Jul 1, 2017 |
Remember when this happened, the first time?
Field of Dreams
And how my love for all things baseball and community and movie quotes blended together to restructure FMD some years ago?
Well, folks. That paint is peeling. So guess what.
Are y’all ready for this?
All those old adages keep circling through my mind.
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Hey, guys. Here’s the deal. I’m so stinkin’ excited (and it’s so stinkin’ late) I can’t concentrate.
So here’s another deal. Things are changing. But they’re staying the same.
Pretty soon you’re gonna see a new layout here at FMD. Also over at NIP. Nothing dramatic. Just some cleaning up. Just some updates and maybe a few layout changes. I’m tossing out the old posts. You know, the very first ones. The ones that don’t have much to do with anything except me spilling the milk in public. Yeah. Let’s not do that any more, okay? What remains will be the good posts. The ones where I actually say something. The ones y’all want to read.
Frankly, My Dear and New Inklings Press will still be who they are. Just updated. With a whole new upper management: Me.
MJR- Molly Jo Realy
I liken it to moving an existing business to a newer office. The work is the same. The management is the same. But the ambiance is oh so much better.
The reason? There’s a new site on web, my friends. A new sweet to my tea. A new kid on the block, and I don’t mean Wahlberg.
That’s right. This Girl is now a brand. A name-turned-whatever-it-is. This Girl is now a website.
MJR Website
Check out those colors. You know this already, but that there my friends is some Tiffany Blue, and orange poppy. Like Wizard of Oz type poppies. How smashing is this?
And at 2pm PST today, I’m hosting a website launch party over on Facebook.
Visit my new site at Molly Jo Realy: Here’s where it gets real.
Join the fun. It’s just beginning.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
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Jun 28, 2017 |
by William Kendall @WilliamKendall1
A century and a half on and still looking fresh faced.
William Kendall, Photoblogger: National Arts Centre
2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation for Canada. In 1867, the British colonies of North America were united into the Dominion of Canada after years of negotiation and work between delegates of all parties. What started with four provinces- Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick- has grown to become ten provinces and three territories in a country known around the world for breathtaking scenery, friendly people, hockey, maple syrup, and a wry sense of humour- among other things.
Our Fathers Of Confederation came from different backgrounds, with different concerns for their part of what would end up becoming Canada. Their differences were mitigated in the first half of the 1860s by what they were seeing south of the border- open war between the North and South, and the ambitions of Americans to look north to annex British holdings. While the Civil War reunited one country, it inadvertently helped foster the creation of another, one that retains the Westminster style of parliamentary democracy and ties to the Crown that remain strong today.
William Kendall, Photoblogger: National War Memorial
This anniversary year is a big one for us to celebrate. The celebration does bring with it some introspection, because the history of the country goes back much further than 150 years. Ten thousand years and more, when you factor in the First Nations presence on this continent- something that we often have overlooked, and the legacy of the past is something we still have to come to terms with. In another way, this year marks the centennial of a pivotal battle- Vimy Ridge- as part of a war in which the country came into its own. More to be introspective about.
I live in the national capital region, and Ottawa and Gatineau are certainly busy in the lead up to Canada Day. This is home base to several national museums and numerous local museums, and each are playing a role in the occasion. There are projects that are either finished or scheduled to be finished for the day, while others are longer term. Our Parliament Buildings, something that first comes to mind when one thinks of this city, are undergoing a multi-year renovation and restoration process that will see the work continue on for another decade. Scaffolding and work sites there are to be easily found around some of the buildings.
Other projects have had the anniversary year in mind. Our National Gallery has finished up a re-organization of its Canadian galleries, integrating First Nations works from time immemorial with the more conventional landscapes and portraits Canadian artists had been doing since the days of New France. Where before the two collections had been kept separate, now they are part of the same cohesive whole, and that reflects itself in the new direction, which has just re-opened to public viewing.
Our Museum of History has spent some years on a major reorganization of its permanent gallery, Canada Hall, bringing in the First Nations architect who designed the building in the first place to consult on the new way of telling the story of our history. During that time, other parts of the museum have been open, most notably the First Nations halls and spaces for temporary exhibits, but having Canada Hall re-opened will be a welcome sight.
William Kendall, Photoblogger: Canadian Museum of History
William Kendall, Photoblogger: The Great Hall, Canadian Museum of History
Our National Arts Centre, which was a legacy of our centennial year, sits a short walk away from Parliament, and in the last few months has been the scene of much work. While concerts and performances have continued inside the building, a glass structure has gone up around parts of the building, something that as it has progressed has done well in off-setting the Sixties era architecture. That new structure will be accessible to the public for Canada Day, with the orchestra putting on an annual concert inside.
William Kendall, Photoblogger: Centre Block, Parliament Hill
While a lot of the celebration is coming from the federal government as a whole, the city governments on both sides of the Ottawa River have gotten in on it as well, in activities and events that are taking place over the course of the year. That includes hosting embassies throughout the year to present aspects of their own countries for a day. It also includes special events such as MosaiCanada, a horticultural show set to open on the Quebec shore for the summer on Canada Day, or the winter event Crashed Ice. It includes public access to the mighty Chaudiere Falls in the river, something that has long been held off at a distance for the public. And it includes a summer long multimedia show taking place in what will, next year, be an underground LRT station.
What does it mean to be Canadian? I think a lot of what makes us who we are is defined by the vastness of the land. The wide prairies, the endless tundra and rough Canadian Shield. The rivers and valleys. The coastal landscapes. The rugged mountains. It’s shaped our national character in many ways. A mature country can both look at itself critically while marking its history and the path it has taken in a positive way. This anniversary year has something of each- sombre reflection, commemoration, and celebration. Where the next 150 years takes us? We shall see.
Odds are, though, that there won’t be a Toronto Maple Leafs team winning the Stanley Cup in that time though. Sorry, Leafs fans, but it’s not going to happen.
William Kendall, Photoblogger: Notre Dame and the National Gallery of Canada
You can follow William on his writing blog, Speak Of The Devil, his photoblog Ottawa Daily Posts, and Twitter @WilliamKendall1.
What will your area celebrate this year?
CLICK TO TWEET: Celebrating 150 Years of Canada #amblogging #photography #Cananda @williamkendall1 @realmojo68
CLICK TO TWEET: #Photoblogger William Kendall celebrates 150 years of #Canada. @williamkendall1 @realmojo68 #franklymydearmojo
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May 21, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, On Faith
Let’s face it: We’re people pleasers. We don’t like being told “no,” and we don’t always like having to say it. We let others sway us or question our determination.
How often does the following dialogue happen in your conversations:
“I can’t.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I’m too busy.”
“Really?”
“I just don’t want to.”
“But why not?”
“Look, I can’t, okay?”
“Oh, well. If you’re going to be that way about it.”
We end up feeling guilty for not sticking to our original plan, for letting others influence us into changing our minds. We say yes when we’re not sure, or when we know the answer is really “no.”
Matthew 5:37 and James 5:12 both caution us against making promises we can’t keep.
I’m not talking about what movie to watch or food to eat. Those are fluid choices. I mean fundamental decisions and the ones that make you misrepresent yourself. Don’t say something you can’t back up. Don’t offer help if you don’t mean it. And don’t give an explanation if it’s not the truth.
Breaking promises can break trust and relationships. Even with ourselves. We try to explain our way out, spinning the situation or twisting the truth.
Life can take us down a different path than what we planned, but that’s not the same as letting others nudge us when we shouldn’t budge, and we know it. We end up breaking trust. We allow others to undermine our foundation.
Soon it becomes easier to not believe in ourselves, to need others to tell us what to do. It’s harder to stand on our own two feet.
God says to stand firm.
“But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.”
~James 5:12, NLT
Saying “no” to someone or something may be the most positive thing you can do for the world around you. Imagine being the person He designed you to be: Full of life, vibrant, encouraging, trustworthy, dependable. Imagine being able to grasp what He has to offer you, because you said “no” to what someone else was offering.
This week, I challenge you to not embellish your conversations, but simply stick to your “no.” No excuses, no exaggerations. Just a simple “no” or “yes.” And then follow it through.
Believe in yourself as He believes in you. The others will follow.
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, On Faith: Let Your “No” Be “No”. @realmojo68 #franklyonfaith #franklymydear
Frankly, On Faith: Sometimes, saying “no” can be the most positive thing you can do.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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May 20, 2017 |
by Jacqueline Patterson
@jacpatterson
Paige’s Plantation
Haven’t y’all been holding your sweet breath to find out how Paige’s plantation adventure ends? I know I have. Okay, not really, because I read it a month ago ~ the perks of being the editor and post curator. But you haven’t.
And it just wouldn’t be right for me to keep you waiting any longer. So here you are, alligators and all.
~ ~ ~
Rhene grabbed my arm, whispered, and pointed. “Look. See it? Out on that little island?”
OK.
My leg was about to be claimed.
“Where?” My gaze dropped to a gator hole on the bank, checking frantically. Rhene’s hold tightened on my arm until I was forced to look up, following her gaze until I saw it, almost hidden in the high grass of the island.
Paige’s Plantation – Hidden Alligator
The baby alligator turned its head toward us for an instant before returning to sunning himself on the bank, completely unconcerned about our presence.
A baby gator. I stared at its tiny scale-tipped body and enormous eyes and the sudden swell of emotion inside me was frightening.
Because I. Wanted. That. Gator.
Paige’s Plantation- Baby Alligator
“Whoa.” Rhene released my arm and pulled out her phone. She snapped several pictures in quick succession. “You don’t see the babies very often. Everything wants to eat them.”
Apparently the old gators are tasty only when fried like chicken. I wasn’t about to find out.
Rhene zoomed in through the grass in an effort to get a clear shot on the baby’s level. “Ha. Looks like we’re being watched.” I turned in the direction she was pointing, just in time to see a full-sized gator sinking below the surface until his eyes looked like bubbles floating in the water. Obviously he could smell the deep fryer heating up.
“See what I mean?” She said. “The old ones are cowards.”
The adult gator’s eyes completely disappeared under the water. The baby remained where it was, tilted between the shallow water and the grass like a discarded toy.
I swear it wanted to come home with me.
“It’s illegal, but some people keep the babies as pets,” Rhene confided. “They grow —or don’t grow— according to their environment. Keep them in a cage, and they will remain the size they are now, stunted even though they’ve reached adulthood.”
OK, so keeping one was completely out of the question. But I still found myself looking back as we left the marsh.
Paige’s Plantation – Alligator on the Ceiling
Twilight found us on the porch of the overseer’s cabin, the wind setting heavy branches creaking above the roof. In the distance three bald eagles circled above an enormous nest in a nearby pine, their wings ghostly in the dimming light. Always flying, but never landing.
In my heart, I too was flying the skies.
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . :Paige’s Plantation, Part Two
Paige’s Plantation – Marsh Birds
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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May 19, 2017 |
Five Things Friday: Travel Essentials
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Has it really been over a year since I’ve posted a 5TF? Well, duh. Obviously so. I guess that’s what happens when This Girl gets busy and doesn’t blog like she used to.
But I’m also guessing you’ve noticed the uptick in posts this week, yes? If you haven’t, I forgive you. Just hit the “previous posts” button at the top of the page to review what you’ve missed. And stay turned for more. There’s posts already scheduled for the next few days.
Well that’s neither here nor there. Whether I did or didn’t submit posts that you did or didn’t read, let’s move on, shall we?
Speaking of moving . . . Okay, not moving in the permanent, relocation sense, but moving in the literal, body in motion sense . . . Which makes me think of movement. Which makes me think of transportation. Which makes me think of flying. Which reminds me that tomorrow I’ll be flying. Which brings me to my topic for today’s 5TF. See? My own little string theory right there, folks. Glad you were a part of it.
Frankly, My Dear . . .: Five Things Friday: Travel Essentials
Remember last year’s adventures? Remember my beautiful new carry-on suitcase? [You can read about it here: Oh, The Places You’ll Go!]
So, I’m not a seasoned traveler. Yet. I’ve never flown out of the country, or visited terribly big cities more than once or twice in my life. But don’t count me out! I know a thing or two about packing essentials. Especially after the fiasco which was my first flight to Blue Ridge. [Read: And They Say Getting There is Half the Fun . . . ] Hey. Tomorrow’s flight is to Blue Ridge. Huh. You think history could repeat itself? Say a prayer that it doesn’t. Please. A small prayer.
Even the day-trips of the last few years have taught me how to move smart. And now I get to share my experiential wisdom with you. Aren’t y’all a lucky bunch of peacocks? Here’s my list of those don’t-let-’em-out-of-your-sight items you need to keep with you on any trip. [Editor’s Note: the writer assumes your wallet/ID/cell phone are material extensions of your existence, and thus do not recall a separate shout-out for the purposes of this post.]
Ready? Here we go:
- Cash. No duh, you say. But I’m not saying “Cash, or cash equivalent.” I like to live with my ATM card. All my transactions, right there, for tax and recording purposes. But there are some places that either don’t take cash (a roadside Farmers Market stand with tantalizing fresh fruits and vegetables) or charge a ridiculous processing fee for using an ATM. Gas station kiosks charge a fee, your bank charges you a fee. Pretty soon you’re out more than five bucks for a one-dollar soda. Carry the cash, in spendable increments.
- Beverages. Depending on your mode of transportation, you may need to purchase this after you head out (See No. 1 above). Some services offer free drinks, but some charge. If you’re driving, keeping extra bottles of water and a thermos of coffee in the vehicle. The last thing you want is dry mouth after Doritos and hummus.
- Professional essentials. This is the equivalent of a businessman’s briefcase. If you’re a writer, you’ll need either a notepad and pen or a laptop/tablet. If you’re a photographer, camera and lenses. Don’t pack your entire office. Just what you need to get the job done while you’re en route.
- Power cords. Don’t laugh. I’ve known a person or two who brought their electronics, but no way to charge them. Even packing them deep in the carry-on luggage isn’t the way to go. Keep the cords in easy access in your laptop bag or at the top of your suitcase. No digging, no draining.
- A sweet attitude. Oh, don’t you smirk [did you think I couldn’t tell?]. Let’s be real, traveling isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There’s squishy strangers, unkempt surroundings, and the occasional “Oops, we should have turned left about thirty-two miles ago” moments. A travel itinerary is a basic plan, but have you ever noticed it’s never delivered on a stone tablet? Go figure. Read the fine print: I guess that means it’s subject to change. Once in a while, you just have to suck it up and change with the changes. It doesn’t happen too often. Count it as an adventure, not a job.
Where will your next adventure take you?
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday: Travel Essentials
With a map in my hand and the wind in my hair,
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
