Hawaii

Idiots at the gate...Worth a minute to pitch a comment and perhaps educate some? I could only do so much pre-coffee this AM..Thanks to Jenna for this call out via Twitter this AM.

While quite a few of the mainstream media seems to have picked up on this, the lovely MSP sent me the notice of the Time article. Thank you, my friend!Now before I go off on an infmous FauxClaud adoption rant, please follow that link that appears below that says " digg story" and take a minute to sign up for Digg and then "digg it". If the dern thing gets a significant number of diggs, then it has a chance of more people actually seeing it and giving a dern..so worth the few minutes to sign up. (believe me folks..I spend 8 hours day doing SEO stuff and understanding how to get news nd such…

I missed the beginning, and I missed the end, but what I did see made chills run up and down my spine.Yes, this Michael Travesser guy is a freak. Yes, it's all very scary stuff. The whole having sex with young virgins because he is the Messiah is nasty stuff. But what really peeked my interest was the control aspect of how this guy manages to convince all these people to do what is against their moral structures. You know, kind of like mothers giving their babies away to strangers.In the video, you will hear from a former cult follower, Prudence, who speaks of the power of suggestion used.

For the record, my arm is still very broken. Yes, if you are not aware of my lack of grace and poise that casued this back in early October, I have been existing for more than the past 7 months with a very broken left humerus.It pretty much sucks. It's obviously that no one really likes to break a bone and that it casues pain. That's a given. I knew that was happening the minute that I relaized that dern, I hurt myself falling. Of course, back then, in early October, I errounously thought that bones healed in 6 to 8 weeks. At least, that is what every other broken bone I ever knew of ever…

This is a continuation of thoughts based on a YouTube Comment, the first part: You don't deserve to be a Mother. This is the part of the comment that is in the spotlight now: Growing up in extreme poverty is not what a child deserves I think that first we have a need to define "extreme poverty". I immediately get a mental picture of the Save the Children" commercials: toddlers with distended stomachs, the rickety legs, flies buzz about all too still infants, naked school age children among garbage. To me, that is extreme.The poverty line in this country.. it's a number. A…

Dear Supporter. On this Mother's Day, the adoption community will celebrate and honor first and adoptive mothers for the love and care they've provided to their children. These mothers might be blocks or oceans apart, but connected through a desire to ensure their children's well-being and futures. We at Ethica, ask that you help contribute to their legacies by supporting ethical adoptions, practices, and policies. Our work reminds us that motherhood through adoption has its challenges and sometimes, heartbreak. Unfortunately, adoptions can be tainted by questionable practices and the…

Ethica, Inc. had received troubling reports of severe, cold weather in northern Vietnam that has taken a toll on orphanages in Hanoi, Bac Giang, Hay Tay, and Bac Ninh provinces. We understood 3 children have died in early March and 10 more had been hospitalized. In the past two months, 9 of 19 infected infants had died. Government officials at the National Fund for Vietnamese Children were concerned that many more children would be vulnerable to a virulent form of rhinovirus that has in some cases, progressed to pneumonia. This can be fatal for institutionalized infants and children already…

Vietnam Ethica has been active in advocating for clarification on the current situation in Vietnam and on new guidelines introduced to curb troubling activities. We have confirmed the following: The Vietnamese Department of International Adoptions has stated that agreements allowing unlicensed agencies to place children through partnership with licensed agencies are illegal according to Vietnamese law. The U.S. Embassy continues to warn that applications of parents using these agencies may be denied. The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi reminds prospective adoptive parents that lying to a Consular…

Ethica receives inquiries from all adoption triad members; adoptive families unable to complete their adoptions, new mothers and fathers who did not full or informed consent to their children's adoption, to adoptees searching for their birth histories. We also have assisted a fair number of families in securing their children's citizenship status. Most of our time however is spent on assisting families in crisis, which of late, has meant adoptive families who have been stranded in international adoptions. The map below details some points of origin for ongoing complaints and reports made to…

The U.S. Department of State has released preliminary statistics for orphan visas issued in 2007 (below). This is the only way to track international adoptions although technically the visa data tracks the immigration of the children to the U.S., not their adoptions. Their adoptions can either be finalized in-country or here in the U.S., depending on the country's adoption laws and what kind of visas the children qualify for. Despite this, these statistics are the most reliable indicators of trends in international adoptions by U.S. citizens. Some things to note in the table below are the…

so you can catch me at my other: http://withoutatribe.blogspot.com

Nigeria: Child Trafficking - Babies. Roland Ogbonnaya. Lagos The anti-human trafficking law recently claimed its first casualty in Abakakili, Ebonyi State when a 28 year-old child trafficker, Miss Nneka Orji-Okoro was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment without an option of fine by a Federal High Court in the state. As the campaigners count their blessings, investigation has also [...]

Missouri Parents Craig Lentz and Ibbaanika Bond fight for the best interest of their son, Noah Levi Bond Two years ago Megan and Stuart Taylor coerced Ibbaanika Bond into signing away her parental rights through legal fraud. When she tried to get her baby back the local Jackson County family court denied both of her motions [...]

National Mentoring Month: Share What You Know. Become a Mentor. National Mentoring Month (NMM) highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives. Spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project, MENTOR, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the firstever NMM was held January 2002. This month-long outreach campaign focuses national attention on [...]

혻혻 By Kim Young-gyo SEOUL, May 14 (Yonhap) — Following recent allegations of irregularities in international adoptions from Vietnam, Korean adoptees said Wednesday South Korea’s adoption system has also had serious problems. 혻혻 “Earlier signals about trafficking from Vietnam … has significant comparisons with those of South Korea in earlier 1970s and 1980s,” said a Dutch activist, [...]

Couple Upset Adoption Halted By Vietnam POSTED: 7:56 pm CDT May 7, 2008 UPDATED: 8:10 pm CDT May 7, 2008 OLATHE, Kan. — A disagreement between the United States and Vietnam could devastate a local couple’s adoption plan. Heidi Fenton has a closet full of baby girl clothes. She and her husband have been trying to adopt an infant from [...]

Two adult adoptees discuss the recent changes between the Vietnam International Adoption industry and the United States. Our very own, Kevin from Borrowed Notes will be on an upcoming episode of The Adoption Show - May 25th. It fills me with such pride to see a Vietnamese adoptee out there speaking realistically and critically about [...]

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Chinese police arrested six people suspected of trying to sell two newborn Vietnamese babies as part of a baby-trafficking ring, Vietnamese authorities said Wednesday. Police in the Chinese border town of Dongxing detained the six Vietnamese — four men and two women — as they allegedly were transporting two 10-day-old boys inside [...]

GUATEMALA CITY: The sister of a Guatemalan congressman was charged Wednesday with running an illegal adoption ring after police found nine children in her home. Police raided Rosalina Rivera’s house Tuesday in search of a kidnapped 4-year-old boy, Attorney General Baudilio Portillo said. Officers did not find the boy, but stumbled upon nine children between seven [...]

There are a few new blogs out there for adoption reform. One is Cribs, Crimes and Corruption, created by Dawn and Joe DeLorenzo, who helped bring the media spotlight on adoption agency owner Orson Mozes, who is credited with extorting money out of 62 PAPs. Dawn and Joe have been relentless in their pursuit of justice, and now Mozes is on the run and being sought by law enforcement and facing 62 felonies. Mozes ran Adoption International. Contributors to Cribs, Crimes and Corruption are Brass Ovaries, The Youngs, Joe and Dawn, Kim, Dawn, 2Lyrical, Stacy, The Heinrichs, Candy and me. It's…

There is an awful lot of hubbub going on in the web world about trafficking, corruption and what role we as AP's and PAPs played into it. There is also a nauseatingly large amount of self righteousness, entitlement and denial that causes bile to rise in my throat. People can deny all they want, but some have been warning of the wheels coming off IA for some time now. They got spit on. They still get spit on (Brian Stuy comes to mind, every China AP's dart board). Is this the beginning of the end of IA? Are the years of entitlement, denial of corruption, agency greed and PAP/AP led…

My family attempted an adoption from China using Texas agency Great Wall China Adoption beginning in 2005. We received a referral for an 18 month old baby girl in November, 2006 from Nanning, Guangxi Province in China. We named her “M….”. Jennifer traveled to China with her mother and 16 month old daughter (who was adopted from Guatemala) in December, 2006 and returned alone in January, 2007. We were told this child was healthy. We were never given recent medicals. We requested numerous times, but the most recent medicals and pics we received were 6 months old at time of referral. We…

(edited to note that the widget for tracking donations is not working on mine or anyone else's blog) On this Mother's Day, the adoption community will celebrate and honor first and adoptive mothers for the love and care they've provided to their children. These mothers might be blocks or oceans apart, but connected through a desire to ensure their children's well-being and futures. We at Ethica, ask that you help contribute to their legacies by supporting ethical adoptions, practices, and policies. Our work reminds us that motherhood through adoption has its challenges and…

Looks like Great Wall China Adoption got FOUR violations for Risks to Children from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in September, 2007. Read it HERE. Click on inspection date 9-26-2007. If anyone thinks these homestudy and GW staff violations are "dumb", take the time to read the Masha Allen transcrpts before you make that judgement (link, left) and see why that silly little thing called Following The Rules every single step of the way is critical to child welfare. When I first complained to Great Wall about their "shoddy ways" last year -- I got an oh-so-heartwarming…

The public document which follows was posted by the United States Embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam's Adopted Children Immigrant Visa Unit on their official website on Friday, April 25, 2008:Summary of Irregularities in Adoptions in VietnamOn October 25, 2007 in response to “growing concerns about irregularities in the methods used to identify children for adoption in Vietnam and the resulting difficulties in classifying those children as orphans,” USCIS required that I-600 petitions be filed in Ho Chi Minh City, with the processing of these petitions to be completed before prospective adoptive…

A Cradle Baby Scheme was established by the Tamil Nadu, India state government in 1992 as a means to combat the problem of female infanticide in certain areas of the state. At the time, studies reported that there were about 3,000 cases of femal infanticide yearly in Tamil Nadu which approached 20% of all female infant deaths in the State.Tamil Nadu launched the Cradle Baby Scheme under which parents could leave babies in cradles at government-designated reception centers. The Scheme started in centers in Salem, Madurai, Theni and Dindigul, the areas most notorious in Tamil Nadu for female…

14 individuals were detained by police on March 4, then later released in Costa Rica on suspicions of participating in an illegal adoption scheme. The 14 individuals include a family court judge, a lawyer and two social workers employed at a clinic in San Jose. Also believed to have been detained are some of the would-be parents.Police believe that the scheme targeted mothers who were in financial need. Costa Rican adoptive parents may have paid about $10,000 per baby. It is believed the scheme involves at least three babies who were purchased since June 2006, but police suspect there are…

Ethics and Accountability ConferenceSponsored by Ethica and Evan B. Donaldson Adoption InstituteOctober 15-16, 2007Bullet points for discussion during Workshop 3.1:What do prospective adoptive parents have a right to know? What medical, social and background information should professionals be required to find, share with, and interpret for prospective adoptive parents?How can ethical practice in sharing information with prospective parents best be promoted?Panelists:Bruce Boyer is a Clinical Professor and Director of the Civitas ChildLaw Clinic of the Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

In December, police in Sri Lanka found a newborn who had been grabbed at Colombo Hospital while his mother was in the restroom. Admidst much public attention including the President of Sri Lanka, police searched around the clock and apprehended the woman who allegedly snatched the infant. Two more infants were kidnapped from the same hospital and police were questioning the same woman in connection with those stolen babies.The kidnapping at Colombo Hospital in December prompted an investigation by the CID of three major state-run hospitals in Sri Lanka, probing into what may be a large baby…

Here's a repost of a post I made last year. I feel bad I'm repeating it.We all just keep on searching. Send a thought that this year Jenny finds her sister.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`Today, May 15th, is Mary’s birthday. I really hoped this year her sister Jenny would be able to wish her a happy birthday in person.Maybe next year she will.Take a quick peek at Jen’s page? Jen is hands down the hardest searching real kid in all of adoptionville. Let’s all hold an image for her that next year, she and her sister will celebrate her birthday together.ISO my older female sibling 5/15/68 Do you know…

Bloggers Unite Day:I did not have these rights when I was under 18. Adults did not do what was best for me. My government did not make my right to my identity a reality. My name and my nationality were hidden from me for life. My opinion was neither listened to nor taken seriously.I did not have a right to an identity. Under the laws of the state where I was born, I still do not have the right to my identity.Possession of my own birth certificate is considered a crime.Possession of the death certificates of my grandparents is considered a crime.Knowledge of my own last name and nationality is…

Wish I could be in Boston this weekend.Hopefully they'll come to New York soon!Hey everyone! We're finally having a screening of GOING HOME!Details:FIRST screening at Remis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, Friday May 16th, 12 PM.Directions: http://www.mfa.org/visit/index.asp?key=4SECOND screening at Emerson College, Walker Building, RM 233, Sunday May 18th, 5:30PM.Directions: http://www.emerson.edu/about/getting_to_emerson.cfmAdmission is FREE and open to EVERYONE!GOING HOME is a part of the general screening for all BFA films from the past year and a half! Seating is on a first come first…

I've come across yet another BSE adoptee whose point of transfer was a passenger side car window. While highway rest areas have been mentioned from time to time, the most frequent transaction I've heard mentioned is a shopping center or hotel parking lot. Usually during off hours. Usually in the back.

Al Miller is searching his half-sister, a woman he's never met and doubts is still alive. Raised as an only child, Miller only learned he had a sibling after his mother died in 1958. The reality nagged at him since.read more | digg storyThis one came into my inbox, it makes me so sad. Please digg if you're so inclined.

I can’t believe it. We have NO, I mean ZERO plans this weekend. ZERO.  I don’t think this has happened in, what… a year? I can’t even remember.  Do people have weekends like this, when there is NOTHING on the calendar? I never do. I feel kind of giddy. I am determined that I am not going to fill this weekend with errands and tasks and to-do stuff. No no no!! I will spend maybe an hour or two this morning doing a few things, and then I think I am going to take daughter and mom to Japantown in SF. She has been asking to go to J-town for over a year now, and there is…

That would be me, running around every waking moment, even in my mind when I’m sitting still. I’ve been incredibly, incredibly tired this week. Yesterday during my workout I kept laying down and almost falling asleep, and when it was over I really couldn’t move. I put my head down and closed my eyes. All I wanted was to sleeeeep. This is the crunch time of crunch times. The travel-coordinator job for my daughter’s team is really kicking my butt. The upcoming regionals race next weekend is going to be a 4-day circus that involves buses, four hotels, 3 catered dinners,…

It’s been a verrrrrry long time since the Dad in our house had any babies to bond with, and this book, with subtitle “Building A Closer Connection to Your Baby” brought back some fond memories. It’s very cute visually (see photos!) and light on heavy-duty advice. It’s basically a reminder that dads can and should be involved in basically every aspect of their new kid’s life. The instructions are kind of on the silly side (Diapering: Sing “she’s a very stinky girl” to the tune of “she’s a very kinky girl”) but nonetheless…

This just totally broke me up tonight.

The Literary Reflections department of Literary Mama is seeking personal essays about writing as a mother, reading as a mother, or developing a career as a professional mother-writer. If any of you have such an essay in your portfolio or an idea brewing along these lines, we welcome your participation. Also, pass along this call to any other writers/mothers who may have an interest in submitting to Literary Mama. Here’s the submission guideline link for handy reference.

Chris at mombie tagged me with this meme on Mother's Day and I've been thinking about it ever since. Three things I'm proud of? Hmmm. Lately, I can rattle on forever about the things I fall short on, but think of three good things, without apologies, without qualifiers? Not so much. But I realize there probably are three good things, and I just have to look for them, value myself, in order to see them. I'm not a bad mother, or at least not as bad as I think I am when I'm feeling depleted. So here goes: 1. I am not afraid to tackle big issues. When my grandfather died in January, I did not shy…

 It occurred to me that the last two picture posts I did were of Naomi or were Naomi related. So here are some pictures of Miriam. Fairness and all. I wouldn't want anyone to think I love one more than the other. Differently, sure. But more or less? How can you quantify love that limitless? At the same time, it's true that Miriam spends much more than her fair share of my patience. She's 2. She's always had that quality of being an adult in a new body, and at 2 that super-awareness leads to more fits of violent tantrum than the wise gazes that characterized her baby days. And really,…

1. A Jane Austen book. I've had my qualms with Jane Austen and I've also loved her like a hero. Thus, in these emotional times, having an Austen book is like curling up with a teddy bear and pulling a fluffy blanket over my head. I love her long sentences. From her I've learned the art of the comma. This time, a hardback copy of Sense and Sensibility inexplicably came my way. It's never been one of my favorites and I haven't read it since high school. But I'm finding that on this reading I identify much more with the archetype of Restrained Elinor than the…

Because this post concerns dating and such, I'm putting it below the cut so those related to me can make a conscious decision whether or not to read on. If you choose to read on, you will find out things about me you will wish you could un-know immediately. Don't blame me. I warned you. And for heaven's sake don't ever try to talk to me about it. I don't want to know what you think about my online dating profile. Okay? Onward.Andrea posted today about the conundrum of whether or not to say you have children on an online dating profile. She was responding to a post at SingleMomSeeking, who was…

Naomi's first barbie dresses were made from socks. Two slits in the sides for the arms and lop off the bottom and voila! a cap-sleeved, boatnecked barbie uniform of various colors and lengths! Sometimes the heel of the sock would actually match up with the butt of the doll, created a bustled look. This phase is long passed (she started to mine the good sock pile for dresses and the scissors became used in other ways), and I regret that I didn't get a picture. After socks she moved to something flashier: tinfoil. This is one of Naomi's tinfoil creations. She's actually kind of over it now, and…

A bill hearing will be Wednesday, April 30, 2008 in Columbus, OH. Legislators are concerned about birthparent privacy. For more information and how you can help see Adoption Network Cleveland (www.adoptionnetwork.org).

It is hard to say who hinders adoption reform the most but just why are some of the large organizations opposing it? There is some support toward state adoption registries and confidential intermediary programs. But when it comes to treating all adult adoptees equally and opening records, Catholic Charities (CC) is one of the organizations that shows opposition.For years CC social workers have told unwed mothers to place their baby for adoption and then they can move on with their life and forget about the baby they relinquished. Any of we women who have given birth know there is no way that…

As I'm writing this, I'm referring to a letter that I wrote to the Right to Life Society in Columbus, OH back in 1992. This was when they were opposing an OH bill. Now 16 years later Right to Life (RTL) societies across the U.S. are still known for opposing adoption reform. In 1992 they stressed that a baby's heart begins to beat 18 days after conception. I imagine that they might still do that but long ago I lost interest in what they have to say. Why? I think it is great that they have maybe played a role in preventing some abortions. But I do not understand how they can be so interested in…

It is vital for IL HB 4623 to be killed. Illinois adoptees have been robbed from their identity way too long. The Mitchell-Feigenholtz bill does provide for a select group to be able to request their OBC, no restrictions. Later on other adoptees can after birth parents have had a chance to request anonymity. Melisha Mitchell stated, "The rare adoptees who will be the subject of birth parent "requests for anonymity" filed under this law will have the option of receiving copies of their obc's from which only the identifying information pertaining to the anonymity-seeking birth parent has been…

Illinois Open learned of the impending introduction of IL HB 4623 by State Rep Sara Feigenholtz by reading about it in the Chicago Tribune. What type of State Rep would not notify Illinois Open when she is well aware of the organization's existence?A letter by Melisha Mitchell was sent out to many, including myself. She referred to the Bill as one that many have longed for. It's more like a nightmare. Melisha admitted in her letter that it is not a "pure" OBC access bill. She said that the Bill is "imperfect". What dream is not "pure" and is imperfect? Dreams to me have always been something…

Nope, I am NOT gay and there is no closet. What is happening today and making me quake in my boots is that the remainder of my teeth, the front twelve, top and bottom, are coming out to make room for gosh-darn, boney-fyde, store-boughten choppers. I am excited and scared at the same time. I've had trouble with my teeth for years (inherited) and this is where the trouble ends and a new adjustment begins. I will be at the dentist's and in his chair from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon, YIKES!!!I called a friend last night and told her that I was fixing my hair in front of the mirror and sucked in my…

You know, most people who read posts on message boards and on blogs like this one, might get the idea that this is all we are...all that our life holds. For most of us, that just isn't the fact. Long before this Internet thingy became the highway for exchange of information, people lived and worked and loved and created, laughed and cried. It's still true.This blog and my adoption-related and other Internet activism and support groups are just a part of my life. I have a husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a huge extended family of in-laws and I have been blessed with some…

Some times I enjoy a bit of a battle and then, again, sometimes it gets old and non-productive. And there are times when it seems unfair to waste good ammunition against a fanatic foe who is armed only with a sense of superiority. I always think of the "Church Lady" when I come up against someone like that. (isn't she special???)But when the self-aggrandizing starts, then I just get bemused and amused. No, I am no crusader unless you count the fact that I write what I believe and stand for what I think is right. I've done my part for natural family preservation over the past few years. There…

Phone calls (one of them collect), e-cards (two especially lovely ones from my daughters), some hastily ordered flowers and a quiet morning have worked together to make this a rather good Mother's Day. Hubby and I are both ailing and we are just sitting and letting things flow by. He is on a special diet of next to nothing for the next two days, so cooking chores are easy enough...especially since I am having teeth removed and am living on smoothies and soup.I wonder if it is my age or just the fact that I'm sort of sentimental today, but, children aside, I found most of my thoughts turning…

My Four "Babies"And also watch out for pundits, divas and petty dictators. The "mind police" even tend to pop up in the natural family preservation movement. Unfortunately, a certain"umbrella" organization has a doozie.A person I know once defined an "expert" to me by breaking the word down. "Ex, she said, is a has-been and spurt is a drip of water." Humorous but apt. I'm not saying that there are not real experts on a lot of subjects, but when it comes to the subject of being a mother of adoption loss, each of us are our own "experts." I look upon anyone who acts like they have all the…

Lamia cannot yet sit without support. And even with support, she has a tendency to slump one way or another. Most of the babies her age that we know are sitting on their own now, but she looks to be a million years from doing it. So we called Sprog’s parents to ask when he did it. THEY COULD NOT REMEMBER! I know, he is their third kid. I am sure they meticulously recorded their first son’s every move, but Sprog is the third child and I guess by then they were a little busy and had been through it all before. Despite knowing this, it cuts deep that Sprog’s firsts could mean…

So we started making valiant attempts to feed Lamia pureed fruit and vegetables a few weeks ago. Frustrating. She hates everything. She just kind of sits there with this oh-my-god-what-the-fuck-is-this-shit look on her face, holding the food in her mouth until you let your guard down, and then she flicks it out with her tongue. And no, it is not that tongue reflex thing. She actually does know how to swallow… because she will eat pears just fine. Oh yeah, pears are the bomb. This kid would eat all the pears in the world. Can a human being survive on a diet of pears? And no, sneaking…

Thank you to those who have shown their support of Reason (ie, support of Me). Just thought I would add this info which I picked up from the clinic when we had Lamia vaccinated. Quite interesting. This is just one of the vaccines Lamia has had so far. Diphtheria - contagious bacteria spread by droplets; causes severe throat and breathing difficulties Effects of disease: About 1 in 15 patients dies. The bacteria release a toxin, which can produce nerve paralysis and heart failure. Side effects of vaccination: DTaP vaccine: About 1 in 10 has local inflammation or fever. Serious adverse events…

For the sake of having something to call her in this blog, other than “my daughter”, I shall henceforth refer to my parented child as Lamia, because she possesses my soul. So, on to public health. This may become a rant, and it may piss some people off. Lamia is vaccinated, and if you do not vaccinate, you probably want to stop reading right here. Do not say I did not warn you. OK. Those self-righteous, SELFISH pricks who do not vaccinate their kids irritate me beyond belief. Their logic for not vaccinating? No reason to, because the incidence of disease is so low, and the…

I have not seen Sprog in almost two years. Worse still, I have no desire to do so. Yeah. I suck. Last time I saw Sprog, things ended badly. Things started badly also (I was in withdrawal so I looked and felt pretty sick) but they ended worse (I left for 2 hours to attend a NA meeting but made a detour to get high with a friend and never went back). That is the last time I saw him. I guess that is part of the reason I have no desire to visit. I find the thought of facing him, after letting him down like that, hard to deal with. Scared of rejection, you know. But also, there is my daughter. I…

Some new pictures of Firefly are up (just email if you'd like an invite). She is as scrumptious as lemon coconut cake.

I had the chance to review a new children's book about open adoption for Open Adoption Support (thanks, Dawn!).Commissioned by an open adoption agency, Rain or Shine tells the story of Finn, a young boy in an open adoption who looks forward to gathering with his extended family to celebrate his eighth birthday. The plotline focuses on how the family will salvage the party if it rains on the big day, but the real strength of the book lies in its depiction of a healthy open adoption.There were several nice touches:Finn does not make sharp distinctions between his adoptive family and his birth…

Firefly's first mom sent me a Mother's Day card. So very unexpected.I get a little warm fuzzy every time I pass by and see it sitting on the kitchen counter.

This weekend Puppy painted a coffee mug for K that I need to mail off for Mother's Day weekend. (I am putting that in writing here hoping it will force me to get it done.) In the manner of most toddler art, it is a messy explosion of every paint color that was available to him. He is terribly excited about it.Ms B and I talked about what she would most appreciate this year, because we want to honor her in a way that is sensitive to the intense grieving she's doing. She's dreading this weekend. She said that being acknowledged as a straight-out mother is too much for her right now; I think it…

A toddler's guide to activism, by Puppy:Seize the moment. Let's say--hypothetically, of course--you are offered the opportunity to unroll an entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet. By all means, do so. One never knows when such joy will present itself again.Adapt to the situation. Upon receiving word that the aforementioned toilet-filling is not considered a game and will not be tolerated, change the focus of the discussion. This isn't about toilet paper anymore. No, it's about liberty! And freedom of expression! Insist that you had a moral obligation to fill the toilet with paper. Make…

UPDATE: Call to Action VietnamOn Friday, April 25, 2008, the US Embassy in Hanoi took the unprecedented step of releasing a detailed "Summary of Irregularities in Adoptions in Vietnam" about the adoption corruption their recent investigations uncovered in Vietnam. The text of this summary can be found at: http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/irreg_adoptions042508.htmlThis summary followed an earlier warning not initiate adoptions from Vietnam, which can be found at:http://vietnam.usembassy.gov/adoption_warning0408.htmlIn it, the Embassy stated: "On April 25, the Government of Vietnam announced that…

The US Embassy in Hanoi has issued the following warning for adoption from Vietnam:ADOPTED CHILDREN IMMIGRANT VISA UNITWarning Concerning Adoptions in VietnamApril 2008The Department of State continues to urge prospective adoptive parents and adoption service providers not to initiate new adoptions from Vietnam at this time. The 2005 Memorandum of Agreement, required by Vietnamese law to authorize adoptions between the United States and Vietnam, expires on September 1, 2008. In addition, recent field investigations have revealed incidents of serious adoption irregularities, including forged…

The US Department of State has put together a lot of information for families, and the general public, on the Hague Convention and Adoption. If you have questions and concerns about the implementation of the Hague, please see:Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. Of special interest for families is the pdf download entitled: Information for Parents http://travel.state.gov/family/adoption/convention/convention_462.html and,Intercountry Adoption News which contains updates and breaking news as well as the list of Hague accredited agencies and individuals in the US.

Today I received the following announcement from the US Department of State:Hague Intercountry Adoption Convention Enters into ForceFrom the US Department of State:On April 1, 2008, the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention) enters into force for the United States. As of this date, the provisions of the Convention will govern both immigrating (incoming) and emigrating (outgoing) intercountry adoptions between the United States and other Convention countries.Implementing the Convention and the IAA has led to many changes…

Yesterday the JCICS released this statement on Kazakhstan:"Joint Council confirms the suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy and Consulates pending the finalization of a review of adoption cases by the Kazakhstan government. The following represents our understanding of the suspension. *The suspension of dossier processing by the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate is effective immediately.*Dossiers which have been processed and forwarded to Almaty will be permitted to continue through to finalization. *Dossiers which have not yet been processed by the Embassy/Consulate will not…

Five Guys and a Baby Angel This is a new series in South Korea that (I read in English) is designed to promote domestic adoption. It seems typically South Korean in style. Click here for the series’ homepage on MNET.

NDW: Vital Records: The Debate on Adoptee Rights Pt 3 GREAT video. I hope one day South Korea will let international adoptees access their full records through a depository that is not connected with their adoption agency.

Got Records? A great video that sheds some light on the domestic adoption situation the U.S. http://adopteerights.net

Thanks Indigo Williams Willing for the tip on this great paper by Damien Rigss published in Dark Matter: Contested Multiculture, in which Indigo’s paper from Outsiders Within is quoted, as well as Kristen Hoo-Mi Sloth’s paper. Abstract: My concern is centrally with the ways in which academic research has at times been of benefit to white queers, and certain white queers in particular, and how these benefits arise precisely from the aspects of white knowledge claims that overwrite Indigenous sovereignties, or which fail to acknowledge their location within global economies of…

Sweet!

Slugger has a big essay assignment at school. The kids could write about any subject they wanted to. Slugger brought home his first draft today and I think it's wonderful. He's got a second draft in progress at school already. I just can't wait to see the final copy. I thought I would share it with you. I typed everything with his original spelling and grammar, but, obviously, replaced his real

Today I woke up to a big, smacky kiss on the cheek from my early-bird son. He gave me a heart that he cut out of paper with a plastic spoon and two Hershey's kisses taped on it. It said "A spoonful of love and a couple of kisses. I hope you enjoy your Mother's Day wishes." After years of hating Mother's Day because it only served to remind me of everything I didn't have, here I am today with

"We have noticed with teens and defiant kids, you really have to have things that are allowed by grace. Not because you earned them, but just because you are loved. If you are constantly on top of them and they are being punished for everything, then pretty soon there is nothing to look forward to in life. We all deserve some love and a soft place to land sometimes, just because." Well said, Jo.

Slugger had his first baseball game tonight. He hit a home run. Later, he went to sleep with a smile on his face. I don't think I could love this kid more if I tried.

It seems that every time Slugger gets through one stage he shifts right into a new one. Oh, what I wouldn't give for some time off his stages. Lately, his rampant disrespect, hatefulness, tantrums, and rages seem to have waned. To this I say Thank the Lord. But, in an uncharacteristically efficient fashion, Slugger replaced his anger immediately with lies. When Slugger first moved in, lying

We lost one another of our shining lights Monday with the passing of Tennessee rights activist Denny Glad.Denny reunited hundreds of Georgia Tann's victims and knew the rot of the Tennessee Children's Home Society inside out. Trained as an historian, Denny brought the historian's passion to her work. You can read about her marvelous energy and activities in Barbara Bisantz Raymond's expose of Georgia Tann, The Baby Thief.In the 1990s, Denny was one of the key people in the passage of Tennessee's semi-records access law which led to Doe v Sundquist. While we disagree with the contact and veto…

This morning I was eating breakfast on my front porch, readingour neighborhood newspaper, The Booster. Past the news of the Clintonville Area Commission elections, police reports, and way too much high school sports comes a full page Mothers' Day ad: Thank You Mom...for Life. The ad contains a couple pictures of white newborns and a long list of Northwest Columbus Catholic Churches and individual members in each parish who "proclaim our commitment to the sanctity of Human Life" The page is paid for by Columbus Right to Life, Bethesda Post-Abortion Outreach and A CHILD'S WAITING. Yes you read…

On April 30, the Ohio House Health Committee held another hearing on HB7. The hearing was dedicated to the testimony of the state’s "special class," the Sealed and Secret Generation (1964-1996) of adoptees and natural and adoptive parents from that era who support the restoration of obc access language to the bill.MEA CULPA!It’s taken a long time to write this promised entry about that hearing. Perhaps because of the sheer overwhelming anger that I and the people involved on the right side of HB 7 feel right now.I originally intended to write a review of the testimony, quoting significant…

Stephanie Bennett went back to court a few days ago. Musing Mother has an account.Here's a snip:This morning Stephanie went to court. Apparently, Todd Kolarik decided that he couldn't trust anyone who doesn't sleep with one of the sisters, so he went too. He had the nerve in court, to call Stephanie Bennett a liar. This from the man who is the attorney for the agency that has no less than 40 violations including Child Endangerment! This from the man who can lie in court and not blink an eyelash! In a way, though, it turned out to be a good thing, since it allowed Jennifer the opportunity to…

Please visit the Bastard Nation Day for Adoptee Rights Protest page.I'll be working more on it this coming week.

While the words might change from country to country and are sometimes taken for granted, human rights represent one of the universally agreed upon ideas — that all people are born with basic rights and freedoms that include life, liberty, and justice. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. Bloggers Unite For Human

I did not know Denny Glad. But I do know what its like to fight passionately for open records for adult adoptees and this is what she did. She was a HUGE part in Tennessee's fight for open records and today my candle burns for her. In lieu of flowers, her children have asked for donations to the American Adoption Congress. Rest in peace, and please send us some open records spirit!!

"For many, the bond between parent and child continues far beyond the adoption process. So does the need to know your identity," said Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur. "Now our adoption laws finally recognize that reality." "This act will have a profound impact on thousands of people who have been longing for years, often decades, to know their roots or the names of

When I was a little girl, Madonnas "lucky star" was my favorite song for MONTHS. I had that tape cassette of that album and would play it over and over and over again. Its one of my earliest "good" memories. I knew every song, to every album for years to follow and was such a Madonna fan. I was one of those "wait in line for the first day of selling her newest album" because I wanted it FIRST!

From: http://www.fwhc.org/why-women-vote.htmThis is why we vote: Because we can! The women were innocent and defenseless. And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and with their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of "obstructing sidewalk traffic." They beat Lucy Burn, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air. They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice…

...from the Guardian/UKhttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/apr/24/usa.commentFrom Hitler to Pinochet and beyond, history shows there are certain steps that any would-be dictator must take to destroy constitutional freedoms. And, argues Naomi Wolf, George Bush and his administration seem to be taking them all Naomi Wolf The Guardian, Tuesday April 24 2007 This article appeared in the Guardian on Tuesday April 24 2007 on p4 of the Comment & features section. It was last updated at 20:02 on April 24 2007. Last autumn, there was a military coup in Thailand. The leaders of the coup took a…

Globalists Attempting to Depopulate the WorldAfsaneh Ostovar / Press TV | October 30, 2007TEHRAN -- Leuren Moret is an American independent scientist and international expert on radiation and public health issues.She has devoted her life to awakening the public to the destructive consequences of the depleted uranium munitions used by the U.S. military and has made relentless efforts to stop the United States from destroying the environment. Following is the text of a Press TV interview with Leuren Moret published on October 25: Q: The U.S. is using DU weapons in violation of international…

The right wing renews its commitment to lying about sex ed.by Tedra Osellfor Salon.com's BroadsheetDirect link to story: http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/2008/03/28/abstinence_only/index.html?source=newsletterMar. 28, 2008 | File under "no shit, Sherlock": Despite mounting research showing that abstinence-only sex ed doesn't work, the right wing still wants to spend tons of taxpayer money "teaching" damaging lies. As we've discussed in Broadsheet before, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that "one in four American girls has a sexually transmitted…

Story link to the above headline is here.In Warsaw, Poland, 1980, film director Kryzsztof Kieslowski made a short documentary called Dworzec (Railway Station). He filmed people in the Central Railway Station in Warsaw. The film opens with a clip of the evening news, which is providing upbeat information about the communist party leader at the time - Edward Gierek.Note the recurrent image of security cameras watching people, and think about "Homeland Security" and the "Patriot Act," among many many other recent legislative enactments designed to gag us and watch us - here, in the United States…

I really like Denise’s blog I read this post right before my mother came up for her last visit. Oh where to get started, I am a difficult adoptee. Well why not, I have been a difficult everything else. Not to say that my mother is all sainted in my eyes, I didn’t exactly lick my difficult nature off the ground. I am saying that not to blame her, just so this is not mistaken as being some kind of self-flagellation exercise. Facts of my reunion for those who may not know that are relevant to this post, I was very young, had no search, had I had a search and opportunity to process…

It is almost Mother’s Day, I am sure Tomtom is very excited about this. I was thinking today that I wanted to make my mother a nice card and send it to her, I pictured the card in my mind, and realized it would take at least 3 days to make, not three straight days of course but time to let the paint and materials dry, a little bit each day and that it was already too late. I thought of buying her a card, but actually I rather hate store-bought cards. I thought of sending her the card late, but then thought of my usual pattern and that would probably mean sometime in mid November, or…

We don’t follow fashion That would be a joke You know we’re going to set them, set them So everyone can take note, take note- Adam Ant Feeling disheartened after my last exposure, feeling embattled and bruised, not because anyone was unkind to me, but the feeling that I had been unkind. Questioning myself again, what do I know? I know what I said was true. I know there were too many questions and too much ugliness to explain away blithely. That is my real experience, I have seen adoption cause a lot of pain to adoptees. To the supposed benefactors, the children that grow into old…

“You are the only person I can talk to” Phillip said, he was driving me down the street, I was tapping my tennis shoes against the inside of his windshield. I was already half-drunk. I was 14. Phillip was 2 years older than me. “You are the only person I know who is real” he continued. “mmmmm” I responded lifeless. I didn’t respond appropriately, but was already used to people looking to me, I was experienced with the burden of popularity. I know that sounds lame, but other kids really did like me, for whatever reason. He lived in the next…

I can’t believe how much this situation rankles me, stirs me up and shakes me out. I can only imagine it is getting in touch with some anger I have already, or longstandingly had. So many years I endeavored to be the good adoptee, those of you that have read my blog may find this hard to reconcile with my on-line life, but even go back to my first posts, that were all about my aparents. Yikes, how I have grown. It took me over 1.5 decades in reunion to allow myself my own feelings, and that is just sad. Me, as rebellious and non-comformist as I have been since kindergarten. So I have no…

I removed a whole heap of posts about my story - as I was paranoid.As a searching adoptee I want to put my story out there - but now I've found my family - I'm so scared that any of my words could break the fragile links that I have in place with family I long to know.I cling onto the hope that I will one day get to know the family that I was separated from soon after birth.And I'm so so scared that something I do or say will have them closing the door in my face.Not that the door is wide open.No.We're talking about a tiny opening - barely just visible.But it's not completely closed - you…

A 15 year old girl wants to give her child up for adoption - and is OK with the adoptive family sending her the occasional photo - and telling the adoptee they're adopted when they hit 18!!My response - What's best for this child - number 1 - is to be parented by you.If this can't be done - (I understand you are young - but parenting is not an impossibility) - then -What's best for this child - number 2 - is to always know that they are adopted. They have a first mother that gave them life - that is where the child's looks, talents, likes and dislikes mostly come from - and the child needs to…

In April this year - I wrote about Baby Evelyn Bennett and her mother Stephanie - called - Bring Baby Evelyn Bennett Home.Well - my dear adoptee blogging friend - Amy - has shared with me an update on the situation - and I'll share what she wrote here -Do you remember this case? It involved a seventeen year old girl, Stephanie Bennett. She was molested by a family friend. She got pregnant as a result. She had a daughter named Evelyn. She went to her high school counselor's office to get advice on a schedule change. She ended up discussing adoption with him. He presents her with an adoption…

Paragraphein, a first mum in an open adoption, has written a brilliant post about the real reasons behind the sealing of all adoptee records.After much research over the past few years - I've come to understand who sealed records really protect - but I could have never articulated the lunacy behind the laws as well as this.It's NEVER been about protecting the child's first mother. NEVER.Please go and read - "How Do Closed Records Protect My Privacy, Anyway?"Poss. xxx

Nicole, over at Paragraphein, has put together a wonderful slide-show of the faces of first mumsSo often, society is too quick to label first mums - saying they are crack whores that can't possibly look after their children.Reality - so many are just never given the support they need to parent their child - and too often greedy adoption agencies and adoption lawyers are too quick to take away their babies.It's National Adoption Awareness Month in the US - I wish more people would become aware of the loss and heartache that is so often in adoption.In my opinion - too many are far too quick to…

In honor of Bloggers Unite Day: Adoptee Rights Demonstration July 22, 2008 New Orleans, LA This is as applicable today as it was in 1976: Sealed Adoption Records and the Search for Identity The following is testimony offered in regard to sealed adoption records and the search for identity. This testimony was given in 1976 to the New York State Commission on Child Welfare by Vincenette Scheppler. It is still pertinent today. My testimony today is based on my experience as a psychiatric social worker who has provided therapy for adolescents, many of whom were adopted. I have also been involved…

My husband saw a banner ad for PA Safe Haven on the side of a bus this morning. Isn’t that kind of silly? I mean considering everyone knows single pregnant girls can’t read because they’re too strung out. Not to mention the fact they are most likely riding the bus, not driving next to it. But whatever floats their boat I guess. What they SHOULD do is leave pamphlets in pizza parlors. Oh, wait, adoption agencies already have that angle covered. Skoff, snort. So this is what the ad said: “Not ready to be a mom?” “Afraid to tell anyone you’re…

AmRis sent this to me and I really think it’s a concept worth exploring. I am not so sure about the “non-profit” aspect (and of course my concerns with infant adoptions period) but I really believe the concept is solid toward the goal of eliminating coercion and misrepresentation. I would love to hear what you all think, particularly from mothers who have relinquished. Family Advocates I’ve been thinking about how we can change the adoption situation. I’ve long had a sort of idea swimming around in the back of my mind about starting a non-profit to help mothers…

What a weekend! I feel like I was run over by a truck. Twice. We are in crisis mode with my parents. Both are elderly and in very different places regarding what kind of care they need. My dad has Alzheimer’s which seems to be progressing more rapidly these days. My mom’s needs are more physical. She has hip replacement surgery coming up but in the meantime can barely get around. Trying to meet their care needs is challenging since they happen to need such vastly different types of assistance. I sat down with my neighbor last night to go over my parents situation. He does this…

AKA….. Poop My Foot. We have a jar in our house that we put money in…..often. Nope, it’s not what you’re thinking. It isn’t a cuss jar. Although some would say (ahem) we could use one of those too. This is a jar that we put money in to save for our children’s future and no it isn’t a college fund either. The money that goes in that jar is a fund to pay for their counseling when they are adults. We are simply being practical and getting a jump on things because we know our kids and they are already blaming us for everything. Better to be prepared…

I swear I started thinking about writing this post about my mom before I read Mama Nabi's. I swear. When I was about to get married (yikes, now almost seven years ago!), somehow the news made it into my mom's...

... but not in any order of importance. Let's talk about s*x, baby. Hi, my name is Mama Nabi, I'm going through a messy divorce, and I haven't been laid for over 2 years. And, stangely enough - or not...

What's on your mind today? --The Kimchi Mamas

What's on your mind today? --The Kimchi Mamas

There's a new Kimchi Baby in town. Kimchi Mama Nina gave birth to Baby Cedric in the wee hours of the morning. Congratulations, Nina! --The Kimchi Mamas

Buddha's birthday lotus lantern festival - Seoul Korea Photos copyright12th of May this year is Buddha's birthday. I've seen pictures and been told by people, who live in Seoul, that it's a beautiful experience to walk under lit lotus lamps - and I've been wishing to go my self, so, I guess some day... Enjoy the beautiful images from Lotus Lantern Festival!Om namoh Amithhabaya"Inside-outs" from Korean Danish Adoptee, Copenhagen-based on adoption, identity and modern spirituality

Enthusiastic 5th grade students enjoyed today's excursion to Denmarks Aquarium and the fish..? seemed to enjoy the liveliness and company of lots of kids. Best event of the day though was the open aquarium, where they could touch crabs, mussels and seastars."Inside-outs" from Korean Danish Adoptee, Copenhagen-based on adoption, identity and modern spirituality

Just found out that I can put videos in the header too :) and that's the reason why you can now enjoy these West Coast 'soul ladies' - the late 70'ties and early 80'ties rocked my 'seoul'!"Inside-outs" from Korean Danish Adoptee, Copenhagen-based on adoption, identity and modern spirituality

Mmmmmmm.. not much to say just enjoy and hope you have time to go cook Korean food after watching!!"Inside-outs" from Korean Danish Adoptee, Copenhagen-based on adoption, identity and modern spirituality

The first updated education material on adoption/Korean adoption is finally here! (in Danish) and it even offers perspective on how Korean history influences Korean adoptees today. Perfect for high school and the older pupils of secondary school classes.This material has been developed in connection with Joan Rang's play "My hand in my heart" which is currently playing at Opus X theatre, Copenhagen, Denmark. Here's Joan Rang's blog about the play I look forward to watching the play tonight."Inside-outs" from Korean Danish Adoptee, Copenhagen-based on adoption, identity and modern spirituality

Happy Mother's Day!

Well its been over three weeks since I emailed a copy of my OBC to nmother. I figured seeing it or the fact I had it would prompt her to call. Nope. Nada. Zilch.

I finally sent off for it a few weeks ago. Texas law changed shortly after I found my nfam. Adoptees who know their nparents name(s) can get an uncertified copy of their OBC. I put off doing it since I dont really need it. Seeing it for the first time was strange and surreal. I am a real person. I was really born in a hospital. I now know what time I was born. I finally have proof of who I was.

Its that time of year again. People start talking about starting their new gardens. One of the few conversations nmother and I had that wasnt strained or overly polite was about gardening. S is an avid gardener, less so now due to health issues. We talked quite a bit about our gardens and favorites. It was great. It also reminded me of how much I lost not being raised by my mother.I grew up in the Southwest. Not exactly a great place to garden. When I was about ten, my aparents had our above ground pool removed. I thought that the old pool site would be perfect for a garden. I was clueless.

Much has been written about the current trend of adoption agencies to lie and hide the facts that the fathers of several children did NOT consent to an adoption. This site is about one such situation.http://www.babyselling.com/Please sign his petition.

I’m drinking Kool-Aid.It’s the cherry flavor.It tastes good.I’ve got lots of ice and a big plastic cup and I’m crunching on the little stray bits of ice that are floating to the top of the cup every time I take a sip. I like Kool-Aid…even the sugar-free kind, which is what I’m slurping at the moment. slurp, slurp, slurpity, slurp Have I ever told you I have days when I admit I know nothing about adoption?That all this is like walking an unmarked path through the woods? GAH. Guess what?*giggles* I’m having more of those days.Not only am I forging my own way through motherhood,…

I’m a notoriously foul loser.I may smile sweetly and wish you well for your victories, but inside I despair over them. So imagine my surprise when I realized just as recently as four months ago — much to my ignorance and dismay — I was still drinking the Kool-Aid. Yes, me. The person who swore she knew exactly what that rancid stuff was made of: the sweet, sticky, fruity goodness of it; the syrup that threatens everything I find good and fair. After all this time I was still drinking the fucking Kool-Aid, believing the swill of the stereotype. For months upon months, I cried and…

I took a break. I needed it. I needed to clear my head, reassess my priorities. Determine exactly what my purpose was in my adoption journey.I've found it.We've had some break throughs... I have some sadness. It's a long story. I'm not sure how it ends yet, or how I want it to end, frankly. I'm wishy-washy about the whole thing right now.What I should say is I wanted to come back with a bang. I had a whole, long, ingenious post for you. Snark and wit typed directly from the fingers of Jen, queen of Jenniferland.And then I saw it.And I was sickened.Literally floored.Stunned.Left gasping for…

Okay, another hijacked article. Why recreate the wheel when it's already been crafted so beautifully? Ponder this:Gift cards are not giftsHolidays have rapidly devolved into what amounts to an exchange of cash. A gift card says nothing about the personality of the recipient -- but it says lots about the giver. By Liz Pulliam WestonGift cards are incredibly popular. They're also an oxymoron.A gift, ideally, says, "I thought about you. I considered your likes and dislikes, your needs and wants, your dreams and desires, and found you this token of my esteem that I hope will delight you."A gift…

I hijacked this. I admit it. However, it was just too darn funny not to post here. So without further ado: AN OPEN LETTER TOMR. JAMES THATCHER,BRAND MANAGER,PROCTER & GAMBLE. February 6, 2007 Dear Mr. Thatcher, I have been a loyal user of your Always maxi pads for over 20 years, and I appreciate many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core™ or Dri-Weave™ absorbency, I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts. But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings.

I trekked off to the doc-in-the-box to get antibiotics for my sinus infection, which was feeling like someone was jabbing an ice pick up through my cheekbone.  Actually, OmegaDad and I trekked off, and I got to see The Wound.  It turns out that Dr. SledDog did not slash his throat; he merely used a paper punch to punch a hole in.  As the helpmeet, it is my duty the next few days to take a monstrous long Q-tip, drench it in H202, and plunge it into the gaping maw of the hole, then dig around the edges.  Ewww.  The things we do in the name of love. In the meantime,…

I had, somewhere in the midst of my old collection of LPs, the Angela Lansbury/George Hearn Sweeney Todd production.  It is a queasy-making musical, weird and fantastic and creepy and hair-raising…and full of quite hummable songs that talk about murder, violence, twisted lust, cannibalism, yadda, yadda, yadda. One of these days I’m going to have to rent the Johnny Depp version. So why discuss "the demon barber of Fleet Street"? OmegaDad had a thing growing under his chin.  It grew quite fast.  We decided to send him off to the doc-in-a-box to get it…

Ah… Ahhh… AHchew! In my early 20s, I would visit Grandma down in Sun City on a regular basis.  As planning would have it, there were a whole slew of elderly aunties and uncles that lived there, too–my grandfather having decided, as he was nearing the end of life, that he should move himself and Grandma to that area so that they’d have family around.  Great Aunt Iola lived down the street from Grandma.  A tall, rangy, raw-boned woman with a deep voice, she was one of my most favorite of the elderly aunties.  Her austere exterior argued for a…