karina, it's adversely affecting Blogger bloggers' ability to follow comments back to the commenter's blog.

(If Willowtree anyone is counting, that's 15 uses of the word "blogger" or some derivative in one paragraph.  Apparently, I'm gunning for a mention in Guinness Book :/.)

Let's start with the positives:  Blogger is F.R.E.E., people.  Personally, I think it was a great chew-toy to cut your blogging teeth on--user friendly and a variety of templates (theirs and other freebies on the net).  It's the host I stayed with for over a year. 

Positives aside, it DOES appear that Blogger's direction is towards exclusivity and making it MORE difficult if you aren't in the family.  Hmmm, inbreeding?  Nepotism?  A quest to RULE THE BLOGGING UNIVERSE??? 

Ah HA!  I've got it!!  Lex Luthor and Doctor Evil are running the Blogger show!! 

Now I understand p e r f e c t l y.

(Muuuuwwwaahahahah!)

Because I felt like I was getting what I paid for with Blogger, I moved to Typepad in January.  Blogging is one of my favorite hobbies, so it was worth it to pay a little.   When it occurred to me how much I enjoy blogging, coupled with the amount of time I spend doing it, the price of a DVD rental (or two) each month was a fair exchange for an easier, more reliable blogging format.  Typepad isn't perfect, but NO format is, and it fairly well approximates all I'm looking for. 

Have you written a post, rant, diatribe or rodomontade (is that a great word or what?!) about the new commenting identity crisis--con or PRO (haven't seen one in support of Blogger yet, but I'd sure like to...)?  Have you read others around the b'sphere?  Lemme know in comments and I'll add links to this growing list (inclusion is not an endorsement of opinions expressed by each blogger, I'm just finding it fascinating so many seem to be in an uproar...AND MOSTLY, I'm curious to see how Blogger will respond.  Blogger, ARE YOU LISTENING?):

First, an explanation of sorts by Blogger (thanks, Karina)

...and, then those who aren't too happy:

Suburban Oblivion
The Hunter's Wife
Lifecruiser
Patrick
atLindas.com
The Junk Drawer (a few posts and some solutions)
O Ceallaigh
The Blog Hog
Canned Laughter
Mom Gadget
Randa Clay Design
Windyridge (she offers her solution)
Queen of Shake-Shake (reminding us to keep it in perspective, lol, it's NOT world hunger after all!)
The Random Forest (a few posts and some additional insight into Open ID)
Lengthy thread at BlogCatalog (ht:  The Junk Drawer)
Just Thinkin'
Matts Nutts
What's Wrong Around Us
A Rubber Door

The lone Blogger defender I've read so far: Cagey @ Rancid Raves

To my existing Blogger buddies--no worries, I'm not gonna abandon you...but it's doubtful I'll be commenting to any new Blogger blogs.