The Power of One

One song can spark a moment,

One flower can start a dream,

One seed can start a forest,

One drop can start a stream.

One smile begins a friendship,

One hug can lift the soul,

One star can guide a ship at sea,

One word can frame a goal.

One vote can change a nation,

One sunbeam lights a room,

One candle wipes the darkness,

One laugh can chase out gloom.

One step will start a journey,

One word will start a prayer,

One hope will our spirits,

One touch can show you care.

One voice can carry wisdom.

One heart can know that's true,

One life can make a difference,

You see what one can do!

Author unknown

How fortunate to have been born

Fortunate, how fortunate to have been born

to hold a friend's hand

and be witness to the

miracle of each dawn.

How fortunate to have been born,

to have the option to chose,

to weigh defeat and hope

against glory and the fear to fail.

How fortunate to have been born,

to understand that honesty and perversity,

despite their contrast,

equality share this Universe.

How fortunate to have been born,

to keep quiet when someone wiser speaks,

to listen, is the key to learn

when one intends to understand.

How fortunate to have been born,

stating this without false pretenses,

a total victory in that of being or not being,

in asserting oneself.

How fortunate to have been born

to sing to the people and to the rose,

to the dog and to love and, any other things

to which feelings may attach.

How fortunate to have been born

to have access to fortune,

to be river instead of lake,

to be the rain instead of watching rain.

How fortunate to have been born,

to be consciously bitting into the apple,

without the ancestral fear of the cloth

nor, Lucifer's final revenge.

Yes, how fortunate to have been born,

but, I know, I know well...

one day I also will die.

And I if I live now happy with my lot,

God knows what I'll think while dying,

never been in that trance,

I don't know what balance I'll hold in that anguish.

But, I know, I know well

that on the final leg of the journey

I will hear ambiguous ringing of bells

bidding my farewell,

and another day, another voice like myself,

with another accent,

will be singing to the four winds...

Translated from Spanish by moi

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Que suerte he tenido de nacer

Qué suerte, qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para estrechar la mano de un amigo,

y poder asistir como testigo

al milagro de cada amanecer.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para tener la opción de la balanza,

sopesar la derrota y la esperanza

con la gloria y el miedo de caer.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para entender que el honesto y el perverso

son dueños por igual del Universo

aunque tengan distinto parecer.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para callar cuando habla el que más sabe,

aprender a escuchar, ésa es la clave,

si se tiene intenciones de saber.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

y lo digo sin falsos triunfalismos,

la victoria total, la de sí mismo,

se concreta en el ser y en el no ser.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para cantarle a la gente y a la rosa

y al perro y al amor y a cualquier cosa

que pueda el sentimiento recoger.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para tener acceso a la fortuna

de ser río en lugar de ser laguna,

de ser lluvia en lugar de ver llover.

Qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

para comer a conciencia la manzana,

sin el miedo ancestral a la sotana

o a la venganza final de Lucifer.

Si qué suerte he tenido de nacer,

pero sé, bien que sé...

que algún día también me moriré.

Y si ahora vivo contento con mi suerte,

sabe Dios qué pensaré, cuando mi muerte,

cuál será en la agonía mi balance, no lo sé,

nunca estuve en ese trance.

Pero sé, bien que sé...

que en el viaje final escucharé

el ambiguo tañir de las campanas

saludando mi adiós, y otra mañana

y otra voz,que como yo, con otro acento,

cantará a los cuatro vientos...

Autor Desconocido

About Toads and Frog Princes - series

posted in consecutive order

~

I plan to have an installment

ready about 8:00PM PST nightly

until I run out of "Case Files"

~

Feel free comment :)

Most of all I hope you will enjoy!

Now, scroll!

Next Story:

"Allister" The City Council Candidate

Monday, August 10

ALL about SLEEK mEn...

Where do I begin?

Perhaps by telling you that is just as easy to wail and tear my hair out, as it is to roar with laughter!

So, as you see my choices aren't many...

I will choose to laugh and tell you in future installments, about eight years worth of various sordid Internet connections, beginning with the latest one.

While not all of them are belly grabbing and roll over the floor kind, they gave me an understanding (well, maybe an insight) about men - in general, of course! - that I had never had before.

No matter what I'll write, this "disclaimer" will stand:

I love men.

But, I would really much prefer to looooooove one!

* One little thing I will share with you now, "no matter how old or how fat you might be, there is always a guy, in the wings, ready and willing to lay you - IF, you'll just let him..."

Thank Heaven for Testosterone!!!

"Love" search on the Net - Case File No.1.09.2

Introduction

So, here I go... and only because a friend made my promise to write this story - she thinks I have a humorous way of relating my stories, my account of experiences lived.

You see, she is getting older, ouchie and, lately housebound (we'll all get there!) And, appreciates detailed sordid tales of love lost and found - although, the later is debatable.

These are tales of - I don't even know how to put it! - tales of insane times, where age and technology mix, resulting in some of the most perplexing and convoluted experiences imaginable.

I am pushing 61... Still feel "frisky" beyond imagination; odd, how ones chronological age advances completely disproportionally to ones thoughts and emotions.

Body Parts: somewhat rusty. Heart parts: that of a teenager! Intellectually: Sound - I am one of the soundest people I know. Activity Level: Full time Artist, and, I mean "full-time"! I am doing what I was meant to do my entire life, finally.

(I do not run or do any other exercise besides walking - saving my energy for good sex, if I could only find it!!!

I firmly believe it is the only truly healthy exercise for us, the rest are just excuses to avoid intimacy - think about it... hm?)

I speak fluently three languages and, I can get by with another three... I read quiet a bit and I am up to date with current events, science, technology, architecture... In brief? A lot of stuff! Unlike that Palin woman... the Pitbull with lipstick one, you know.

I am opinionated, always have been. Some, say I am eccentric - but in the "nice" way. (And, what way would that be, I ask myself?)

True, I do not live or think inside the box, don't think I even saw one in boarding school, which, is where all my troubles began!

It could be sworn I am my own woman, but, that does not go down well with many, particularly those of the male persuasion. (Should I care? Do I care? Hmmm. Not really...)

Anyway, I'll start with the (true) story of Monty. Only names and certain identifying details will be changed. Bear with me; It is not nice to talk behind other people's back - I was told as I child - and I never did, with any malice if or when I rarely did so.

(My rule: if I am involved it is also my story therefore, it is not gossip.)

Furthermore, I will not do it now either, because there is no way I want to harm any poor fool that fancies himself a smart cookie while trying to grab himself a little woman.

It just happens I do not want to be any fool's little woman - for that, I could have sold out years ago! Although, the "fool" part would certainly not apply.

Still, I do believe in love, happiness, loyalty, honesty, seduction, romance, chivalry, intellect, manners, grooming, etc. and, definitely a healthy and rambunctious sex life - which, has nothing to do with a gym ....

Remember, no matter how old, one must carefully choose ones exercise routine! Why, I Ask why, waste time in the gym or running around the park alone - Hah?

Allow me, I refuse to entertain the idea this could possibly be a delusion.

If it is, P-L-E-A-S-E do not tell me, I want to die in this, (my?) divine vortex!

©2009

PS.: Worth noting I am NOT "a little woman" if you know what I mean. I am a full-figured woman - I am like a lot of very normal women my age are... yeap, rounded, with no edges!

Continuos bellow

"MONTY" - CASE FILE 1.09.2 CONT ...

Where to begin?

There is so much (yet, so little to the story), but I will re-tell it as told to Dzidra. More or less.

Here it goes my friend, for you.

As most everything in my life "it just happened". One early Spring evening I went to Graigslist to place an ad to sell some odds and ends.

Not being overly familiar, I took some time to browse the different categories, and sub categories, amongst those, I stumbled upon the Singles Ads!

I find that when on the net, late at night, I follow all sort of links that lead to some rather interesting places - not what you are thinking, naughty-naughty!!

Lo-and-behold! People my age, were (mostly shamelessly) flogging themselves in ads that varied from the virginal shy to the outrageously provoking.

Brace yourself! I joined them. What could I loose I asked myself as I quickly scrambled up a post exalting my attributes and the requisites to be filled by the aspiring Romeo. The obvious one was that of age, having found lately that older man aren't nearly as attractive as when I was younger... aha... therefore, my "flexibility" does not exceed 5 over/under - under is better.

So, one would think that a woman my age would have to wait for the odd response to trickle in. Wrong! Ding-Dong... men are calling. Many men are calling! What? Don't they have a life?

It immediately became apparent, just 'coz many are calling, does not mean there is reason for any excitement - whatsoever...

Ay, Chihuahua... which rock have these specimens been hiding under?

I tell you, this was an eye opener both to how much "I can see coming" and the distasteful nature of some man - so disgustingly transparent, obviously in relationships, with dubious motivation, slimy, disrespectful, rude...

Most of these would be Romeos did not even bother to say hello, or even include my name - they went directly for the kill!!!

I took the time to respectfully turn them down, thanking them for responding - I felt maybe, if they are shown how it is done, they might smarten up. Being turned down was no deterrent, for a number of them wrote back requesting a date/meeting. I assure you, I did respond in English.

These men did generally not even check their spelling.

One sent a "form resume" he must have prepared for such occasions; was later followed by a couple of other similar ones, but not as extensive. Clearly, this was not about me - but them, shamelessly flogging themselves.

The ones that were this brazen, I simply deleted as they obviously were playing the odds and figured they did not have to put in "the effort".

And then, among this flurry of communication facsimiles - was Monty's response. A lackluster, simple, somewhat pushy/rude announcement HE, arrived in my world. Monty was immediately rejected. No ifs or, buts!

Monty, was among those whom, did not take no, thank you, for an answer. Did not even take NO, THANK YOU, for an answer either! Third time, I took the time to explain why! Seriously, I could sense there was a lot of animosity in the air and did not want to contribute to it, instead, wanting to have a different experience.

I soon realized that there is no "high road" in these matters - one is forced often to go for the jugular! (Will share about those couple of darlings in coming posts).

One thing for sure: it is NOT the place to look for ANYONE - all the bottom feeders appear to have gathered for debris at "the list" - these, are the ones that will not pay for a more serious matching service (OH, yeah... I have tried that too, don't pelt me!).

We must stay away form "free" sites. A smidgen of self-esteem warrants different options. Although... hmmmm, did I say, options?

OK, back to Monty; he, then, responds in Spanish. Me, so wanting to have someone to speak Spanish with, let down my guard, and began communicating with him by phone. (I know... go ahead pity me - It is awful (awfully funny) to admit it.

I will not deny he was charming on the phone, his manners appeared to have considerably improved; in no time we found we had quiet a bit in common. I will say, I even liked him!

For the bad news (at least the way I look at it) I was soon informed of the prestigious address he inhabited, his late model European import car newly purchased... his eating out, dry cleaner, an other habits... his favorite bathroom... the view form his spacious apartment...

Just as quickly I informed him I, did not have a pot to pee in, walked to the only wall my pc could be plugged in, and so and so forth - as in "tit for tat" - since he did not yield with this practice despite my repeated requests. It is vulgar. Period.

No, not the money!

I told him that if we had chemistry, money was icing on the cake, since I was not going to compromise for anything at this age - like, I am crazy or what???

Talking about age. It is 7:35PM, 31℃/80℉, the fan is blowing a hole in my back, my bum is square, my legs swollen... Time to finish today's installment - sorry, must also inform you I am rather "long winded", all this might take longer than planned - lol

'will continuo tomorrow ...

© moi.09

ta-ta for now

Monty ....

Before I proceed any further, I must get to Monty's age. Remember 5 yrs. over/under? Well, he did admit to being 69! What are 4 more years? He objected to such callous discrimination against men his age... Why? He was still young, a young and dynamic 69... He definitely sounded young.

Insisted I go to another (ethnic) singles site he had a posted profile with a recent photo. It was hard to tell how authentic or, old this photo was - but, decided to accept things as they were, as ultimately I do not give a hoot about "appearance" - as long as immaculately groomed! Hah - gotcha!!!

I must also add that I even went as far as to ask him if he had teeth - OK, you can roll all over the floor, I'll wait!

(Done with the laughter? There is a reason, and that reason is a handsome, 6'3" - introduced by a friend, none-the-less! - who lives on the west coast of the "big" hazy island... about him, later, when his file comes up - a jewel of a fella that one turned out to be. We will call him Bill)

Where were we...?

Oh, the teeth! Yes, Monty had his own teeth, alas, I though I was making progress although, I was loosing ground in other areas. For instance, even though "we were going to take it easy", I insisted - we all know by now how that weird chemistry thing works, or doesn't - did not want to commit myself to any joint plan to live in Mexico City part of the year; despite liking dogs and cats was not sure I wanted to live in a big sprawling house - no studio! There was never mention of a studio... oh... all those brownie points he was missing out on.

Basically our phone calls revolved around his daily properly acquisition trips, stock market fluctuation (don't give a bloom!) family, particularly how his ex wife left with a sizable bounty never seen in the region... (granted by the courts, of course) and, about a variety of other topics of mutual interest, but never, ever about my work, my life interest.

The extent of his engaging with my work entailed visiting my site once to view photos of myself. He did mention liking my work (with credibility) and would love to own some - I encouraged him to buy... oh, yeah :)

He was quiet prompt asking me to meet for coffee but, for reasons I cannot now recall, I wasn't free to meet that week, the following week he got an awful cold that lasted about 15 days give and take.

Our meeting stretched out to probably a month after initial contact, during which time we shared a number of things. Particularly from his end it was becoming apparent "he was falling apart".

Each day he opened up more and more about his numerous ailments and medications and I was increasingly "putting on the brakes" on marriage in 6 months talks...

I became quiet attached to him, he was definitely a charming, educated, worldly, otherwise engaging man. The way it was shaping up, I was sure this could be, at a minimum, a lasting friendship.

He phoned 2-3 times a day, which suited me fine as I don't like to either bother nor chase anyone... and believe this kind of contact necessary in any relationship - of course, these were not "check-up/jealousy/control calls - those taste differently...

We did agree, we were still definitely interested in sex - but - "we" would give it time until I was good and ready, as I had a hunch (?) it was not going to be "soon".

So, this was good news, no? Interested but, willing to wait... Hm, of course, at our age, there is no use on pretending any virginal status or need for "wasting time" either. So, in my mind - I was going to play it by ear - same as by hormone!

The odd time I could hear a faint tapping in the background and asked for its origin, he didn't know. Is he a smoker? Flashing in my mind when hearing him inhale deep - sucking on a cigarette? No, I don't smoke, he would smoothly and convincingly respond.

I did not want a smoker. I never dated a smoker. I was a serial hypocrite because as a smoker I had very low opinions of men that did - I think of them as "flakes", The ones I almost dated, were! True. I never had a relationship with a man that smoked.

By now we had all the ducks in a row and the big date was about to happen... we were going out to a local quaint restaurant of my choice.

The day before he had an appointment to see his doctor for which he asked for help to make list needed to run by her. It turned out that his knowledge on computers was near zero and scraped by with the advise and help of his accountant/friend in his 80's...

He phoned that early evening upon his return from the appointment and giddily announced he was given a shot of xyz@doc. Had no idea of what he was talking about.

What is that, I asked?

© moi.09

To find out, you'll have to return tomorrow as I conclude the Monty chapter.

It is still very hot and I not feeling any better than yesterday, only the fan is driving my a little pottier each day.

Nite-nite.

"MONTY" - CASE FILE 1.09.2 -The BIG Date

What is that?

- You know...

No, I have no idea what it is, what is it?

- It's for tomorrow...

What's for tomorrow? (In utter confusion). Why did you need a needle for tomorrow?

- This is xyz@doc... it's like Viagra ...

(Wholly shit!) WHAT??? Why do you need it for tomorrow?

- (sheepishly, but satisfied with himself) Our meeting tomorrow...

YOU THINK WE ARE GOING TO BED TOMORROW? There is NO WAY; forget it! And, you even announce your plans to me???

After returning to some "normal" dialogue once again, we said our good nights in peace, me, convinced more than ever that there was NOT going to be any nookie, any time soon - the gall!

Another victim of the "Friday Night TV Porn School of Intimacy and Ultimate Seductive Performance". (Ay, Chihuahua, no wonder women are not interested in "sex")

How uncouth... I haven't even met this dude!

Did I need to know about the "performance enhancement" injection?

Nothing in our month long conversation came to any intimacy whatsoever. NONE.

Our morning conversation was anticipatory, as I imagine is expected still, and despite "all the information" - one, well at least me, would like to remain in some sort of contact/relationship with someone I had things in common with and shared time pursuing the possibility of finding a good match that would lead to a commitment. I can't fault the man for being who he is, even if he is not for me... or vise-versa.

I find this a delicate field, where we are all (hopefully honestly) all looking for a

"last" mate. Personally, I cannot see me "dating" - a bit vulgar at my age; after all, I bloody well know what I definitely do not want and, somewhat flexible with what I know I want.

The evening arrived with any undue nervousness and at the agreed time my phone rung - not the main door buzzer (?).

- I am parked across the street, come down...

!? Hmmm. Not a very good sign. Summoned with a cell phone? Biiiig breath!

I got downstairs and immediately noticed there wasn't anyone standing by the door, the path empty, leading to the parked, exquisitely sparkling golden European late model - I managed to see it and, a large silhouette behind the wheel, despite the blasts of vapor intermittently being expired through my nose.

It was a long walk "down the runway"; I felt I was being scrutinized and X-Rayed to my marrow... (Looking good... I knew! Don't care what he thinks.)

I finally reached the car. He made no attempt whatsoever to open the door - even if, from the driver side.

Although I intended to be polite, I cannot guarantee my face not giving away my true indignant feelings. The bastard!

How OLD ? How fat? ... Let me see 79-80? Big. I don't know... OLD! OH-MY-GOD- his teeth, his teeth are making the tapping noise I heard on the phone - SHIT, there are his, he paid for them! Bastard!

How long is a second? It was that fast that the above and the inability to look at him completely flooded my being with an explosive, but much contained rage. An implosion occurred. Courtesy of my mothers upbringing (had to bring her into this too, somehow).

A couple of minutes into the ride I managed to compose myself... my goodness, poor guy, how sad...

We shortly arrived at the chosen peninsula restaurant (at least he drove to the Colonies) and by now I did not have any illusions of chivalry from his part so, I let myself out, closed the car door and headed towards the restaurant/stopped in my tracks just as quickly, he is still trying to get out!?

Madre mia! No wonder he never came to the door...

He finally stood firm. (He did not fib about his height - as if it would actually matter as this point!) But, he was not moving - now, what...?

I caught my breath... he began to move forward, slowly and awkwardly. Remember Carol Burnett playing Tim Convay's secretary? Mrs. Wiggum. Mrs. Wanda Wiggum! He sort of slid/shuffled forward like her - stiff bum... I opened the restaurant door, we were seated immediately.

It takes a lot of compassion to look at someone you want to kill and still have mercy... Sad, as I said before.

I was determined for us to have a good dinner time.

He wore glasses, unlike his profile pic. His fingers were amber from the nicotine of too many cigarettes smoked...

Monty, you smoke!

- No, I don't.

Your fingers are tobacco stained - you smoke!

- Only in the kitchen...

You smoke.

- Only in the kitchen...

You smoke.

- I smoke.

Dinner arrived promptly.

- See this shirt? (motioning to the impeccable dry cleaned white shirt he was wearing)

See this tie?

Yes...

- Well, in a few minutes, as I eat, they will be all stained...

Why?

- Because my hands are unsteady and, I spill the food...

Why don't you tuck into your collar the napkin you have on you lap so you will keep you shirt clean?

- Good idea...

Money came up again. Again, I mentioned how distasteful it was and, reminded him having asked him not to make it a conversation topic.

- You remind of my mother, I loved my mother (I heard again) You don't let me get away with anything.

No, I won't.

Dinner was alright, no desert for me thank you - he, among other things, was diabetic.

Excused himself and shuffled over to the washroom as if holding up his pants (was he?). The waitress must haven taken this as a cue to bring the bill and with a huge smile proudly placed it in front of me. With just as huge a smile, I informed her the gentleman will be taking care of it. She complied by placing it at his setting.

As he sad down - So, what do you think?

About what?

- (Motioned at himself)

There is a vague resemblance to the man on the picture, it is a few years old and you were not wearing glasses, right?

- (Defeated) Right.

We left the restaurant without much ceremony, as we came. The car door was unlocked with remote...

We had originally planned to have tea and some sort of dessert at my place.

I had all the intentions to honor my word, and will admit was surprised when he declined and shared needing to use the washroom again. Reassuringly, I offered the use of mine, considering the hour drive back into town... he declined.

I suspected the entire situation made him ill. Would have made me, were I in his shoes!

He stopped at the entrance. I helped myself out. We said good-bye. He drove away.

It was 6:30PM as I walked trough he door, certain I was never-ever going to call him, while I still also knew in my heart I was willing to keep my word in regards to the often stated, by both of us, "we will always remain friends, no matter what" ...

I never heard from "Monty" again.

Sadly, he might have liked a woman companion, lover...wife, but, what he really needed was a nurse-maid. Somehow, I suspect, it would have been an easier route for him to find what he was looking for... stranger things are known to have happened.

May he be and, keep well and safe, wherever he is.

© moi

Next I will "tell all" about in the "Allister" the City Council Candidate.

~

Stories of FROGS and, PRINCES (!?)

Although, these true stories are

more about Toads than

Frogs and Princes!

They are about Testosterone gone array

About men, still thinking only with their penis ...

About me, on the quest for love,

companionship and, possibly marriage (!?)

Is it possible for a mature woman

to find healthy love on the net,

anywhere? Hmmm.

* Only names and certain locations will be altered to protect myself

from the otherwise delightful culprits

Coming Soon!

♡

Me sorprende

Es así, sureal

Los años pasan

y, me sorprende

que a pesar de todo

todavia te adore

Así nomás, te quiero

con inocencia de niña

Te siento, te vivo, te ancío

amigo, amante

ladrón entremetido

No hay vuelta que darle

a éstas alturas

aún te amo

Alborotada, apasionada

empeñada e infeliz!

Junio 9, 2009

©

Con motivo de la "Semana del Poeta Virtual"

"Vendran dias" - Manolo Garcia