Is it really that odd?

I read a brief snippet today that sparked the cinders of reason and internal dialogue.

In an interview today on “The View,” a noted actor, David Pierce, announced his marriage (back in October) to his long-term partner Brian Hargrove. In response to questioning about the prop 8 decision, Pierce called it a "very odd thing" that strangers have a vote on his private decision to marry.

Is it that odd?

Sure, marriage can be private. For most of the world, marriage is private. But celebrities should be well aware that their lives are not private. Its simply a part of the package. I would further contest that while the decision to marry is private, a marriage is an outward (public) symbol of that decision.

But, I digress.

I think what alarms me most about this statement is Pierce’s disregard for the place that our courts hold in society. Rather than respecting the office, and recognizing the place their action takes in the system, he has reduced them to mere strangers.

You see, if Prop 8 was overturned, I can guarantee that comment wouldn’t have been made. No, the courts would be lauded as friends of all humanity. The Supreme Court would be hailed for its decision to uphold liberty and in the process eliminate bigotry. It would have been “a huge step for civil rights.” But, because the courts maintained prop 8 as constitutional, they have become “strangers” and governments involvement is “odd.”

But is it really that odd? Government has always had a say in establishing rules, obligations, laws, and authority for society. After all, that is what our dear founding fathers fought for so diligently a long time ago.

No. What you sir, Mr. Pierce, find odd; is that the majority vote stands for traditional marriage. That’s the oddity you are complaining about. And that’s fine. You have the right to such an opinion. But please, call it as it is. Don’t hide behind the skirts of some “foreign arm of government.” No, I don’t buy it. The relationship between many American citizens and their respective religious marriage officiators are as unknown as a supreme court justice.

Its not that odd. It just didn’t swing your way.

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If the club is empty, is free entrance still a deal?

On our way back to the car after the show tonight, Heidi and I walked past a fairly hip club. By hip I mean that it was new-looking, modern, and well, club-like. Outside the entrance, on the sidewalk, there were two bouncers and a guy who probably was the list - keeper.

Now, remember this is Thursday night. Its 11pm and I must say the streets were really quiet. Very little action. Heidi and I were probably the only foot traffic these guys had seen in the last 30 minutes.

Where they were standing was right in the line of the sidewalk were on. Strategic for them, unfortunate for us. It forced us to walk past them and have some sort of interaction, ever brief as it may be.

Sure enough, as we passed by them, they asked us if us "ladies wanted a drink tonight." Bad question #1. We said no thanks. Not taking no for an answer, the list man, in all his smooth-talking ways asked "Not even if I could get you in for free?" Wrong question #2. I told him we were cheap -- that we don't drink. He looked rather dejected at that point and even a bit surprised.

But here is my thought. Its Thursday night, at 11:15pm, on a quiet street and a relatively empty club. How is free entrance a deal to me?

Now, if it was a weekend, the club was hoppin' and I was looking for a fun night, perhaps free entrance would be seductive. I mean, there would be a small token of sacrifice on his end and I would feel like I was getting some special treatment; a deal of sorts.

But, forgive my philosophical musings -- we're not talking trees in a forest. Rather, just a few guys trying to hustle up some opportunistic business. Thought-provoking for me, unfortunate for them.

Better luck next time boys! (just remember, a deal is only a deal if its a deal....and free is never free....)

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A funny thing happened on the way to the theatre (no, really it did!)

Tonight was a fantastic evening!

My friend Heidi celebrated her birthday with tickets to the Lion King at the Sacramento Community center. She knows I love and appreciate the theatre, so she invited me to come along. What a fantastic show. The puppetry and costuming is incredible. We both were like children, on the edge of our seats, waiting for the next surprise on the stage. I cant decide what my favorite part was. I really fell in love with Rafiki - her voice was beautiful! The birds and giraffes were so masterfully done, I forgot they were puppets. It was well worth the investment. It is an experience that will stay with me for a long time!

That being said, the funniest thing truly did happen on the way to the show! Heidi and I were walking a couple blocks away from the Convention Center and we happened to cross the street at the same time a unique black man did. I was wearing heels (after all I was going to a show) and the first thing out of this guys mouth was:

"Girl, you been doin' too much in those shoes. Girl."

>>eh, akward!<<

We ignored him.

He asked how we were. We continued to ignore him. Then he took the conversation to an entirely new level by posing this question:

"Girl, can I have one of your shoes?"

>>I'm going to have to say no to that. Pretty sure the Community Center has a no shoes, no service policy. Besides, what would he do with one shoe? Maybe I should just carry an extra one in my purse for strange encounters such as this was.<<<

We told him we were in a hurry.

Like I said, a funny thing happened on the way to the theatre.

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Memory on Memorial Day

Memorial day.

I would like to pause and give a heartfelt thanks to all the Military men & women; past & present, who have served our country.

Their service gives me freedom.

My grandfather, Claude Simmons, was one of those men. I didnt get to know him during his brief time on earth. He passed before I had that chance. I do respect and love him. I thank him for his service. For his fatherhood. For his dedication and patriotism.

Below is a slideshow of my trip to the cemetary where Claude is buried. Next to him is Vonda. the love of his life. They lay side by side as they stood in life. Vonda was a patient military wife. She and Claude wrote consistant letters all throughout his service. I recently have read those letters and am in awe of there love and devotion.

In the Fair Oaks cemtary where they are buried, they line the pathways with flags in memorium of this holiday. They also mark each military grave with a white cross and flag. It was a very sacred moment to enter that cemetary and see the many, many white crosses & flags.

We owe a great debt to these soldiers. May you feel some of what I felt in that sacred moment as you watch this slideshow. May you pay tribute, in your own way, to those great men and women who affect your personal liberties.

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Memorial Day BBQ

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Ketchup Control

This post in dedicated in its entirety to my brother, Scott....(you better come and read this brother!!)

Yesterday, Scott and I enjoyed some family time. For Memorial Day, we visited my grandfathers grave to pay him tribute and then went to breakfast. We went tot his pretty tasty hole in the wall restaurant off folsom blvd.

In keeping with my meat indulgence, I ordered country fried steak & hashbrowns. (Mom, it was tasty, but not quite like your country fried steak).

Scott ordered the Ranchers breakfast which included a t-bone steak and hashbrowns.

We love hashbrowns. The crispy kind. You can never cook hashbrowns too crispy. Really. After those delicious morsels of fried potato's reach your table, the next step prior to consumption is key.

The ketchup.

As my brother stated yesterday, you must have the most perfect ratio of ketchup to potato. He being older and more experienced, was able to have pretty perfect Ketchup Control. I on the other hand, got in a rush and globbed out too much ketchup one end of my hashbrowns.

Looks like I will need to try it again.

Just remember fair readers. In order to have an excellent experience with hashbrowns, you must learn ketchup control. There must be just a small layer of ketchup across the entire mass of potatoes in order for it to tast right.

Happy eating!

Shannon

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Changes....

Good morning!

Some of you may notice the change in my blog background...I am in the process of learning how to customize my blog, so keep checking back for exciting changes! Currently, my photography is the background. I will be changing a lot of other things about the way this blog looks, so be prepared!!!

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Garden Update!

Garden update!

So, I have double gardening "duty" this year. Its less of a duty and more of a treat. I have really enjoyed planting and pulling, tending and talking to my little plants. I am helping Auntie with her sweet garden outback and sharing the garden with Peter & Janell at my parents house.

Yesterday I planted bell peppers, jalepeno peppers, zinna's, basil, watermelon, cucumber and zuccini at Aunties. She already planted carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and some herbs. We also split and stacked wood and admired the logan berries. It was a very pleasant afternoon - the weather was so mild.

I also went over to the house and checked in on all my little friends....they are doing quite well. Below are some pictures to show you what has been going on!

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early morning poetry

the start of my vacation
is a glorious sensation
its sweet intoxication
worthy of notation
no need for an ovation
i called a celebration
all in anticipation
of this brief emancipation
from routine obligation

ill spend it with relations
and work on some notation
and gardening gestation

ill post my qualification
with some excellent foundations
in hopes of accommodation
for a great new avocation

some musical formation
will complete this dissertation
(or rather an enumeration)
of my grand expectation
for this brief extrication

a longer description
for this time of elation
will wait for a continuation
on a later annotation

now i need hibernation
and a change of elevation
so i close this salutation
and wish you jubilation
till our next communication

Shan

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Delicious indulgence....

As I sit here writing this post, I am thinking about just what could have occured today to provoke this binge I am about to share....

My siblings will be the first to tell you I am a bit of a bird when it comes to eating. Not due to the amount, but simply due to the severe lack of meat I eat. While most of my family (actually, all of my family) enjoys eating meat on a regular basis, I just dont. I eat red meat a couple times a month at most and other protein a couple times a week. To clarify for any carnivorous souls out there that is 2 servings per week, generally speaking. And yes, I am happy and relatively healthy. And yes to any mothers out there, I make sure to get protein from soy and nuts to substitute. No need to worry....

Focus. Focus back on the story.....


While driving to work today, I had this intense craving for in-n-out. For the next few hours, I took joy in the fact that during my lunch break I was going to enjoy a hamburger and fries. And thats exactly what i did. It was delicious. Sorry sis, I wasnt going to tell you because I didnt want to make you jealous....the hamburger was warm and the tomato was cold. This action alone wasnt too crazy, after all I do eat meat.

Its what happened later that was a little bit of a shocker.

I went about my day and closed the store with my team. And then, it creeped up on me. I wanted to go back to in-n-out and eat another hamburger. Really. I just wanted round two as much as I wanted round one. I asked my coworker, Lexy, if that was bad. She laughed and said "i wont judge you for it." other co-workers reminded me I was about to go on vacation.

So, gentle readers, I went back!

I know, I know. Such random gluttony. 2 hamburgers in one day. In less then 12 hours. I blame it on the need for iron......

Whatever it takes right?

Boy were they delicious.


Shan

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Tips for Tightwads

Are you laughing? Good. I am too!

Let me set up the tip I am about to provide. (And no, dad, its not "plant your corn early." although with all the gardening I am doing lately, that may come in handy.)

My car has been in need of a good cleaning for quite some time now. Today was my day off and I decided that no matter what other deviations may occur from my plan, the vehicular vacuuming was going to happen!

Around the corner from where I live, is a coin operated car wash & vacuum spot. I have been using it for years. I like the industrial strength vacuums. It makes me feel like I am really sucking dirt and debris from the carpet.

So, I scooped up some loose change and headed over. As I pulled up to the machine, I had a flashback. I was reminded of all the times I would come with my sister, to this very place and clean the car! In those early years, she taught me how to really conserve.

Folks, we're talking about the fastest way to vacuum your car interior. I know, this is important stuff! Its serious business when you are dealing with that vacuum timer - I dont like to add more money once the machine is started. (and neither did my sis - she wanted to beat the system and only put in the start up money - back then it was like 50 cents) Here is what you do:
before inserting money:
open all the car doors
take out anything in the interior which can be removed
take out all the mats - shake them out and then fold them over the door(you will want them readily available)
scoot the front two seats all the way back
insert your money and:
start vacuuming on the drivers side, in the front. Push the hose to the passenger side and hustle your tush over there. Then vacuum the passengers front side, scoot the chair up and clean the passenger back seat. The hustle your way around the back of the car and finish up the interior. You will have just enough time to vacuum those mats you strategically placed on the door.

Isnt that fantastic? I think so!

I would like to thank you sis, for extending such wisdom and efficiency. In today's economy its especially useful. For just $1 I can spic & span my upholstery and carpet like nobody's business.

love,
Shan

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Kupfer Korner

This post is relatively simple. Although any consistent reader will know that I am a bit of a story teller, a weaver of details and painter of pictures. What one would say simply in 5 words, I would most likely choose to take 25....

This was a moment that reminded me I am glad to be alive to witness the gift and beauty of nature...

I was gardening (checking on the berry vines to be exact) and I stopped to admire the coral-orange geraniums in Kupfer Korner. Just as the name suggests, the geraniums were from my grandpa Kupfers yard. The botanical transplant brought him to my mind. And then, as if to confirm his presence, a hummingbird flew by. He hovered around the orange tree and gingerly made its way to the bright geraniums. I couldnt have been but a foot away. His body was glistening green and I heard the distinct hum of his quick wings. Then, as if on cue, he lited on some close branches and "sat" for just a moment, undetourred by my presence. As quickly as he came, he left, but flew by the near by garden box and did a little "tinkerbell" swoop as if to say goodbye.

I was speechless. Another beautiful encounter with nature. Oh, papa, you would have enjoyed that moment. Maybe you did.

love,
Shan

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Up close & Personal...a few flower "head shots"

some color to brighten your day!

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Movement...

Movement.

Its all around us. The wind, the children on a playground, the cars on the street.

Its a relatively simple concept. Unless you're in the middle of a Sacramento summer afternoon. Then, there is a definite absence of movement. No wind, no children outside and even the cars are few because the heat it so sweltering.

Unfortunately, we have been experiencing this weather all too soon. Its not even June, folks! The thermometer has read triple digits for the last three days and the heat has been, well, hot. Sticky. Humid. Quiet. Sit on your porch with a tall glass of lemonade if you dare type weather. Most people dont dare, though. They sit as still as possible, inside, next to a fan, hoping that this will blow over.

It probably wont. I hate to say it Sacramento, but the Summer is here. Grab your sun hat and deodorant, because the thermometer doesnt lie.

The question is, will we let the summer squelch our movement simply because its a little uncomfortable outside? Will we sit protected and motionless inside while the days pass, wasting the season away simply because of its nature? Or will we grab a water bottle and some sunscreen and get into motion?

Shan

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A desert for mum...

I am sending a little desert dish over the internet waves to mum. Dad, you can have a bite too, if you promise to sing a song to mom. Any song. I've been breaking into song more and more lately and need other family members to follow suite so I am sure I belong to the correct family....

Thanks Trish for the desert idea...vanilla pudding with nutmet, frozen garden berries from last years crop, homemade whip cream & some garden grown mint.....yum!

love,
Shan

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Sunny Day

In response to a comment left by my father, I write this blog entry....

Dad, unfortunately the adventure to find the cherry blossoms wasnt quite succesful in its original purpose. As I am typing I am laughing out loud remembering my long search in the car up and down the 99 in search of this locale from my dear customer. Really, I mean, the only thing funier than your daughter in the car driving around with no clue of where she is going (in the middle of the day on a weekday) is the mental image of your daughter driving around the agricultural expanse of Lodi and Gault with her Garmin gps on a continual image of black with the occasional yellow line signifing some 2 lane dirt road. Really, it was hilarious!

For other readers, let me remind you that most of Shannons Adventures are at least entertaining and usually comical. It turns out that I missed the cherry blossom window here. We have had pretty spuratic weather and apparently they were long gone.

In the end, I was driving on some gravel 2 lane road and found this fantastic "rustic" barn. I stopped and asked this 87 year-old lady if I could photograph her barn. At first she thought I was interested in fixing and/or painting the "shed". Undetoured by my "no" response she asked if I had any friends who wanted to do it! Plucky woman. But, then again, she was 87 and still driving the tractor and maintaining most of the 20+ acreage. She then gave me a run down of the time line of blooms. So I had a photoshoot instead with her old barn, farm equipment and a cute little lizard basking in the afternoon sun. (photos pending....they are on my camera in an non-uploadable format...)

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Mothers Day Tribute....

Mom, thanks for "bee-ing" so wonderful. I'm glad you (and dad) prayed me here so many years ago......

By the way, I know I am your daughter (and knew your influence has molded me) when I:
-stood in the living room here at Aunties house, set the table the night before tomorrows dinner
-stood in front of that table, looked at the wall and straightened it. Just like that.
-bought flowers for all the women in the fam (not just the "moms") and sent Trish a gift in the mail
-was so excited to talk to a customer today who is from the mid-west. We're talking Kansas here folks...

and thats just today...

thank you for these gems:

-"a job worth doing is a job worth doing well"
-love everyone
-there are places to go and people to see
-fill your life with service
-work hard and have fun

There's a lot more where that came from. Needless to say you're always with me, reminding me to be a better woman & reminding me that I am capable of anything.

So, I raise my glass (filled with martinelli's) and celebrate you CJ. Or Cindy Jane, Cindy, Cynthia, Grammy, or Mom.

I love you.

Shannon

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Two Personal Parables...

The Parable of the Brown Dove....

Yesterday (May 2, Saturday) was a blustery rainy day. Really, most of the day was just plain wet. I was working a closing shift at Anthro. Part way through the afternoon, a sweet little brown dove flew mistakenly into our store. She landed on a display that was part wood and faced the window. It easily seconded as a simple stoop.

Perhaps she needed shelter from the rain. Perhaps she was confused.

Regardless, she flew in and rested securely on the wood display and started preening. I have to say, it was a sweet sweet sight. Such a little peaceful bird inside our store.

Unfortunately she didnt belong. She was a wild thing, and we couldnt have her in the store where she could possibly hurt or scare a customer. Our store manager was going to call someone to take care of her, but I wanted to help her right then.

I thought it would be fairly simple to catch her from behind and escort her back outside. Our store manager asked me if I was an experienced bird catcher. (i had to stop myself from laughing. I almost sarcastically responded "why yes, in a past job I worked for animal control"-- instead I told him no, but that I had birds growing up)

So, there I was, gloves on and a stepladder underneath. I reached and gently grasped her little body, but round one wasnt firm enough and her frightened fluttering scared me a little and so she flew down to the ground. I was able to then be more deliberate and grab her a bit harder. She still fluttered her wings in my grasp, but I held her close to my chest and told her it was going to be alright. She did calm and was able to pet her sweet little head & chest.

Then I walked outside.

Knowingly she looked around & seemed to realize that was where she belonged. I gave a gentle upwards thrust and released her. In the blink of an eye she spread her little wings and flew away.

I dont know why it was such an emotional moment for me, but it really touched my heart. For a brief moment, I held a wild thing in my hands. I helped escort a wild thing back into its rightful place.

At work, the girls refernced me as the "animal whisperer." I laughed a little, but it was kinda cute.

The experience has stayed with me, sitting on the front of my mind.

I have realized that often in this life, we are like that sweet little brown dove. Misdirected, wet, confused and looking for a safe place to land out of the storm.

Unfortunately that is not where we can stay for long. Inevitably God gently takes us in his hands and escorts us back into our rightful place. We may flutter for a little while and we may not quite understand that his hands are helping us, but eventually, we calm our paniced wings and rest our heads against His chest as he then releases us back into our "wide open" world.

After all, we were not mean to stay forever out of the storms of life. We were not meant to rest comfortably perched in merely watching the world go by.

We were meant to fly.

We were meant to succeed and be free.

Thanks little brown dove for reminding me of God's love.


---

The Parable of the Cherry Trees

As you probably know, I am a photographer. As a lover of all things beautiful, one of my life goals is to see the cherry trees in DC. I wanted to make it this year. However, circumstances "beyond my control" helped me decide that I couldnt go....

In all honesty, I was so bummed. I really wanted to go.

And then, a micro miracle occurred. I was at work and a customer started talking to me about their upcoming trip to dc. In the small talk that ensued, I shared my desire to go to the cherry blossom festival, etc. They agreed that it would be wonderful. I also shared that I wouldnt be able to make it this year. This family then shared that there were cherry orchards locally. Well, about 45 minutes away. They wrote down directions and even left a phone number if I got lost.

I was so elated!!! Cherry orchards this side of the states. I would get my wish and save some major cash.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that there are always Cherry Orchards close by. The Lord knows our hearts, desires and needs. He can point us to closer orchards which will provide us with the same desired result but with less stumbling around. His orchards are always closer, easier to reach and the smallest amount of difficulty for the maximum amount of result.

Thats how He is.

I still want to see the blossoms in DC, but that will happen another year.

--Shannon

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