[Shrek] A Public Service Announcement

I can't hold my tongue any longer. After years of keeping my mouth shut and pretending not to notice, I can no longer sit by silently and allow you to make a fool of yourself. Truly, I'm doing this for your own good.

Hey dude, you're bald.

I know you think you're fooling us with that comb over that parts your hair an inch above your ear, but you're not. We can tell. Honest. The fact your hair all points in the same direction is a big clue that you have very little of it.

Being bald is not a big deal. I'm bald. I have been for a very long time. In the battle between my forehead and hair line the winner was obvious, although lately it seems peace has broken out and the follicle full-retreat has stopped.

My father was bald. My brother is bald. We got over it. You can too, and you can do it without the need for massive amounts of therapy.

Yes, I wear hats. And yes, I do own a lot of them. But I don't wear them to hide the fact I don't have hair, I wear them to avoid burning the top of my head. When you're bald you have to watch out for stuff like that.

Something else I need to say--if you're an older person, male or female, your hair should not be jet black. It also should not be fire engine red, bleach blond, nor any other color that looks like it was done with Paint Shop Pro. If you don't like the grey that's invading your mane, might I suggest something a tad closer to what your natural hair color was. A touch of highlights of different shades of your "natural" color would look nice too.

Your friends and family will love you no matter what your hair looks like. And once you know that, who cares what anyone else really thinks.

[Fiona] COFFEE

I love coffee. Seriously there is nothing in this world that can give me that warm and fuzzy feeling like a great cup of coffee. Now that I am older I drink half caff so I don't get the ride I once enjoyed from caffeine but it is still my favorite early morning and right after work beverage. I grew up in a household where tea was king. I didn't start to really drink coffee until I began dating my hubby. In those first few dates we couldn't drive by a Dunkin' Donuts without stopping for a cuppa. I would order cocoa or soda but I found them to be disappointing and often more expensive than coffee. One day I tried a cup of that rich, enticing brew and thus began my love affair. I find now that I look forward to the end of the day when I can sit, relax and reflect about things with my friend Mr.Coffee.

[Fiona] The Question of Family

I apologize in advance as this post is a departure in tone from my usual posts. I haven't posted anything new in awhile. My life is complicated right now by the illness of my Mom. My mother is a walking textbook of ill health. Name a condition and it is likely that she either lives with it or has had it at some time or other. Earlier this week my mom passed out and was rushed to the hospital. My mother is currently in the CCU. Now about the question I have about family. Is it my duty to inform relatives she is sick? These relatives have in essence largely ignored my family for years. My mother has some serious mental health issues. This may be part of the reason why she(we)have been shunned. For the record it was not easy being raised by a dysfunctional parent. I know that life with my mother has not always been easy for my dad but he loves this woman with his whole being; as do I. I am the person I am because of her, inspite of her and with her help, guidance and love. She loved me the best way she knew how. I started this post on my mom's birthday, June9th.She passed away on June 11.