tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39066605516427695102024-02-18T21:58:20.740-08:00The Bay Area CollectiveA gathering of the news, events and stories from
all around the SF Bay Area.Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-44781790929107724942018-11-08T18:55:00.001-08:002019-11-27T15:10:33.911-08:00Event - 2019 Toy Drive!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcUzWcej2FIcBcAFetnTXvLjnnavV3wlxqGFUp_llfrktCx7xmtGExXw6L3o71_cFXJ7jTFfj0H0q5pWdzMKYxLUHnhjIa4SoQC3XZYe3_dkap3dB-sCxKSbf_9DgYz6NwfpGF3Cv2g7Q/s1600/Flyer+-+2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcUzWcej2FIcBcAFetnTXvLjnnavV3wlxqGFUp_llfrktCx7xmtGExXw6L3o71_cFXJ7jTFfj0H0q5pWdzMKYxLUHnhjIa4SoQC3XZYe3_dkap3dB-sCxKSbf_9DgYz6NwfpGF3Cv2g7Q/s320/Flyer+-+2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">t was November of 1994, I think.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m pretty sure.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I was with a community radio station and I
felt that we weren’t doing enough “community.”<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I organized a food drive at a city event and we rallied the staff
together to do some good.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There we were
in the downtown square, taking in canned and boxed goods and having a jolly old
feel-good time as we stayed live on the air – interviewing people, hearing
their holiday plans, playing their requests and giving away prizes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>While I was mid-broadcast, a scruffy looking
gentleman approached us with a solid frozen turkey under each arm and a couple
more swinging by the handles.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He shoved
one at me and dropped the others into our barrel.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Happy Thanksgiving.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Good thing you’re doing.” and off he
trotted.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I stood, dumbstruck with a
microphone in one hand and swinging a turkey with the other.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The number one rule in radio is to never ever
have dead air, but I was at a Les Nessman kind of loss.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I couldn’t have been more surprised if the
turkeys had dropped from the sky.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="margin: 0px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p00nBSNIPwg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p00nBSNIPwg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The drive was such a success that I then organized a toy
drive the following month.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The goodwill
and groovy vibes among the others was infectious.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And I’ve been doing toy drives every year in
the 25 since.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">There are fewer ways that we can contribute more to our
society than to give our time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Over the
years, people have contributed by way of donations from their wallets, their hearts,
their goods, their time and their space.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Toys For Tots program has been endangered because they
lack resources – while many toys fill big boxes all over America, it still
takes money to keep the wheels turning.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I sure would hate to see the end of this program because of the joy and
strength it brings to others.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>These
events get me through my own holiday season, thinking about all of the kids who
benefit from each and every person who participates in any way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Please come and share an evening of food, fun and
festivity.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Put on your holiday hats and
have some laughs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We have some great
people this year who have promised to entertain you: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/smpunk" target="_blank">Sam Medina</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/athenarodriguezcomedian/" target="_blank">Athena Rodriguez</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meandavesnothere" target="_blank">Mean Dave</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eric.somers.31" target="_blank">Eric Somers</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/patrickmcdermottcomedy" target="_blank">Patrick McDermott</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><u></u><span style="color: #000120;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We’ll also have an abundance of raffle items
for you to enjoy or regift – consider it a win either way!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The atmosphere and staff are friendly, the
lights downtown are fantastic to see.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Get
in a little shopping if you can. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And
please visit our sponsors/donors listed below.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>You’ll find links to art, authors, dining and our comedians to keep up
on their calendars.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every penny of your ticket and raffle tickets goes into the
hands of our US Marines for this program, and is tax-deductible.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>There is no profit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You may
purchase your ticket below via PayPal using your credit card or a direct
transfer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s all secure.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you can’t make the event but would like to
donate to this campaign, you may do so below as well, or contact me to send in a check. blimpsandwings@gmail.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank you.</span></div>
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DONATIONS ONLY (free gift with each Toy Drive donation):<br />
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Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-31013666226460146132018-01-02T15:31:00.003-08:002018-01-02T15:31:38.587-08:00Opinionation - California GreensIt's a new year in California, and while big changes are ahead it doesn't really seem much is changing at all. Residents of the state are still standing polar opposite from each other about the recreational use of marijuana. Medically speaking, many have come around to recognizing its proven benefits and have adopted a 'live and let live' attitude. Not so much outside of that.<br />
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Yet alcohol is very much a socially acceptable norm.<br />
<br />
I'm going to attempt to break this down, as much for myself as anyone else because frankly, I lean more toward the old school way of thought too. I'm also first to admit that the basis of any ignorance is almost always the fear of the unknown. I've never been high a day in my life. My perceptions stem from this and from the experiences I've lived through with those around me. I can count myself solo among everyone I've ever known as not having tried the happy weed. What I've seen has been pretty disastrous and it's hard to separate their realities with what is scientifically true.<br />
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Let's start with the "gateway": Is it really the beginner's drug? I would argue that it is, but not for any physically addictive properties. Some vices are based on the body's cravings and trying to break free is a nightmare. Many of our monkeys derive from our mental state, and a need to escape or alter our realities. Whatever our beginning, or "gateway" to that may be, eventually our needs escalate. Thus begins a journey that invites a dependence on <i>more.</i> Most people on this path are susceptible to addiction it just happens that marijuana has taken the rap for being easily accessible, somewhat affordable and rather low-key. If we really want to point an accurate finger, it should be at the bottle and not the ground.<br />
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Moving on; I've never been a big fan of the recreational use of <i>any </i>mind-altering substance. Especially since I figured out I wasn't so invincible against alcohol after all. I was somewhat fortunate that I was able to recognize my issues and walk away from it. This isn't to say that every person who imbibes in alcohol or a weed that grows organically is only doing so for escape. Cocktails are often for the taste. But if you were to take a good poll of everyone around you, the most common answer is likely to be "it helps me relax." Relaxation is a good thing, but I have to question why so many are unable to do this without aid? I have no concept of the word myself, but am such a control freak that I can't just give in to something outside of my own head. I have my own vices still, namely a therapist to feed my narcissism. <br />
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So let's come around to my own real issues with this new law. To be quite honest, activists who go overboard with anything really annoy me. So, there's that. I find it laughable that stoners think they can't be detected by their obvious behavior. As much as the smell of any kind of smoke nauseates me (I'm allergic), this particular odor is worse. While Californians really haven't bothered to hide their smoking for some time now, I worry that it will now be much more present in my daily surroundings. I find it amusing and somewhat astounding that people are offended at "rules" - no lighting up in a car, whether driver or passenger. It's a contagion, so what the hell? Where is the common sense? <br />
<br />
We're also at the crossroads of "be careful what you wish for." In legalizing, we are also inviting capitalism to rear its ugly head and make it so unaffordable for those who genuinely use for medical benefit. There will always be a black market, but wasn't the rally for this law to be weed for all? Without federal backing, it's really not as giant a leap as we may think. <br />
<br />
The reality is, I don't care what people do in their own time, in their own dwellings, but I don't want to be affected by it. Only time is going to tell if people become more reckless by getting behind the wheel of a car or if we see a sudden spike in child neglect or perhaps an uptick in snack purchases. Jack In The Box already caters to this crowd, and I think it's one of the more brilliant marketing moves I've ever seen. All of the stereotypes could prove to be more real than we ever imagined, or it could just be that we've been fed a bunch of hyped up bullshit. <br />
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I was reflecting back the other night to the new millennium panic and how we all fell for it. I think we are on that cliff again. Never mind that other states have beaten us to the punch. As Californians, we should be somewhat embarrassed about that. As with anything, time will always provide answers. People have long come to the conclusion that we've had the answer all along, right there in an insignificant little plant. It's way past time to end the reefer madness, but that doesn't mean we can't recognize it too for what it is. <br />
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It's funny to me, where we choose to place our outrage. Nothing in this world is harmless if we sift enough through the reactions. The best we can do is open ourselves to knowledge - what we don't know, someone can always teach us. Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-56023123348712795592017-12-28T14:48:00.007-08:002017-12-28T14:51:08.084-08:00Opinionation - Shame on Lollipop Lane<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaI3Y-Lhz8382UTynDg1FWd-Y0U9w7lyKX4ndyekfHpdQIzOvkAHP-R4YFj_StMFCati7qqv7JpqC6C4euJqPjN3-2qPXd0Zv6mEbDd7AcooG09zN2LAe_zcLkbUoaOiixqrURvsP235Hi/s1600/Vacaville+Resident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>How disheartening to come out of a holiday season to such a headline as "Vacaville Family Shamed... For Not Decorating For Christmas." I don't know about anyone else, but this year it was a hard Christmas to get through, for a multitude of reasons. We decorated, but have done so minimally over the past ten years, as we live in a secluded neighborhood and our neighbors certainly don't seem to care one way or another. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjlvXa0QE7RPWwZ0hB48A-vGEHEqhEyrxhzm64t-v1WiYEAgbdC9nBHWA6pvc23NVWCxYGwyUwa-R4GKdJSeTWBGZsFVffzR4UyXw7do0fQsHVgPvChtUqcPPWxeSa6bHof4ZKI0TzTpn/s1600/Vacaville+Resident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="403" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjlvXa0QE7RPWwZ0hB48A-vGEHEqhEyrxhzm64t-v1WiYEAgbdC9nBHWA6pvc23NVWCxYGwyUwa-R4GKdJSeTWBGZsFVffzR4UyXw7do0fQsHVgPvChtUqcPPWxeSa6bHof4ZKI0TzTpn/s200/Vacaville+Resident.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjlvXa0QE7RPWwZ0hB48A-vGEHEqhEyrxhzm64t-v1WiYEAgbdC9nBHWA6pvc23NVWCxYGwyUwa-R4GKdJSeTWBGZsFVffzR4UyXw7do0fQsHVgPvChtUqcPPWxeSa6bHof4ZKI0TzTpn/s1600/Vacaville+Resident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Apparently, it is tradition for the residents of Candy Cane Lane and Lollipop Lane in the town of Vacaville to decorate abundantly for the holidays. One woman chose not to, as she was in mourning for her mother who had passed away earlier this year and who had made the decorations by hand. She received an anonymous letter from a neighbor stating intolerance for anyone living on the street to not participate in the practice. <br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, I was actually thinking about this last night on my way home as I took in the still-standing lights on nearby homes. Fewer homes every year partake in the tradition - be it lack of interest, or the high cost of powering the displays. Many just don't feel the motivation. I find it sad, mainly because there doesn't seem to be any tradition that has taken its place. One thing is for certain; we all have our reasons, whatever they may be.<br />
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There is a common theme in most of the issues plaguing the world, but let's narrow that down to just our own culture alone - America. We are entirely too judgmental of others. We are all guilty in some way, we pick and choose our discriminations - that we have made such a celebrity of Judge Judy speaks volumes. We have a greater awareness of "invisible illnesses" than we used to, but only when it is convenient to us. It's okay to call each other out on occasion or to have the structure of law and consequence, so long as we keep ourselves in check as well.<br />
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If I were a part of this community, I would be ashamed upon reading this letter. I was embarrassed enough as a fellow human to read it. While I don't want to encourage more rage in the world, I do hope that there is sufficient offense to hold these neighbors accountable for their shameful behavior going forward. <br />
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Story: <a href="http://abc7news.com/society/vacaville-family-shamed-for-not-decorating-home-on-christmas/2834326/" target="_blank">ABC7News</a><br />
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<br />Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-52658398073243429952017-12-27T15:29:00.000-08:002017-12-27T15:29:19.154-08:00A New Year Burns EverlastingFor many reasons, people want to see an end to 2017. Here in Northern California, in our beloved wine country, it was an unforgettable year. Trauma, devastation, near misses, great loss, a bounty of human kindness and a plethora of images and words told by some of the greatest storytellers. <br />
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I've been following the stories of friends and strangers via the internet, social media and in my friend circles. I asked one author, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7053431.Nathaniel_Robert_Winters" target="_blank">Nathaniel R. Winters</a>, if I could share his journaled stories. You'll find them below. If you have your own stories to share, please do so in the comments. If you like what you've read here, you may find more of Winters' work here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nathaniel-Robert-Winters/e/B008MFSDB8" target="_blank">Nathaniel Robert Winters</a><br />
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So many want to close this year out and begin anew with hope, strength and the help of others. The outpouring has been spectacular, but let us not forget that we still need to give our money and more importantly our time. Please give a thought to the victims of these fires as we move into the new year. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Battle Lines</i></span></b><br />
10/16/17<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Yesterday we drove up the Napa Valley headed back to St
Helena after a five day evacuation from smoke and fire. But arriving at
Oakville we discovered the fire was coming over the ridge tops and backing down
the mountains towards our homes. Two choppers were filling up water and dumping
on the flames. Two large fixed wing aircraft were also attacking with
retardant. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">The battle goes on. The winds calmed down and the powers
that be believe we are safe. I hope they are right. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">This morning I masked up and took Rue for a walk, watching
the two choppers continue the fight. I flashed back to other another battle
line reminding me of Nam. Thursday the weather men are forecasting rain, the
first winter wet down after our usual summer drought. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">It would appears some prayers are about to be answered.
"They" say there are no atheists in foxholes...This not quite kosher
guy is not so sure about prayer but it couldn’t hurt. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>From Hell</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Flames surround us </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">here in Saint Helena</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">north in Calistoga and over </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">the redwood pass in Santa Rosa</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Flames surrounds us</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">south in the vineyard hills above Napa</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">southwest in the Valley of the Moon</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">smoke is suffocating thick as syrup</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Flames surround us</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">the land I love my Eden is on fire</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Should we stay or should we go?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Electric power, phones, internet is out </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Flames from hell surrounds us</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We pack one car—leave the other</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">What to take--what to leave?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Whatever—we flee to San Francisco</span></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
</span><div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Mother Nature's Plan</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Fires
in the Redwood Empire </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">are
as natural as fog on S.F. Bay. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Pacific
high pressure plants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">over
Nor-Cal sending storms away, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">causing
summer drought. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Vegetation
dries out</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">just
waiting for a spark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Flames
explode burning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">dry
grasses and low timber.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Redwoods,
evolved in this clime,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">with
thick smoldering bark</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">and
green needle crowns </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">in
the heavens above fiery hells,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">survive
and turn fog into raindrops</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">quenching
big trees thirst.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Autumn
comes and high pressure</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">moves
south for the winter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">like
snowbirds to Florida. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Rain
returns, redwood cones</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">opened
by summer inferno</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">drop
seeds, baby redwoods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">grow
in the ashes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Brown
and scarred black hills,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">magically
turn green.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Deer
prance and mountain lions stroll</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">coyotes howl, and life goes on...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px;">
<br /></div>
</span>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-47574916677222273502017-12-04T18:45:00.000-08:002017-12-10T10:41:12.950-08:00Event - 2017 Toy Drive!<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctBbbfXYWTxpK9rmpcrmjMXGaTkeMENv24Rjr_vDs_52y43Sj3KYBht_TmoKkhEN6_JOZITodnLrHiq3JZtoOUq6WVXZ2HfOKgNsbJlh58wCaSkXwwDfxOIxSAuA9mwdnqTAjwhkXfQHt/s1600/Flyer+-+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctBbbfXYWTxpK9rmpcrmjMXGaTkeMENv24Rjr_vDs_52y43Sj3KYBht_TmoKkhEN6_JOZITodnLrHiq3JZtoOUq6WVXZ2HfOKgNsbJlh58wCaSkXwwDfxOIxSAuA9mwdnqTAjwhkXfQHt/s640/Flyer+-+2017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">December has come to take on new meaning for me this
year.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">While it’s a significant month for
us all for various reasons – holidays, the end of a calendar year – it’s been a
time that I’ve allowed my lesser-Grinch side peek out from the mountain I tend
to keep myself on.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Over the past 22
years, I’m proud to say that I’ve cultivated community here in the Bay Area
through the many toy drives that began with live broadcasts at a local radio
station and when I left, I took the event with me.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">In more than two decades, there have been
parties and dinners and quieter years and now the privilege of making people
laugh for a cause.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ve been blessed to
receive help from so many in making these events happen – restaurants (local
and chain), friends, colleagues, artists, comedians, and even my chiropractor
who give their talent and money and most importantly they have given their
time - please see the list below and give your patronage if you can.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is all tied up in a pretty
package by support from our local chapter of the <a href="https://toysfortots.org/">US Marines</a>, who have sent
soldiers to join us each and every year.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">While there’s always a need for kindness, I don’t think we’ve
ever needed it as much as we do now.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">While
waiting in breathless anticipation for each end of year celebration and the
bringing together of people, we work at keeping the spirit alive in whatever
ways we can through our site </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2139875798">Angels and
Blimps</a></span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://.angelsandblimps.com/">.</a></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Please consider coming to the party this year.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We promise to make you laugh and send you
away with some warm ‘n fuzzies.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every
penny you spend is tax-deductible.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For a
small price, you get dinner and a show.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There is always a raffle to win some awesome loot.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">And piles of TOYS!</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctBbbfXYWTxpK9rmpcrmjMXGaTkeMENv24Rjr_vDs_52y43Sj3KYBht_TmoKkhEN6_JOZITodnLrHiq3JZtoOUq6WVXZ2HfOKgNsbJlh58wCaSkXwwDfxOIxSAuA9mwdnqTAjwhkXfQHt/s1600/Flyer+-+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Join us.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 13px;">
Purchase your tickets NOW!</div>
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<option value="Dinner & Comedy">Dinner & Comedy $20.00 USD</option>
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or make your DONATION here: <a data-lynx-mode="origin" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gofundme.com%2FBayAreaToyDrive&h=ATOAP03bN4s9mLafGa5TGdZG9F-nHWv3vGug_Qg7cvYLX85SXVahFhVrYasK37y-aa43R8yNsj6u61hW1cCz1cC410tH3Ds-UuOBWMQ5NN_Kp1G7cnTFZTgv2kRIV1zcGTh2LPR7zC2OIUhmt-nhpJ051p5OWt2k1S3Qm9n_q_I3W-SvAyCk0hXJWksyO4g" href="https://www.gofundme.com/BayAreaToyDrive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gofundme.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>BayAreaToyDrive</a><br />
<br />
Donations:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.pfchangs.com/">P.F. Changs</a> (Walnut Creek)<br />
<a href="https://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/">The Cheesecake Factory</a> (Walnut Creek)<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Cform%20action=%22https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr%22%20method=%22post%22%20target=%22_top%22%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22cmd%22%20value=%22_s-xclick%22%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22hosted_button_id%22%20value=%223QFWVWYZZP2YW%22%3E%20%3Ctable%3E%20%3Ctr%3E%3Ctd%3E%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22on0%22%20value=%22Tickets%22%3ETickets%3C/td%3E%3C/tr%3E%3Ctr%3E%3Ctd%3E%3Cselect%20name=%22os0%22%3E%20%3Coption%20value=%22Dinner%20&%20Comedy%22%3EDinner%20&%20Comedy%20$20.00%20USD%3C/option%3E%20%3Coption%20value=%22Comedy%20Only%22%3EComedy%20Only%20$10.00%20USD%3C/option%3E%20%3Coption%20value=%22Donation%22%3EDonation%20$10.00%20USD%3C/option%3E%20%3C/select%3E%20%3C/td%3E%3C/tr%3E%20%3C/table%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22hidden%22%20name=%22currency_code%22%20value=%22USD%22%3E%20%3Cinput%20type=%22image%22%20src=%22https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif%22%20border=%220%22%20name=%22submit%22%20alt=%22PayPal%20-%20The%20safer,%20easier%20way%20to%20pay%20online!%22%3E%20%3Cimg%20alt=%22%22%20border=%220%22%20src=%22https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%3E%20%3C/form%3E">Danville Harvest</a> (Danville)<br />
<a href="https://cinemark.com/california-bay-area/century-16-downtown-pleasant-hill-and-xd">Cinemark Theatres</a> (Pleasant Hill)<br />
<a href="https://performancechiro.net/">Performance Chiropractic</a> (Concord)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-40680072418730970802016-11-07T00:19:00.001-08:002017-12-04T18:04:46.286-08:00Event - 2016 Toy Drive!Here in California, we don't have those magical white holidays. We have to get our snow from a movie or a song or a getaway. Sometimes it's hard to feel Christmasy when everyone around me is dressed for a warm climate, and it's a tinsel overload before the pumpkins and costumes are put away. I just can't find my spirit in 70 degree temperature. <br />
<br />
And so I work at it. And every year I get discouraged, because I too get bogged down with the idea that society is as selfish as the media would like us to believe. Because by now the generosity of previous years has been drowned out by chaos, summer and the overwhelm of every day life. <br />
<br />
But little by little, as the days cool and the smells become warmer around us, and I begin to put the word out of what is needed to pull off a toy drive, I am reminded that I can't do it alone, nor have I ever had to. Because the generosity of others begin with small steps and big hearts. <br />
<br />
Every kid deserves a Christmas.<br />
<br />
Please consider joining us at our annual event and fundraiser, The Bay Area Collective 2016 Toy Drive. Dinner and comedy - and all of your money goes directly to the US Marines' Toys For Tots program that has been helping families since 1947. This year, more than ever, they are in need of monetary donations. We have a great lineup of comics who have graciously volunteered their time for your entertainment: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenjturner?fref=ts" target="_blank">Stephen Turner</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un5aY61Mj8U" target="_blank">Bob Johnston</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PredictablyDrunkPodcast/?pnref=about.overview" target="_blank">Sam Marcoux</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brian.blanco.58" target="_blank">Brian Blanco</a>. Our host is PF Changs in Walnut Creek. And there's a raffle! Please see our list of donors below.<br />
<br />
There is no way to do this without community, and I am ever thankful to be a part of this one. <br />
<br />
<br />
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If you can't make it to the event but would still like to help, you may do so here:<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
All purchases and donations are fully tax-deductible.<br />
<br />
Let's do this. <br />
<br />
Donors - please learn more by checking out their sites!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pfchangs.com/" target="_blank">PF Changs</a> (Walnut Creek)<br />
<a href="http://thecheesecakefactory.com/" target="_blank">The Cheesecake Factory</a> (Walnut Creek)<br />
<a href="http://www.redlobster.com/" target="_blank">Red Lobster </a>(Pittsburg)<br />
<br />
Authors:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Written-Across-Genres-Julaina-Kleist-Corwin/dp/1937303217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478505401&sr=8-1&keywords=written+across+the+genres" target="_blank">Trinity Adler</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://nancyswing.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Swing</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Russell-B.-Sunshine/e/B001KIMK4A" target="_blank">Russell Sunshine</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://jasonwarburg.com/" target="_blank">Jason Warburg</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://ayazpirani.com/" target="_blank">Ayaz Pirani</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Marina Romani</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7uR2YM_0u_VOzurkKDCFPanjTP0eKZEINA2s82-ej8X5dSRE_ER5feAeO-yYek_UCmvk6xnHMOw276XDC_Scl0DPwYJlbYqi5_HwGF750o4MWmTI4Cx0ImBQFxweLdGflUOmWYo6uzFV/s1600/Far+%2526+Away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-90182634759102172682016-11-07T00:19:00.000-08:002016-11-16T18:10:35.520-08:00Event - 2016 Toy Drive!Here in California, we don't have those magical white holidays. We have to get our snow from a movie or a song or a getaway. Sometimes it's hard to feel Christmasy when everyone around me is dressed for a warm climate, and it's a tinsel overload before the pumpkins and costumes are put away. I just can't find my spirit in 70 degree temperature. <br />
<br />
And so I work at it. And every year I get discouraged, because I too get bogged down with the idea that society is as selfish as the media would like us to believe. Because by now the generosity of previous years has been drowned out by chaos, summer and the overwhelm of every day life. <br />
<br />
But little by little, as the days cool and the smells become warmer around us, and I begin to put the word out of what is needed to pull off a toy drive, I am reminded that I can't do it alone, nor have I ever had to. Because the generosity of others begin with small steps and big hearts. <br />
<br />
Every kid deserves a Christmas.<br />
<br />
Please consider joining us at our annual event and fundraiser, The Bay Area Collective 2016 Toy Drive. Dinner and comedy - and all of your money goes directly to the US Marines' Toys For Tots program that has been helping families since 1947. This year, more than ever, they are in need of monetary donations. We have a great lineup of comics who have graciously volunteered their time for your entertainment: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenjturner?fref=ts" target="_blank">Stephen Turner</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un5aY61Mj8U" target="_blank">Bob Johnston</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PredictablyDrunkPodcast/?pnref=about.overview" target="_blank">Sam Marcoux</a>, <a href="http://www.podcastchart.com/podcasts/the-shane-and-gain-podcast" target="_blank">Noah Gain</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brian.blanco.58" target="_blank">Brian Blanco</a>. Our host is PF Changs in Walnut Creek. And there's a raffle! Please see our list of donors below.<br />
<br />
There is no way to do this without community, and I am ever thankful to be a part of this one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypVe9SJZ67Ys0cDpv1fyHwrJKPAoxqB3fNvdGgnfp-ML_PHW4eW1GJgQWxXgQfMSf8Dxp-sVmf_oIw6XeyK6MFT21mY2rvfT9rSOMRZ-hO1nXTX5oXprA0-gZ0SpxbVo01jZv_QHTZRAo/s1600/Flyer+-+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypVe9SJZ67Ys0cDpv1fyHwrJKPAoxqB3fNvdGgnfp-ML_PHW4eW1GJgQWxXgQfMSf8Dxp-sVmf_oIw6XeyK6MFT21mY2rvfT9rSOMRZ-hO1nXTX5oXprA0-gZ0SpxbVo01jZv_QHTZRAo/s320/Flyer+-+2016.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you can't make it to the event but would still like to help, you may do so here:<br />
<br />
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<br />
All purchases and donations are fully tax-deductible.<br />
<br />
Let's do this. <br />
<br />
Donors - please learn more by checking out their sites!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pfchangs.com/" target="_blank">PF Changs</a> (Walnut Creek)<br />
<a href="http://thecheesecakefactory.com/" target="_blank">The Cheesecake Factory</a> (Walnut Creek)<br />
<a href="http://www.redlobster.com/" target="_blank">Red Lobster </a>(Pittsburg)<br />
<br />
Authors:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Written-Across-Genres-Julaina-Kleist-Corwin/dp/1937303217/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478505401&sr=8-1&keywords=written+across+the+genres" target="_blank">Trinity Adler</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://nancyswing.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Swing</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Russell-B.-Sunshine/e/B001KIMK4A" target="_blank">Russell Sunshine</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://jasonwarburg.com/" target="_blank">Jason Warburg</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://ayazpirani.com/" target="_blank">Ayaz Pirani</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Marina Romani</blockquote>
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Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-76160615488915092382016-08-30T01:10:00.000-07:002016-08-30T15:28:48.545-07:00Opinionation - Sitting Down to Stand Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cccccc;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0YvJLFu_MqY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YvJLFu_MqY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I have spent the better part of
the weekend apologizing to every friend of color that I have. Most days
of this past year, I have been embarrassed pretty much for the entire human
race – I haven’t discriminated. Even in watching the Trump support
movement unfold, I have not discriminated. After this weekend, I’m
calling out the general white population for their lack of empathy, their
blatant ignorance and rampant disregard for their fellow Americans.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It was the sit-down heard around
the world. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the greatest sit-down since </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Rosa Parks</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.ktvu.com/sports/197138875-story" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Colin
Kaepernick</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> made a quiet choice to stand up – or take a seat – and
express his feelings on a matter that has been plaguing our nation. He
said: </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">"There's people being
murdered </span><a href="http://blacklivesmatter.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">unjustly</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">
and not being held accountable. This stand wasn’t for me. This is because
I’m seeing things happen to people that don’t have a voice. People that don’t
have a platform to talk and have their voices heard and affect change. I’m in a
position where I can do that, and I’m gonna do that for people who
can’t.” </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">He didn’t make statements
beforehand, there were no announcements. He thought, and he acted
peacefully, and he put himself at risk with his career because his felt that
strongly about wrongdoings in our society, among his fellow humans. If we
are fortunate, every one of us has a moment in our lifetime that doing the
right thing becomes more important than money or other consequences.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">And now people have lost their
collective minds over it. He has been called every name in the book, many
of them of a racist nature – thereby proving his point. His actions were
immediately declared a disrespect to military – further proving his
point. He has even been vilified as a “radical Islamic supporter.”
(that one wins the award for Most Ridiculous). </span><b><span style="color: #cccccc;">It is apples and
oranges to say that he is committing offense to our military; the freedoms our
soldiers fight and put their lives at risk for include the right to protest.</span></b><span style="color: #cccccc;">
Even more ironic are the labels of "stupid," "idiot,"
"dumber than...." (take your pick), because most probably don't
realize that he was a 4.0 student. I could only laugh sadly at those
dismissive "armchair quarterback" comments of "like that
privileged asshole's ever been oppressed." You really think that a
mixed race adopted kid from the Midwest never experienced discrimination?
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Why is it every time that someone
takes a stand </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">for </span></i><span style="color: #cccccc;">something,
it has to be </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">against</span></i><span style="color: #cccccc;">
something that is a far stretch away? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Then everyone wants to throw in
his salary, his upbringing, his color or lack thereof, and of course everyone
thinks he should have done it their way. Money doesn’t solve everything,
so throwing his at it isn’t going to solve problems. Using his celebrity
to give voice to those who feel they have none – now that’s doing
something. And it worked. While this was a personal decision, the
media and social platforms did they do best; they bit. And people are
talking. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh736rv5doOneROuis4mjdrzD6qXcGINU-BbBgqZPnFTUwk4xxLX0QEAB_6EUapFhEDCB04wABUUw1-fk45SYGP_42wEcz6dOLQmxX1n9t8ZqeikSOCKazZYf4BQwVX4sdtlPKEXUlZ-a9Z/s1600/14192646_10207359964298220_6957673578567776573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh736rv5doOneROuis4mjdrzD6qXcGINU-BbBgqZPnFTUwk4xxLX0QEAB_6EUapFhEDCB04wABUUw1-fk45SYGP_42wEcz6dOLQmxX1n9t8ZqeikSOCKazZYf4BQwVX4sdtlPKEXUlZ-a9Z/s200/14192646_10207359964298220_6957673578567776573_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzcTrRfFbSe-XArbfUkNTG3cy3WbNTFvaisbLRHavdoDlrtswjlIMEppmLNpdFoz239thaJfKDU5j8YbNNnWzB7oIQu3iizsvZsAfKPDeX4bb5bHZniHxmUw-_Xc2r58eaQOHQMYUZHSk/s1600/14192646_10207359964298220_6957673578567776573_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="float: left;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfnE84Qe2F_zTz82RKaqST4xe2vLourHVpfig2XH5nQt88EsVV_G9qHbMngTx_JlLJ1hTBAc_EHcKToqwDMU3tk8L6ebECLcHh44_j554sENidwAbwGN6F2On1703P-TixhptIyIRXV-7/s1600/14192004_10207359872255919_6241487783813838181_n.jpg"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">This isn’t the first athlete to make a
statement during a pivotal moment. Think </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Olympics_Black_Power_salute" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Tommie
Smith and John Carolos</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> during the 1968 Olympic ceremony. How
about the beloved </span><a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/muhammad-ali-refuses-army-induction" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Muhammad
Ali?</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">But according to NFL fans,
Kaepernick needs to shut the hell up and do his job. Well, he did.
He played the game he was paid to play, and has continued to do so. The
team management wasn’t scrambling to defend him until everyone went batshit
crazy. </span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfffAt7aWSMYAt72-1RGGWSWEDXJsyCx9nJ08rDEa4yK0Dml-qixLz5jwrGks4-aby2DTnTEE9ApNMYHNzFHf92DpeQSOkEzqMz6udSTKsw0bqWp4LT1lQDY6MvoMWcySPnKtD5LjXGra2/s1600/14192004_10207359872255919_6241487783813838181_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfffAt7aWSMYAt72-1RGGWSWEDXJsyCx9nJ08rDEa4yK0Dml-qixLz5jwrGks4-aby2DTnTEE9ApNMYHNzFHf92DpeQSOkEzqMz6udSTKsw0bqWp4LT1lQDY6MvoMWcySPnKtD5LjXGra2/s200/14192004_10207359872255919_6241487783813838181_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfffAt7aWSMYAt72-1RGGWSWEDXJsyCx9nJ08rDEa4yK0Dml-qixLz5jwrGks4-aby2DTnTEE9ApNMYHNzFHf92DpeQSOkEzqMz6udSTKsw0bqWp4LT1lQDY6MvoMWcySPnKtD5LjXGra2/s1600/14192004_10207359872255919_6241487783813838181_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">The comments that I have been
reading on all of the outlets, of people I know and don’t, have been so vile
that it sickens me to be of the same species. I’m not surprised because
it’s a way of thinking that I grew up with, that I know too well. I’m
just disappointed that it seems, between Trump’s encouragement and the
breakdown of political correctness – something I’m not always in favor of
myself – it is most certainly not improving in any way. We cannot have
disagreements about politics without people resorting to name-calling and
vicious personal attacks. The internet only feeds the fire because for
the non-celebrities, there are no consequences. For Kaepernick, there
were consequences, and he still chose to face them head on. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">It’s a statement that I have been
making for years, in my own small way, regarding the National Anthem.
That line about “land of the free” has always been a stitch in my britches
because only recently have we made more advanced strides in </span><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/06/26/417717613/supreme-court-rules-all-states-must-allow-same-sex-marriages" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">civil
liberties</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">, but still too many have those freedoms denied in various
ways by fellow citizens, by the legal and economic systems, by ways some of us
cannot even imagine. Yet there is still just so much anger. Every
time I ever wanted to sit out the song, I didn't have the nuts because it was
always in a very "patriotic" crowd. And our ideas of patriotism
have become quite twisted since that cold </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cccccc;">September</span></a><span style="color: #cccccc;">
day.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I have never liked anything about
football. It may be a brutal sport, but it’s also kind of a sissy
one. So much drama all the time for a bunch of guys grabbing on each
other in shiny uniforms and always crying foul or amendments or whatever.
What I do love is an inspirational sports story, and I am a fan of sports
heroes.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">Right now, I am Colin
Kaepernick’s biggest fan. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">I highly recommend that everyone
- including myself - take a good hard look in their mirrors to see if we
are putting in even one bit of the effort and courage that he has displayed,
but more importantly – take a harder look at why we aren’t.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: calibri;">_______________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: calibri;">For an excellent take on the reactions to this story, take a look at this column by <a href="http://blogs.mercurynews.com/thompson/2016/08/28/49ers-colin-kaepernick-sat-national-anthem-sparked-national-debate-whats-contribution/?doing_wp_cron=1472474012.5573980808258056640625%3Futm_source%3Dinthenews" target="_blank">Marcus Thompson</a> of the Bay Area News Group.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: calibri;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-83893408482553011072015-12-17T18:21:00.001-08:002015-12-17T23:11:51.832-08:00We Need a Little Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5EjS-YYW-BG8jXNnj13WAUGGUsRHMRA4_K93EWoiDTwej85_gXT1-iMBBXSCU2XJVWluHcPlT-CL5AsuDKCX0SKLoI8jfKbUeewRVc7dhbPV-hihOYU6YmqZtHFD8M3IRslpgfFeKko-/s1600/Frank+%2526+Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Haul
out the holly, put up the tree before my spirit falls again…</span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t know
in what scientific world red and green together become blue, but as the chill
of winter settles in, it seems to upset the entire color wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gold and silver become sacrilegious, red
becomes merry and green brings us peace in a softly lit pine tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s the
time of year that we wander in and out of lost dreams, holidays past and wonder
just a little more about what the future holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We reach out for love, whether holding more tightly or search for it
with desperation in a hanging sock, a starry night or in a ribbon wrapped
box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memories abound like scurrying
elves and hang about like mistletoe, surrounding us in romantic sorrow.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems
that each year the ringing of the bells becomes more faint than ever before,
that the angels fly higher out of reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it’s that my perspective continues to grow heavier .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“What are
you doing for Thanksgiving?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the
common question on everyone’s mind and they expect polite, standard answers in
return.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Surviving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because that’s apparently what I do.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no secret that it is my least favorite
day of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thankfulness is
rudely intruded upon by my ungracious family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Their way of ringing in the season is to let me be the turkey on the
table each year as I’m poked or prodded or even ignored.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe the latter part is the blessing in
disguise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years I have created
my own family and perhaps I have a deeper appreciation for them because they
were chosen rather than handed over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As December
rolls in, the days grow shorter and my longing for something meaningful takes
hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having less and less money at the
end of each year doesn’t make it any merrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year Roger and I have agreed to lighten up on the gift giving and
spend time away from our hectic lives instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’ll take two days next week and visit the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe we’ll revisit each other too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A few weeks
ago, as I looked ahead to my many projects, it occurred to me finally that I
may have a habit of taking on too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I always think I can handle anything that comes along because that’s
what others tell me, but it’s occurring to me that I’m not being fair to those
I make commitments to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like to
let others down, I’m so familiar with that spiral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like when we stop believing in Santa;
one disappointment leads to another until we no longer fall asleep in front of
the chimney waiting for something to appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some people will shrug it off like it’s nothing but others will miss
that magic for the rest of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">One such
project came along only recently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
connected with a woman through the social media post of a local journalist who
had shared Christine’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has
traveled a harrowing journey through depression and was ready to end her life
when she sent a “farewell letter” to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FrankSomervilleKTVU/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Frank</a>, as though she had nothing more to
lose by opening up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt drawn to her
when she stated that she had the idea to write down her story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing she had a long road ahead of her, I
offered to help where I could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I’ve
fallen further behind in my current work, it felt as though I’d done her a
disservice but promising I could do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When she recently visited the Bay Area, we made arrangements to
meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wracked with nerves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we didn’t hit it off?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if this was too big for either of
us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How would I explain that to her or
admit it to myself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night before we
were to meet, a thought came to me at 3am as many thoughts do and I emailed the
newsman and told him that Christine would be here and would he like to meet
her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, after the note had been sent,
I immediately wondered, had I done that for her benefit or for mine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I was quite
surprised when he replied in the morning confirming he would be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suddenly the day became even more important
as I feared what her reaction might be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Was I betraying her trust, her privacy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5EjS-YYW-BG8jXNnj13WAUGGUsRHMRA4_K93EWoiDTwej85_gXT1-iMBBXSCU2XJVWluHcPlT-CL5AsuDKCX0SKLoI8jfKbUeewRVc7dhbPV-hihOYU6YmqZtHFD8M3IRslpgfFeKko-/s1600/Frank+%2526+Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5EjS-YYW-BG8jXNnj13WAUGGUsRHMRA4_K93EWoiDTwej85_gXT1-iMBBXSCU2XJVWluHcPlT-CL5AsuDKCX0SKLoI8jfKbUeewRVc7dhbPV-hihOYU6YmqZtHFD8M3IRslpgfFeKko-/s320/Frank+%2526+Christine.jpg" width="268"></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As we
talked, I felt more at ease because I knew where she was coming from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loneliness, the hurt, the anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t far apart in age, or in our lives
even if they seemed vastly different at that particular moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her why she’d written that
letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I just wanted to talk to
someone who didn’t know me.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Then Frank
arrived and she still had no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Butterflies hit me as I said “So, I have a surprise for you…” </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb5EjS-YYW-BG8jXNnj13WAUGGUsRHMRA4_K93EWoiDTwej85_gXT1-iMBBXSCU2XJVWluHcPlT-CL5AsuDKCX0SKLoI8jfKbUeewRVc7dhbPV-hihOYU6YmqZtHFD8M3IRslpgfFeKko-/s1600/Frank+%2526+Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“What’s
that?”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Turn
around.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood behind her and
Christine burst into tears as he wrapped her in a hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“You saved
my life.” she cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was humbling to
be in the presence of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if I
failed in giving what she needed after today, I had done something right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not about me, but in bringing her
one moment of acceptance from a world that had betrayed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we all brought each other together, my life
would be richer going forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Bells ring
from near and far every day in every corner of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They peal more loudly when accompanied by
wreaths and gifts and cheered spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We don’t all feel that magic, some of us have to go in search of it and
some have lost our way for what might be forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not always a scientific world, nor is it
surrounded always by frosted marshmallow clouds, but it is indeed our snowball
that grows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As I look
into the eyes of those around me who wish for better and brighter things, it
lessens my own sadness just enough to find my spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I let <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXsu5XArEUw" target="_blank">Capra </a>whisk me away to Bedford
Falls where <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fIrXo0raaU" target="_blank">Clarence</a> spoke once again to my inner demons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few days ago, I witnessed a room full of
people coming together in faith and charity to make a better Christmas for so
many others because I asked them to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">When my husband
and I reach our pier, we will walk hand in hand to the end of the world to
stand beneath the brightest, tallest, <a href="http://www.bayareastories.com/2014/12/running-on-empty-in-search-of-christmas.html" target="_blank">most magical tree</a> in the entire endless sky.
It may not really be the tallest, but that’s my perspective as each year
closes, the lights dotted with the faces of those around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a universe that grows with each day
that I live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is then that blue gives
way to the lining of silver amongst the red and the green.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will listen for the sweetness of the bells
and count my coins of gold, and look for someone to pass them on to, because the
glitter and shine is in the sharing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For
I’ve grown a little sadder, grown a little older.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need a little Christmas now… </span></i><br>
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Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-8581942956140727412015-11-03T01:23:00.000-08:002015-11-24T15:26:10.212-08:00Event - 2015 Annual Toy Drive!It's beginning to look a lot like... well, let's not utter the 'C' word just yet. It's still early, we're all still in a pumpkin hangover spirit and gearing up for turkey. But it's on the horizon, and it's time to start making plans! <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkrMo0fjDtdRVHR_lppBulIx4yOp2in0A_z9I3iKpXdcha0dqaZGTd_4eblacOrOb37B9bCl-YeUO0A6PNW90xINjA31Vf-IeOPgbUYboVyVByUnbspPVel5gTEPTsCSzPWURVsMW0H9V/s640/blogger-image-1070333619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkrMo0fjDtdRVHR_lppBulIx4yOp2in0A_z9I3iKpXdcha0dqaZGTd_4eblacOrOb37B9bCl-YeUO0A6PNW90xINjA31Vf-IeOPgbUYboVyVByUnbspPVel5gTEPTsCSzPWURVsMW0H9V/s640/blogger-image-1070333619.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>This year, The Bay Area Collective and <a href="http://www.rainfallpress.com/" target="_blank">Rainfall Press</a> are proud to announce our annual toy drive Dinner and Comedy Event on Sunday, December 13th at 5pm! Tickets are on sale now (pre-purchase required) for only $20 plus a toy - this price includes a pre-selected dinner (yes, there will be vegetarian options available), a non-alcoholic beverage, and a comedy show featuring the talents of hometown favorites <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenjturner" target="_blank">Stephen Turner</a> and <a href="http://sammarcoux.com/" target="_blank">Sam Marcoux - more to be added soon!</a><br>
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This is your opportunity to help out a great cause and have some fun doing it. Invite your family and friends! All proceeds and toys go straight in the hands of the U.S. Marines, who will be at the event for a meet and greet and to take back your generous donations. There will be a raffle, too! You can win great prizes from local restaurants, authors and artists.<br>
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If you can't make it but would still like to help, we're accepting donations via check or PayPal as well as Toys R Us gift cards. Again, all tax deductible!<br>
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Contact Kymberlie Ingalls at kymberlie@rainfallpress.com for more information<br>
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<br>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-308964876616251932015-08-06T18:03:00.000-07:002015-08-15T22:19:42.922-07:00Opinionations - Laying Our Gunn to Rest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just short of a year ago, I wrote about the death of a beloved comedian who had come to call the Bay Area his home, but his passing impacted the entire globe. I was struck by the grief I experienced through the many who knew <a href="http://www.bayareastories.com/2014/08/opinionations-nanu-nanu-no-more.html" target="_blank">Robin Williams</a>. It went deep because he was, by all accounts, an artist who gave of himself, perhaps too much so. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, my heart aches for another such artist, one who touched my life, just one is his vast galaxy. The Bay Area's art world has taken a major hit. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.gunn1" target="_blank">Jimmy Gunn</a>, actor and comedian and all sorts of other wonderful things, has left us. I don't know of another comic, actor, director, producer or friend who has nurtured so many others along not just in their careers, but their lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> met Jimmy decades ago when I worked for a comedy
club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember knowing him then,
but Facebook came along and it was there we became friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a soft spot for comedians, for so many
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t only touch me with
laughter, but I understand what drives them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I longed for all of my
life to find that kind of bravery, standing on a stage and daring the world to take delight in their fallacies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">He wasn't a miserable comic. That's the perception, that the most brilliant comedy comes from pain. Jimmy didn't need to draw on such things; give him a paper bag and a stage, and he made us all fall hysterically in love. Next to Dr. Seuss himself, nobody gave Sam I Am more life than Jimmy Gunn. </span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm6nT3yR6xIr2_YFhuhsoKa0vdxT2oj7YKlV9C6mVp-j3Zano-VbhYZmEYRyOkM5KDa7B4olxQr0HrDVGahQ-_JQiiJilasbss0TivGhjAsVeB3JdMqszN9j9X6E_enFjmlf7iojSOAM7/s1600/Jimmy+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm6nT3yR6xIr2_YFhuhsoKa0vdxT2oj7YKlV9C6mVp-j3Zano-VbhYZmEYRyOkM5KDa7B4olxQr0HrDVGahQ-_JQiiJilasbss0TivGhjAsVeB3JdMqszN9j9X6E_enFjmlf7iojSOAM7/s200/Jimmy+-+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One day Jimmy and I sat down to lunch together, just the two
of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t know how rare that was,
finding out later that he found such close encounters difficult, and found
comfort in groups, in bringing random people together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was constantly springing new people on me
with no warning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We sat that day for
hours that seemed like a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>He was
also a drama teacher, and we talked about acting, about the magic of the theatre. There is a feeling that one gets when walking on a stage, if it is where we're meant to be. The scent of dense velvet, the sound of well-trodden wood. It's the feeling of home.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“So, let me get this straight – you’re saying you are not an actor <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or </i>a comedian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t you used to do stand up way back
when?”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, I never did.” I told him how my acting career had
stalled very early on, because I’d been traumatized with stage fright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Lots of us go through that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s really quite natural.” he admonished me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You’re not understanding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was terrifying.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I do get it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
after you did a performance, or say, after that reading you just talked about
where you read for the first time to a crowd… what happened?”</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“They sat there staring at me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Knowing what I do about you, it’s because you moved
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left them speechless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Did they applaud?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And didn’t you
feel wonderful after?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Didn’t you think
‘<em>look, I did it’</em>?” </span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He stared at me with that quizzical look of his, the machine
in his head trying to comprehend what did not make sense to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What were you thinking?”</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I thought, <em>what the fuck did I just do</em>?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jimmy never did understand that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as he knew, and believed, I was an
actor, a comedian, a writer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
someone who made the world <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel.</i></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“How would you know if I could move anyone?” I asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I read your posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
see how others react.”</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“You read my posts?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“All the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
when you don’t post for a few days, I worry about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, just when I think I need to check on
you, you burst out with some long rant or some declaration of how you’re
feeling, and I know that you’re okay for another day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxkN9hYSCJaLAC-WAWPWNh-Y48GIQiRbSMEw1AI5tMhKRHORZX6CmJVBGkPriwjVDGMkQIAgjEOD0yJE8iL3kQOegRXQ-u_zF9EbnfAsZbZEtKLlEQc5Mbk8aTTGy_vpjFbQtvvZ4T_m9/s1600/Jimmy+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxkN9hYSCJaLAC-WAWPWNh-Y48GIQiRbSMEw1AI5tMhKRHORZX6CmJVBGkPriwjVDGMkQIAgjEOD0yJE8iL3kQOegRXQ-u_zF9EbnfAsZbZEtKLlEQc5Mbk8aTTGy_vpjFbQtvvZ4T_m9/s200/Jimmy+-+2.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That was it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimmy
never liked to be questioned in his love for anyone, or of his faith in one’s
abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We argued a lot about that
over the next couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“If I
didn’t care, I simply wouldn’t respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are very far from that threshold, my dear.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He found it very troubling that I couldn’t
embrace this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have always been enmeshed in the comedy world in some
little way for the last 25 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimmy
brought me in as if I were one of them and never let me think that I
wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through him, I got to be where I
loved to be; backstage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t just
somebody in the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on <em>their</em> side of the curtain, and I belonged as
much as anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to really miss that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of the hundreds of comics I know, nobody else
has ever given that to me.</span></div>
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">“As I have said that after the
age of 12, everything else has been a bonus existence and not something to be
taken lightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing that has always
remained, and that is take nothing too seriously and treat all others with
equal or greater respect as I expect to be treated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty much plain and simple, and remarkably
easy to achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly and without
question love everyone who has ever loved me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So with these parts writ down in this chronicle, giving perhaps small
insight into my philosophies about death and love and life, then at least there
should be no more words after this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
least I know these words are here.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-
Jimmy Gunn (July 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, 2015)</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A life of what could easily keep anyone
down, Jimmy shone like the North Star.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He told me often that the greatest joy in his life after marrying his
best friend was mentoring others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
thing is he was so insanely great at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s going to be bigger than my loss or anyone else’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The collective loss of Jimmy Gunn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">I met Jimmy while doing comedy, but I am not a comedian. Comedian is a title that has to be earned by hundreds if not thousands of gigs in places nobody knows exist (and in reality probably shouldn’t). When I met Jimmy I was, and I still am, a “showcase comic” to use Jimmy’s own vernacular. This is a nether world between being an “open micer” and being someone at least capable of earning a living performing live comedy. I have the utmost respect for the profession, a profession I will never truly be a part of because I waited until way to late in life to start. I act, play in a Grateful Dead cover band and perform comedy when I can, but never leave the house more than once or twice a week. My day job and family are my priority, and I am OK with that.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">I say all this because it makes the way Jimmy and I became friends all that more amazing. My loftiest goal in comedy was (and is) to become capable of hosting a professional comedy show, and to that end a couple years ago I participated in the yearly comedy competition at Rooster T Feathers. Grand prize includes a week of hosting work at the club. I was already friends with Jimmy on Facebook, having seen him perform and knowing we had a lot of friends in common. We had a couple of exchanges before that competition, but our friendship truly began when I went off the rails on Facebook after failing to advance past the preliminary round. I said that if my results in that competition, which I had participated in three times before with similar results, were not improving then I was going to quite comedy. What was the point? I wasn’t getting any better.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Jimmy first responded to my post and then began sending me private messages, trying to talk me off the ledge. This is one of the great things about the Bay Area comedy scene…in LA, the collective response would have been “yeah, you go girl…quit comedy…(I’ll take yer stage time)”. Not only did Jimmy take the time to talk to me via Facebook, he suggested we have lunch the next day and talk about comedy. That took me aback initially…who would take the time to have lunch with a whiny open micer to talk them into continuing comedy? What’s the catch? I decided to go, and if I showed up and he was wearing a hockey mask and holding a baseball bat I would know I had made a mistake.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">There was no hockey mask, only BBQ and talk of comedy. It was fabulous…then after I mentioned my daughter Siena he got that look on his face, one that was at the same time quizzical and mischievous. I was about to find out that he had mistaken me for another generic white Dad comic named Robert Forsythe. During the next break in the conversation he said “I have to be honest with you…you are not who I thought you were, and I only like to hang out with funny people so this may be the last lunch we have together.” Fortunately for me he liked my act, and we became pretty fast friends. A few months later I was visiting him in the hospital during one of those times he went in suddenly…I honestly forget why. He had a gig that night closing out a show I was also scheduled to be on. As we sat in the hospital he got that mischievous look on his face again and said “I am going to post on Facebook that, despite being in the hospital, I am still doing the gig…and I’d like you to go there and do my act. “ I was dumbfounded and terrified…so I did it. What an honor to be trusted with his act, and what a total 100% Jimmy thing it was to do. It was glorious, and I really doubt I’ll ever do anything in comedy to top that.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">If you are friends with Jimmy you probably know that there are dozens (if not hundreds) of stories like mine. Jimmy was selfless with his time, and like me did comedy for the pure joy of it. That’s probably why we got along so well, or at least part of it. At that lunch he helped me realize what I already knew: I was doing comedy because it was fun. That’s the point. It’s supposed to be fun. He truly enjoyed helping others on their creative journeys, and for his consultations appeared to only want your company in return. There was, and is, nothing special about me…but he made me feel special. There is a comedian in the Bay Area, a real comedian, name Conor Kellicutt who pointed out quite correctly that there is now a void in Bay Area comedy and theater that each member of those communities should strive to fill. As he so aptly said none of us can be Jimmy…but we can be more Jimmy. Regardless of what we do we can freely give of ourselves to help those that come after us. We can be less competitive and more inclusive. We can do things we have never done before, and do them with courage we didn’t know we had. We can be more Jimmy. </span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">What I did right to make a friend like that I will probably never know. The other night I was looking through our texts to get his address for someone who wished to send flowers. I had to wait a day after hearing the news because I couldn’t bear it. Jimmy and his wife Myra have become friends of my entire family, and my daughter adores them. Present tense, for that shall continue. It was too hard. When I got up the courage to look through them I found an exchange we had when he invited us all over for dinner. I was explaining that my daughter Siena only likes butter on her pasta. Jimmy was going to make mac and cheese....and wrote this: </span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">"Tell her I will make a very light cheese pasta, and if that doesn't jive with her taste buds I'll whip up a quick batch of buttered noodles...and tell her Happy 95th Birthday"</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">It’s really a shame that the pain right now is too great for me to continue reading our chat history. It will never be OK that Jimmy’s gone, just like after 30 plus years it’s not OK that my brother is gone and after nine years it’s still not OK that my Dad is gone. It will never be OK but it will be…better. There are a lot of people out there that did not get to know him like I did, and I know I will be on the road to better when I can take joy in reliving the words we shared, rather than becoming sad and bitter over those we will never get to share.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Until then I will try to </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bemorejimmy?source=feed_text&story_id=10207721515655118"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl">#</span><span class="_58cm">BeMoreJimmy</span></span></a><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">RIP my dear friend, Jimmy Gunn</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">~ </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephenjturner?fref=ts" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Stephen Turner</span></a><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"> </span></blockquote>
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Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-79847633607860829882014-12-12T03:51:00.000-08:002014-12-14T23:57:31.009-08:00Running On Empty (In Search Of Christmas)<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Running on empty,
running blind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running into the sun, but
I’m running behind…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When did Christmas become an <a href="http://www.writerofthestorm.com/2012/12/reading-when-my-heart-finds-christmas.html" target="_blank">illusion</a>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Has it always been?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, then it means our entire childhoods
were a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christmas has had its ups and downs this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I attended what was supposed to be
a festive luncheon but there was a shadow cast over the crowd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dour mood was contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When all was said and done, one hateful
Grinch had ruined it for many of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing what I knew, I tried to keep in mind that misery is often
projected from the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day, with the generosity of friends
and family, we raised a small fortune for the <a href="http://www.toysfortots.org/" target="_blank">Toys For Tots</a> foundation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the soldiers who attended said he
thought it was great that we did this each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m always at corporate parties or large
events, but I’ve never seen anyone do this as a personal cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What an amazing group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are very fortunate for people such as
yourself who puts their time into helping us out.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to sleep that night feeling like I’d
done <a href="http://www.bayareastories.com/2014/11/atoning-for-my-sins-event-toys-for-tots.html" target="_blank">a good thing</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And woke up to a vile letter from the
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35WgpMq6e3o" target="_blank">Grinch</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Don’t let them ruin your day,”
gets tossed at me when I vent to friends, but they aren’t the target so that’s
an easy sentiment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to convince
myself that someone out there is having a worse day than I am, or they wouldn’t
say those things that made up such a toxic diatribe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems to me that everywhere I go, people
are segregated from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It isn’t
even a collective depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
is lost in their own heads and there’s little light to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The loneliness in the air is palpable whether
I’m alone or in a room full of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I went <a href="http://www.writerofthestorm.com/2014/12/finding-santa_12.html" target="_blank">searching</a> for Christmas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kissed my husband Roger goodbye, settled into my
car with some comfort music and did what I do best; hit the open road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove away from the every day with the
determination that I was going to find candy canes and lit up trees and
stockings hung with care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the day
slipped past me, I could feel the ocean waves on my horizon and they pulled me
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun seemed as if it were
waiting for me to arrive before saying goodnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGtzXPjTu0uKgN9J3ybowc40B1IkEZgrS6iQq1DW_IJiiZMYHiqvuGh-hZLsVI_h1pkT_AJYj6Ki-9Ts7e8Lt07_fI7q84kKkzWkq4QTZaZB_6_GYqvmEDaieq6q38isoalKTuiXe7_EH/s1600/Chingadero+-+Solvang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGtzXPjTu0uKgN9J3ybowc40B1IkEZgrS6iQq1DW_IJiiZMYHiqvuGh-hZLsVI_h1pkT_AJYj6Ki-9Ts7e8Lt07_fI7q84kKkzWkq4QTZaZB_6_GYqvmEDaieq6q38isoalKTuiXe7_EH/s1600/Chingadero+-+Solvang.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yesterday I wandered around a Dutch tourist
town, but even there I was disappointed in the lack of gaiety along the quiet
parks and walkways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d tucked my little
sock monkey, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muFGti4nr-4&list=UUJMxz-OyTxxS7rQv3_EZd-g&index=3" target="_blank">Chinga</a>, into my purse and together we posed with gingerbread
houses and Santa Clauses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wandered
into a book store, and there we met Tom, a friendly fellow manning the
register.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I'd been browsing the store and listening to this loud group of people
sitting outside in the dark at a coffee shop table. I remarked that he must
overhear a lot of interesting conversations. He laughed and nodded to the
group. "Supposedly in the interest of God, but I have my doubts." He
laughed and asked where I was from. We talked a bit before he said “I like your
sock monkey.” and pointed at the shock of red yarn hair spilling out of my
bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I introduced him to Chinga.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tom is from Florida.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I have a nephew up there in the Bay
Area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His name is Tom too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s from San Diego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sure has gotten into them politics and
economics since moving up there.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
laughed a little, then mentioned I’d been watching all of the civil unrest and
violence in the protests back home in Berkeley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then Chinga was distracted by a Santa man cruising his brightly
decorated motorcycle with lights strung all around it playing Jingle Bells as
he motored past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silly monkey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203369480538620&l=0736da569a" target="_blank">dinner</a> of Danish
meatballs and sausages and sauerkraut, two older gentlemen behind me were
chatting over wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been in Hawaii
for the last three weeks, you know.” says one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Who’s the girl?” asked the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I nearly choked on my iced tea from laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continued to talk about long lives well
lived, and the lessons they’d learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I
remember raising a baby in an office when we started our own business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone said we were doing everything wrong,
but we did alright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But none of that
matters anymore.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they got up to
leave, one leaning heavily on his cane, they spoke to the pretty Latina women
in the next booth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“How ya doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey, we’re gonna go out dancing or something,
want to join us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re not married or
anything are ya?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to which they smiled
and replied that they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As he stumbled
out the door, he says “I tried, but I couldn’t get a date with em!”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBUElhw35FIUcWq52rvFEhrmHu4xJT2yfzIeX7jRMFg09YDnDvimjys1uQZZEgwvfApgzrN04qcvFRYYQlZPgG6qvux_t0og0dI1vPTFbgATiZlVaph5CBV69U0xxBCwOmMsTkKmJQC18/s1600/Pismo+-+Christmas+Tree+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBUElhw35FIUcWq52rvFEhrmHu4xJT2yfzIeX7jRMFg09YDnDvimjys1uQZZEgwvfApgzrN04qcvFRYYQlZPgG6qvux_t0og0dI1vPTFbgATiZlVaph5CBV69U0xxBCwOmMsTkKmJQC18/s1600/Pismo+-+Christmas+Tree+-+2.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I drove the dark highway
back to the sleepy beach town where I was staying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I texted Roger and said I was too tired to
walk along the marina that night, but there was the biggest tree made of lights
I’d ever seen at the end, some distance away and it was calling to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began the long stroll across the quiet,
desolate pier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lights were dim, the weathered
boards creaked beneath my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every so
often the wind carried a noise toward me and I’d see a lone fisherman or a
couple strolling under the moon’s holy light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: black;">That’s
when I met Juan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw him hurry past me
towards the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few minutes later he
scurried back, but crossed over to me to ask the time as I was taking pictures
of a large red tinsel star hanging from a foggy lamp post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My natural instincts made me hide my phone
and give a vague answer while stepping back from this young man in jeans, a hat
and a hoodie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: black;">He
then said; "I saw you walking, I just wanted to come and wish you a Merry Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came from church tonight down the street,
and then I came here to see that beautiful tree. As I passed you, I felt your
lovely soul breathing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to wish
you a peaceful night, and share my blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tomorrow when I go off to my job, where I will work hard because that’s
how I was raised, I'm going to carry you in my heart." My heart searched
his dark eyes, trying to believe him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
I could say was “thank you, Merry Christmas.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He bent and kissed my hand, hugged me, and disappeared into the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMlbnVeGAjYDxxwc6_agwG9lEd__RGoJdJtJoyM0JTRhf4-DlqwE3Q08y1NfRLkE5U28fBGFxjyI9evh7Ccbh66pjKYrWdAX3a3FWFJkw2mYEOuqEWWyR2-x9WC9OPU128TLgFvmfvIJl/s1600/Pismo+-+Christmas+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMlbnVeGAjYDxxwc6_agwG9lEd__RGoJdJtJoyM0JTRhf4-DlqwE3Q08y1NfRLkE5U28fBGFxjyI9evh7Ccbh66pjKYrWdAX3a3FWFJkw2mYEOuqEWWyR2-x9WC9OPU128TLgFvmfvIJl/s1600/Pismo+-+Christmas+Tree.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">I
was struggling with my leg as I limped toward the tree, needing to see it
close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t going to let my ongoing
pain keep me from this magical sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then I was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
tower of lights reaching up into the sky, as far as I could see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched the gulls flap their wings against
the stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean threw itself to the
sand beneath me, the pier swaying against the power of the waves.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: black;">As
I ambled away from it, a bright-eyed woman rushed past, camera in hand, asking
me “Isn’t it the most wonderful tree in the whole world?” with the excitement
of a young girl in search of sugarplums in her voice.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the spirit of serendipity, this just floated through my inbox as I grasped at
an ending to this ramble; “</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Without answers there really are no
questions. You have to wonder which ever came first. The same goes
for love. It is really everywhere and nowhere, and anywhere you want
it to be.”</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: black;">Therein
lies the spirit, tucked inside of the illusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that’s the magic of Christmas.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="background-color: black;">Looking back at the
road rushing under my wheels, I don’t know where I’m running now, I’m just
running on…</span> </span></i></div>
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Kymberlie Ingalls, December 12, 2014<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>*<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lyrics:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Running
On Empty </i>/ Jackson Browne</span><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-71915286100747515432014-11-24T23:07:00.003-08:002014-11-24T23:09:08.601-08:00Atoning For My Sins (Event - Toys For Tots Benefit Dinner)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5Q1iogK0DFJRz0ztz3EHgMoRMUKcXm_9kn-Seyk9tqikRxZ_XDUCdnMK6gaiJ2u_UfUvdmZYgYNY_VEm5bSQap3kTOrMoS7L2wN02rR2vVY5MzDHQb3EFb1Bf79D3DFZ_lPjWq8IdGIQ/s1600/Toys+For+Tots+-+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5Q1iogK0DFJRz0ztz3EHgMoRMUKcXm_9kn-Seyk9tqikRxZ_XDUCdnMK6gaiJ2u_UfUvdmZYgYNY_VEm5bSQap3kTOrMoS7L2wN02rR2vVY5MzDHQb3EFb1Bf79D3DFZ_lPjWq8IdGIQ/s1600/Toys+For+Tots+-+Logo.jpg" height="113" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
If there were an award for the Mean Old Lady in the Neighborhood, I'd have no competition at all. It's no secret that kids and I are rarely ever in sync, and it's just one of the many reasons I never had any of my own. <br />
<br />
Admittedly, I tend to be hard on the Spawn of Satan that live across the way because if we're being honest, someone has to be. For as long as I've known these kids (and one I've known since before he was born), they've had entirely too much freedom from what little I can see. Now, that's a legitimate question - how would I know if I see so little? Some is knee-jerk judgment, but some is from the wisdom of knowledge. <em>I </em>was one of those kids. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpee-xaJtYale-IwrBFh7Eml0ZhyzD4aZRp7-MyAgWrZWbRml0Z89ZyRZmDGvljBkKStjyHHrd_MPQ5YpSRQkBNjCkc1nveMM42x4trQy-IczAZ38AoYzMPxSlUImAo-LSWB-ZMXfffKmr/s1600/Toys+For+Tots+-+Flyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpee-xaJtYale-IwrBFh7Eml0ZhyzD4aZRp7-MyAgWrZWbRml0Z89ZyRZmDGvljBkKStjyHHrd_MPQ5YpSRQkBNjCkc1nveMM42x4trQy-IczAZ38AoYzMPxSlUImAo-LSWB-ZMXfffKmr/s1600/Toys+For+Tots+-+Flyer.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a>I don't know if that's the reason I've been doing these drives for the last two decades, that I'm trying to give a kid the Christmas they need to make up for a bad year that's coming or going - or if it's atoning for my own sins committed throughout the year. All I know is that somewhere in my dark past, if I lacked in many other things that make up a happy childhood, I had Christmases. There has never been a year in my life that I didn't have a gift wrapped in pretty papers and ribbons and bows. The holiday isn't about the material things - anyone could pick me a daisy and I'm ecstatic - it's the thought that comes with it. In every Christmas tree, and I have had some lonely moments gazing into the lights nestled in those needles, there has always been someone out there thinking of me. <br />
<br />
That's what is my <em>reason for the season</em>. Trying to give every kid the bigger gift of "someone out there is thinking of you." <br />
<br />
I, however, can't do this alone. So, each year I rally my friends together and those who can help do. I am a most fortunate person to have so many generous people in this long life of mine. It's my 20th year of doing these drives. Some have been spectacular, some more low key - from splashy parties to arranging for a small drop off site. Here's my grown-up Christmas wish; that this one we reach for the sky. <br />
<br />
It's been a long, hard year of heavy loss, and wondering what reasons there were for going forward. For waking up each day. Wondering if I would be here to see this winter. Still unsure of whether I'll see the next. This is my itty bitty teeny tiny way of hanging hopeful ornaments on another tree. Maybe it could be for you too. <br />
<br />
Please consider attending this event. Let's give the kids a holiday that they need. There will be great food, a fun raffle, the chance to meet new people, and an opportunity to help our Marines further their cause. They can't do it alone either. The opportunity to thank them in person for their service is worth a million dollars.<br />
<br />
Advance ticket purchase is required (check/mail, credit/debit, or PayPal) - bring your family and friends! ALL profits go to the Toys For Tots foundation. Come see the holiday festivities in downtown Walnut Creek. There will be free valet parking. It has epic potential to be your feel-good deed for the year. <br />
<br />
If you can't attend, but can donate monetarily to the foundation, or can provide merchandise/gift certificates to be included in our awesome prize line-up, please get in touch!<br />
<br />
Contact; Kymberlie Ingalls (925) 324-5106 or <a href="mailto:toydrive89@aol.com">toydrive89@aol.com</a><br />
<br />
Thank you to the following donors and sponsors;<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pfchangs.com/index.aspx" target="_blank">P.F. Chang's</a>, Walnut Creek<br />
The <a href="http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/" target="_blank">Cheesecake Factory</a>, Walnut Creek<br />
<br />
Authors:<br />
<a href="http://bigwords101.com/" target="_blank">Arlene Miller</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.arlettadawdy.com/" target="_blank">Arletta Dawdy</a><br />
<a href="http://crissilangwell.com/" target="_blank">Crissi Langwell</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jmartinpoetwriter.com/" target="_blank">Juanita Martin</a><br />
<a href="http://linda%20c.%20mccabe/" target="_blank">Linda C. McCabe</a><br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/flabellus" target="_blank">Lucille Bellucci</a><br />
<a href="http://lovesexnmerlot.com/our-authors/marian-lindner/" target="_blank">Marian Lindner</a><br />
<a href="http://thesatiricalmind.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Marisa Samuels</a><br />
<a href="http://roymash.com/home.php" target="_blank">Roy Mash</a><br />
<br />Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-55087840650170776912014-08-12T04:38:00.002-07:002014-08-14T01:52:13.155-07:00Opinionations: Nanu Nanu No More?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnxLUc7S7pD1G-YMdvqcB_fEhyp6m88SZxvOvCO_RtTjk8EqjArzTPfcqwf19UQXcx3yqsc5Slzl1DLcPeFyPfhgAOhhM-RrMfhcY-xVjIsiSIvfWDBV0-gQHzwnC89VlRIGprQPi9m9w/s1600/Robin+Williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnxLUc7S7pD1G-YMdvqcB_fEhyp6m88SZxvOvCO_RtTjk8EqjArzTPfcqwf19UQXcx3yqsc5Slzl1DLcPeFyPfhgAOhhM-RrMfhcY-xVjIsiSIvfWDBV0-gQHzwnC89VlRIGprQPi9m9w/s1600/Robin+Williams.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a>Actor and comedian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams#Addiction_and_health_problems" target="_blank">Robin Williams</a> has left this Earth for the last time. While his talent was indisputable, more importantly <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmEepal9vVU&list=UUxPa19jRzbF1HDCUChri83A" target="_blank">we have lost</a> the involuntary face that has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT-C-Q2AQoM" target="_blank">championed</a> many causes over the years. <br />
<br />
Most important of all, we have lost another to the mental health <a href="http://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=C0ZXwwfTpU5W7Bc_K-QPrsID4BbHm09ACubu3jjnI2KkFCAAQAigCUOHRldL9_____wFgyZbYhsijoBmgAcecpeQDyAEBqgQhT9Cv0mWMEsSe_Hc9hxJhyOtsGnBkDW7I1stzq06KWnE3gAeh49obiAcBkAcCqAemvhs&sig=AOD64_31Qqfckyg-Pu-jjQg_cObU8vRWrg&rct=j&frm=1&q=&ved=0CCoQ0Qw&adurl=http://www.bbrfoundation.org/bipolar-disorder" target="_blank">demons</a> that plague too many.<br />
<br />
I'm watching the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89" target="_blank">social media</a> explosion, and truthfully I can't quite recall another death that has swept my newsfeed in this manner.. ever. We've lost celebrities young and old, many unexpected, but even I, a former pop culture princess, hadn't foreseen the impact Williams had on our generations. My own post started off with "While I wasn't a <em>huge </em>fan..." but as the day slipped by and the news sank in, I watched the tributes pour in via stories, pictures and anecdotes (see below) not from the likes of Whoopi Goldberg or Steve Martin, but from all of the lesser known comedians and personalities who considered themselves privileged to have crossed paths with the prized Bay Area resident. Perhaps that's why I felt a teeny tiny connection to the larger than life actor; his love for my homeland was immense, and his dedication to his fellow soldiers in the warzone of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdIRME3EpFY" target="_blank">funny</a> was clear.<br />
<br />
I think I may have worn the rainbow suspenders back in the day, but don't recall. I remember collecting trading cards and books and things that sported the zany face of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-KaOJ_jVXI" target="_blank">Mork</a> and his earthling cohort Mindy, but don't feel the sentimentality as my peers from what I'm reading. I remember reading how difficult Robin was to work with - completely out of control, unscripted and untamable. As I reflected today, I realized it wasn't the comedy I was going to miss, but the heart. The first film I ever saw Williams in was <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGT-rY5Y06g" target="_blank">The World According To Garp</a>. </em> I was hooked on both him and Glenn Close from that moment on. The characters felt like family to me. Then slowly, over this latter half of my life, he indelibly left a mark of characters <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAp8j4c2LGs" target="_blank">light</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gYXuURrLVA" target="_blank">dark</a> that if we looked closely, we saw the heart of a man who had walked all roads of a life. <br />
<br />
It wasn't an easy road. Williams <a href="http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/08/11/robin-williams-bipolar-sufferer-dead-at-63-due-to-suicide/" target="_blank">suffered</a> mental health issues all of his life; bipolar, depression and addictions. I've been wondering all day why it is we call out some celebrities for being "just another junky" when they die with a needle in their arm even when they display immense talent themselves. I'm citing the recent death of actor <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Seymour_Hoffman" target="_blank">Philip Seymour Hoffman</a>, who like Williams was a chameleon in his work, showing an underlying but heartbreaking brilliance in every single project, but he was just "another asshole who couldn't cut it" because he died of his addiction. I'm not saying to slash your heart and bleed for every alcoholic and drug addict in the world, but have a little compassion for our fellow humans. Especially when they are self-medicating to survive the world they didn't ask to be in. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTMGsPPz2HV9Cvb-S6PSBsLuFvdAe4CX8kSrQt2fL1H5sj3qK9UrKOZ3CvcRhiB-2rTkYSmb96JElJrXtAG5npBPlDLPfEMh47L-lHT7BwQ4xUPc2SL0IFfLl_ZHkB8biOVXJhj9r6tcS/s1600/Robin+Williams+-+Tom's%2Bpost%2B-%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTMGsPPz2HV9Cvb-S6PSBsLuFvdAe4CX8kSrQt2fL1H5sj3qK9UrKOZ3CvcRhiB-2rTkYSmb96JElJrXtAG5npBPlDLPfEMh47L-lHT7BwQ4xUPc2SL0IFfLl_ZHkB8biOVXJhj9r6tcS/s1600/Robin+Williams+-+Tom's%2Bpost%2B-%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a>We put our celebrities on a pedestal, and then shred their dignity and humanity when they fall. Robin went through his falling when it was splashed out in the tabloids throughout the earlier decades of his career. Heinous behavior that was under an drug-fueled cloud. The strongest performances come from the artist's burning desire to shout to the world while hiding from it at the same time. I've been watching all day the reports of this "shocking death." What the hell was so shocking? Whoever didn't see this coming wasn't looking closely enough. <br />
<br />
My guess is that Robin was tired of being on that pedestal. Some of us just can't handle being looked up at and adored and recognized for our gifts. A deep and shattering fear of fame has kept me from ever wandering too far outside my little corner of the world. Williams' talent was such a bright light there was no ignoring it, but perhaps it blinded us to the darkness lurking behind it. Few realize just how many celebrities are who they are because they're driven by their demons. This isn't always the case. Comedian and actor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marsha.warfield?fref=ts" target="_blank">Marsha Warfield</a> said this: "<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Comedy is not 'born of tragedy,' and comedians are no more prone to depression, addiction or anything else than anybody else. Good comedians can find humor in even the darkest subjects, but then, they can find just as much funny in air, cheesecake, or hats. That's what comedy is...finding the funny where most folks would normally never look. Yet, comedians are human beings first, and the things<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> that plague, as well as those that sustain us are the same things that affect us all."</span></span><br />
<br />
<em>Mike Wallace was once asked by a friend to describe his decades-long battle with clinical depression. He said, and I paraphrase, that for him depression was akin to having two messengers arrive at his door simultaneously. The first messenger would tell him that he had lost his home, his savings, his job, and that his wife had divorced him. The second messenger would tell him he had just inherited $20 million. And for him, both messages carried the same meaningless weight. ~ </em>Social media contributor<em> </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Visionclear?fref=ts&ref=br_tf" target="_blank">Michael Cheetham</a><br />
<br />
I'm asked all the time why I focus on the negative, succumb to the dark side, why I prefer cloudy days to blue skies. Mostly, the don't get why something as benign as 'have a nice day' is offensive in some ways to me. Ask me at the end of a day how it went, and maybe it was <em>fine, </em>but to tell me to set out doing so is dismissive of my struggles (even if they're not known) and setting me up for failure when I have to report back that my day in fact sucked.<br />
<br />
I've been struggling lately with my own ghosts that want to drag me down to their graves. See, I'm a trained crisis counselor and relatively knowledgeable in matters of the mind. My head tells me to do things to get through the depression that overtakes me at times; speak out, seek things to fill the hours of each oh so long day, and try desperately to remember that it has passed before, but it's not easy. It's really fucking hard. <br />
<br />
So, Robin tried. Then today, he didn't. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pZnqIygaX-m1UDcEWqY0QyRujlr28Dnfio28QPdt5TKtnNsN8xZZ94CcjCYHMlKA8gQ9rc1e7PRyhWusvaJrGulbS9cYmPbN4_7K53m3CPKXFfJORvli1nrn5lJviUK2hcnquc1e946f/s1600/Robin+Williams+-+Tom's%2Bpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pZnqIygaX-m1UDcEWqY0QyRujlr28Dnfio28QPdt5TKtnNsN8xZZ94CcjCYHMlKA8gQ9rc1e7PRyhWusvaJrGulbS9cYmPbN4_7K53m3CPKXFfJORvli1nrn5lJviUK2hcnquc1e946f/s1600/Robin+Williams+-+Tom's%2Bpost.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a>The sadness I feel isn't at the loss of another star in the Hollywood sky. It's the reminder that we shine for a time, and then it's time to go. It's not yet my time, but it was his. In this tragic ending, he wasn't selfish; he was the ultimate champion for <a href="http://www.talk910.com/media/podcast-gil-gross-highlights-gil_gross_highlights/remembering-robin-williams-25147122/" target="_blank">a cause</a> we'd rather ignore. We are a superficial nation, and it takes a distant fame to open our eyes to those right in front of us. <br />
<br />
I view my social media with eyes full of irony at times, because so many have posted all day and other days too with their cries of HELP when a disturbed kid shoots up a mall, or a mother kills her children for seemingly no reason other than she was twisted in the head. "Don't judge! We must pay attention!" And yet, I'm trying my damndest to raise awareness, by throwing my freak flag up in the air and shouting HEY, PAY ATTENTION. Some see it, sometimes unexpectedly, and every day those are the people I keep close, but the list is short. I can't help but think I'm invisible and failing miserably in the blindness of others. <br />
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No one is infallible. All of his money may have afforded him the care he needed, but that didn't separate him from the homeless guy on the street in the end, now did it? Dark is dark, and today his world eclipsed and the black won over the white. None of us will ever know the last thoughts of a tormented man, but what we should remember is that it could be any of us tomorrow. <br />
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"For those very few of us who made a career as morning drive personalities, 1987 and Good Morning Vietnam (regardless of it being a movie) truly offered a reaffirmation of sorts about the struggle of the magic vs. life. Robin Williams was brilliant and also spot on as a convicted morning personality which was so true about successful morning men. Mike and I had him on the Zoo and he provided liners for us as the guy was "real". One understood he would be brilliant at anything he approached. <br />
What a talent, what a life, comedic and dramatic genius. It's sickening to think he could be allowed to leave this way.......RIP" ~ Former Bay Area morning personality <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MorningZooBoy?hc_location=timeline" target="_blank">Chris Collins</a><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I have no words for how I feel today. I have been in a state of shock after hearing that <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=102040023230884" href="https://www.facebook.com/RobinWilliams">Robin Williams</a> is gone. I would like to share a story that is very important to me to show my respect for this wonderful person and of course fabulous entertainer. A few years back I was lucky to perform with Robin at Comedy Day in San Francisco, I got to perform with him prior to that but never got to speak w<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ith him. I was in the back awaiting my set and Robin was there and he said hello. I was so excited to not only meet, perform, but to speak with someone who has been an inspiration to me in so many ways. Also I was happy that my husband was there to share in this experience. </span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">We spoke for more than 30 minutes, started with normal chit chat then began to speak about marriage. It was just us three, no one else came to interrupt us. He was going to marry his current wife a few weeks after Comedy Day. He asked my husband and I what the secret was to marrying a comic? My husband and I thought it was funny that he would ask us, but he really wanted to hear our answer. I won't share the answer, it was quite long. He asked so much about us and shared some personal information that made me feel so touched that he would share with us after just meeting us. He said he hopes that he and his wife would have as happy and successful of a marriage as we seem to have. Then he hugged me and told me to have a great set. I am happy to say I did have a great set. And Robin was waiting for me to compliment my set and to take a photo. </span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">Sadly that photo was accidentally erased from my phone because on my our way to home we decided to stop at my mother and grandmother's house I gave them a call to say we were on our way and share what just happened. My grandmother was a huge fan of Robin's and was so happy and proud of us. Sadly, she passed away waiting for us to arrive and that is how the photo got accidentally erased. I was crushed by her passing and seemed to have forgotten how to use my phone to share the photo. But I am so happy that I got to share that with her via the phone before she passed. I cherish this memory so much. </span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">He has always been an inspiration to me in my comedy and other areas of life. Any time I felt dismayed in my teaching career, I would pop in Dead Poets Society and his performance pumped me up and made me remember why I chose to be a teacher. As a child I watched Mork and Mindy and even wore the rainbow suspenders. I thought he was the most creative person I had ever seen. I may not have been a personal friend of his, but I feel as if I have lost a true compadre and someone who always made me smile and strive to go for what I wanted. I am truly saddened by what has happened today. I am sad that we will not be able to see what other gifts he had to share with the world. And I am so sad for his family. But I want them to know how truly magical he is and that I will forever cherish and feel privileged for my 30 minute conversation with him and a lifetime of inspiration and influence. I hope his struggles are done and that he has found a true peace. My heart is broken, but I will continue to remember him and his selfless talent that touched so many. He was a truly generous person." ~ Comedian <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tina.allen.gallo?fref=ts" target="_blank">Tina Allen Gallo</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">"<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">A few of my FB friends have asked if I have any stories to share about Mr. Williams. The answer is I have many memories (I wouldn't call them stories) and they are all very much like most other SF comedians. Most are just memories of being in a club when he dropped by either to do some new stuff he was working on or just to hang out. I would like to think he knew me by name but in truth in the ma<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ny times we were together, either in a green room, outside a club, or in a few rare cases hanging in the backroom at The Holy City Zoo I believe he only said "hey, Jimmy" twice. -- A friend of mine posted on FB last night that with everyone posting pics with him that he must have been a very approachable person and indeed he was. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">The example i can give is the first time we met. It was at Comedy Day in either '90 or '91. It was the first time I was invited to hangout backstage (back then it was more exclusive) even though I was not performing. I went into the food tent to get a hot dog and sat down to eat. A moment later a person walks up and say "Is this chair taken?" referring to the chair next to mine. I looked up. It was Robin. "No, please..." I offered. He sat and then after said "Odd, huh?" He was talking about what is the craziness of Comedy Day. I was just thinking "yeah, Robin Williams just asked if the chair next to mine was taken and we are both sitting here eating hot dogs"... I just said "Nuts"... we chatted for about ten minutes, he asking if I was performing (I had no need to ask the same question) and he was curious who I liked on the scene. We mostly talked about Jim Samuels, a beloved comedian and co-owner (or sole owner - I can't recall) of The Holy City Zoo and who had passed away from cancer earlier that year. <br /> He finished his dog and said he should get ready. As he walked away i thought to myself "That was the most amazing thing that just happened. And here was the thing it was extraordinary in that there was nothing extraordinary about it. It was just two comics (one new, the other not) talking shop.<br /> I realized without knowingly doing so he taught me something at that first meeting -- and, i believe did so with so many -- be an equal to others (even if you know you might be greater) and humble. Since that day I have tried to be that way, particularly with younger comedians. It was a good lesson. <br /> There is no need to go into the sadness. We are all -- and by all I mean Everyone who knew of him, not just knew him. Many comics well carry and cherish their Robin memories." ~ Comedian and actor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.gunn1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Jimmy Gunn</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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"<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Talking with Robin's closest friends who are shattered today. What's coming in over the phone are numerous stories about Robin showing up unannounced at children's hospitals and going from room to room cheering up kids with no press, no entourage, no publicist. From our mutual friend, the great comic Johnny Steele a moment ago: "Robin was a very kind and giving man. Not a terribly common trait <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">in this business. Years ago he really liked a joke I did about Marin being full of 55 year old men on 65 hundred dollar bicycles. He asked if I rode and I said, 'How could I? The bikes are 65 hundred dollars.' Next thing I know he had a custom-built titanium bike made for me. He said riding was 'mobile therapy' and he wanted me to experience it. We rode together many times through the hills of Tiburon. Our last ride together was a week or so ago and he rode faster than he ever had before." ~ Comedian <a href="https://www.facebook.com/johnnysteele?fref=ts" target="_blank">Johnny Steele</a></span></span><br />
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"Doing stand up in San Francisco I saw Robin so many times over the years at Comedy Day, Cobb's and the Throckmorton. He was always generous with his time and loved riffing with the other comics. Nothing was cooler than making Robin laugh. In 2004 when <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=727341242" href="https://www.facebook.com/dan.dion">Dan Dion</a> started up shows again at the Purple Onion and he asked me to host them. I happened to be talking to Robin at Cobb's and told him we were kicking off new shows at the legendary venue and his eyes lit up and he said he'd drop by some time. About 6 months later Robin popped in to one of our shows and sat in the back of the room. I asked him if he wanted to go up and he said no, he just wanted to watch. After a couple of comics he found me and said this is the best room in town..can I please do some time. I feel bad that I had to bump Joe Klocek back a bit, but Robin went on and did the most amazing set I ever saw him do. He riiffed on North beach, The Beats, Columbus, San Francisco and did whole sections in true Italian which had Mario the owner doubled over. I saw Robin so many times over the years but that was my favourite of all the shows I saw him do." ~ Comedian <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jimshortcomedy?fref=nf" target="_blank">Jim Short</a><br />
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Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-49069944918270470852014-01-21T01:21:00.000-08:002014-01-21T17:00:21.578-08:00Opinionations: NFL - Head Of The Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's face it, yesterday's game was a disgrace. Antics on the field are to be expected, and in the stands too but what was on display for all the world to see was one gigantic playground of kids that were never taught traits like sportsmanship, fair play and good behavior.</div>
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Football has never been my sport. It's a sissy game that makes absolutely no sense to me. Grown up men in shiny spandex and shoulder pads running across a field grabbing on each other and crying foul to any call they don't like and making amendments to rules that probably made sense back in the day. By 'sissy,' I don't mean it's a bunch of pansies out on the green, more the punk attitude that's become so rampant. </div>
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Admittedly, I don't have the eye of one who can see the beauty in a thrown ball or a running bull. What I do admire about sports is the strategy and mindset of a team. Don't get me wrong, I 'm just as upset when people say "I don't get racing cars, it's just going in circles all day." It so is not! So my lack of interest is usually derivative of my lack of understanding, but football is just a whole other animal. </div>
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In my lack of knowledge, when I see screaming headlines or the one-sided rants sweeping across social media, I defer to my husband to explain the history and correct context to me. It's not a hard picture to fill in; one player says something, another retaliates, and it grows and grows until it becomes a 'rivalry.' </div>
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That's another name for a glorified pissing contest. </div>
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I am not completely ignorant of the way these things work. I deal with race car drivers and fans every summer and have had my share of temperaments, rivalries and infantile attitudes. Maybe it's that I live in California, more specifically in the Bay Area, that I believe our fans are the most obnoxious I have ever seen. It's not so much the arrogance as it is the denial that shit painted gold and called a nugget doesn't stink. I point to a certain team in this case but in general refer to the fans up and down the coast. </div>
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Need I bring up the name of Bryan Stow? </div>
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What I have witnessed was atrocious. Throwing of food at an injured player, the "12th man" tradition, the blockage of ticket sales to Californians, the immaturity between plays on the field, and the thug rant at the end of the game that has become the joke heard 'round the world. What kills me is the irony dripping all over the Internet. The name calling, the sickening 'threats,' the unadulterated hatred that shows football just ain't for grownups anymore. And I can't help but notice the color of one side and the color of the other.</div>
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And nearly every last one throwing the trash across the goal line are also spray painting "stay classy, Seattle!" all over the AstroTurf. If only there were a mirror big enough, the reflection would be blinding.</div>
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There is simply never a justification for this sort of spectacle when it comes to sports. I'm not going to condescend anyone with "it's only a game," because it's not. It's a billion dollar industry with lives and livelihoods at stake, which opens a whole other can of what I don't understand. Passion is one thing, using fanship as a mask for your own true nature is something else entirely. </div>
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There isn't aright or a wrong side, just a bloody middle ground littered with pathetic excuses. Everyone has a reason to be angry, but from an outsider's point of view, I have to ask why. </div>
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And maybe you should too.</div>
Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-28680561037524033162013-12-26T23:08:00.000-08:002013-12-27T00:44:36.250-08:00Opinionations - There Once Was A Girl named Jahi...<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Religion, science, common sense and logic </em></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89/posts/10201295496930326"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>do not mix</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>."</em></span> </blockquote>
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Somewhere in an Oakland hospital lies a 13 year old girl, and she is not being kept alive by the grace of God; her body is breathing merely because a machine forces it to do so. "Chief of child neurology and director of the Center for Brain and Behavior at Stanford, Dr. Paul Graham Fisher, was appointed to examine the extent of Jahi's brain damage. In his test results taken Monday night, he says she has no response to facial pain, no gag reflexes, no reflexes in her arms or legs, and a complete absence of brain stem and cerebral function."</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"What part of </em></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89/posts/10201295496930326"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>dead</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> are they not understanding?"</em></span> </blockquote>
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The reactions to the case of Jahi McMath have been swift and passionate, far and wide on both sides. I've seen them as close as my own social media circle (see quotes above and below) and far as the other side of the world. I've heard from the logical and emotional both; </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"Wow, </em></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89/posts/10201295496930326"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>some of you</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em> are cold as ice. As a mother, I can only imagine the trauma involved in having to say such an unexpected goodbye to a child. The family is coming to terms with this in their own way. Leave them be."</em></span> </blockquote>
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I am not a parent. That doesn't immediately discount my own capability to feel both logical and emotional on this issue. In fact, there aren't enough words in the dictionary to get into all of the issues surrounding this case. We can begin with separating God and science. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Chief of Pediatrics David Durand, MD: "As medical professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure that we don't create hope where there is none. When one's brain ceases to function, it never restarts."</em></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Pastor Cheryl Ward - "we believe that God is the one who has the final answer, plug pulled and all, that God is the one who gives the final 'yes' and the final 'no' to what happens in Jahi's life."</em></span></blockquote>
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It takes a miracle not only for a brain to come back from death, but also for a body to die when hooked to a machine designed to keep it alive. A <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/21/jahi-mcmath-life-support_n_4485119.html">judge has ruled</a> that the hospital keep the girl alive through the Christmas holiday, but that as of December 30th, they are within rights to disconnect her, or the family may move her to another facility. </div>
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"Attorney Christopher Dolan said the family has identified one Bay Area facility that appears willing to provide <a href="http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_24796476/jahi-mcmath-family-faces-difficult-decisions-before-deadline">long-term care</a> for McMath, who was declared brain-dead after complications from tonsil surgery. Dolan declined to name the facility. 'They told us there is a bed, they care for children like her all the time," Dolan said. "They believe they can provide her with care and support and treat her as if she's a living person.' "</div>
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Except... she's not.</div>
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Following Ward's logic, if it were to be in God's hands, she should never have been put on the machines to begin with. If we're to bring God into the equation, His decision was made and actions were incited to fight against that. If it is going to be left to a higher entity, remove the machines and let it be as they declare - let God give the final 'yes' or the final 'no.'</div>
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I have yet to see <a href="http://www.childrenshospitaloakland.org/main/news/218.aspx" target="_blank">any fault</a> being assigned, but no doubt there will be a lawsuit pending against the hospital. I'm not certain why the doctors felt it was a good idea for a young girl to undergo surgery when there seem to have been multiple issues to overcome and an obvious weight issue. I'm also unsure why the family demands media coverage but ties the hands of the professionals from addressing to the public certain medical information that could provide a rounder picture.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>I like how the mom compared her daughter to being on death row, and how her mom complained that the doctor told her so bluntly that she is D-E-A-D</em> - says one on my </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89/posts/10201295496930326"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Facebook</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>Human nature (especially via media outlets, particularly social media) is to consistently attack and mock the weakest among us. I have yet to see one article mocking (or even naming) the doctor who fucked up this surgery, and none of the articles are taking the hospital to task either. Exposing and suing the hospital won't bring the child back, but rolling over afterwards is impossible for mothers. It is just freaking impossible. Do not go quietly.</em> - </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89/posts/10201295496930326"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">argues</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> another. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>No matter my love for my wife or my mother, if their brain died then so have they and the machines go off. People only keep them on to make themselves not have to grieve and it pisses me off</em> - a statement from a child psychologist.</span></span></blockquote>
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I am not in this situation, I am like most simply an outsider looking in. I only know that there is a little girl somewhere who is, by all definitions, gone. Not sure if I believe in purgatory, but if I were a parent I believe I'd need a definitive line of faith. I couldn't imagine keeping my child alive for my own sake. I asked my husband a few days ago, as we've never filled out our directives, if he would want to be kept in this situation. I knew the answer before he said it, and my heart wrenched at the thought of having to say "let him go." but Jahi doesn't get that option. </div>
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It isn't ever easy to let go, but there's a fine line of the needs of others and those of ourselves. The hardest thing to do is figuring out on which side of it to be.</div>
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<li> Click <a href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local/open-letter-mother-jahi-mcmath/ncRkn/" target="_blank">here</a> to read an open letter from Jahi's mother, Nailah Winkfield</li>
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<img src="goog_1773529414" />Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-38019881968046464542013-09-09T20:50:00.000-07:002013-09-09T20:52:29.602-07:00Mountain AfireOf all of the elements, Fire is the most dangerous. She is an angry mistress who will rage with no warning whatsoever, and right now she is claiming our beloved mountain. <br />
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Last night my husband wanted to get in the car and drive around the corner to see the blaze on Mt Diablo, but I declined, as I have already distant memories of seeing the monstrous flames eat away at the wildlife and environment. I was six years old in 1977 when Dad piled us in the car to see the sight up close and personal. <br />
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Of course, as with all tragedy, a community will come together to remind us that we are all woven together as many do what they can to aid in the efforts of the hundreds of firefighters who have come to the rescue. <br />
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<em>Photo credit: Penny Sims</em></div>
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According to popular blog site <a href="http://claycord.com/2013/09/09/claycordians-coming-through-for-firefighters-battling-the-3k-acre-blaze-on-mt-diablo/#comments" target="_blank">Claycord.com</a>, the Clayton firehouse was deluged with supplies to keep the rescuers going. Sites have gone up offering shelter and assistance to people and animals alike. If you have any information to share where people can help, please post in the <br />
comment box below. <br />
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I have friends up on the mountain and even at the base where they've been rained with ash, soot and smoke. Having had to worry about serious fire in our own neighborhood, I can empathize with what these people are facing. Please keep residents and rescue workers in your thoughts tonight as you fall asleep safe in your beds. Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-75246499220595238812013-04-18T18:02:00.001-07:002013-04-18T18:02:51.636-07:00Eyes Without A Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, there is a face.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She caught my attention at the restaurant's bar with her funny comments that echoed my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her name was Trudy, I think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or Judy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A retired bookseller who overheard my chatter regarding my nerves in being ill-prepared to teach a class that night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She encouraged me and we shared a few off-color jokes before she told me she was there alone because her 68 year old husband was in Boston preparing to run the marathon for the first time ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She didn't look old enough to be married to someone that age! "Honey, I'm a walking <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCss0kZXeyE" target="_blank">Beatles song</a>. Lord, you probably have no idea what that means!" Laughing, </span>I gave her my card, asking her to stay in touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her excitement at finding out I was a writer was contagious for that brief moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"I envy you so much, a teacher <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and </i><a href="http://www.writerofthestorm.com/" target="_blank">a writer</a>!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What amazing gifts you have to offer!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm of the mind that every little dot in the universe is pre-connected before we ever came along.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This afternoon I was startled to hear a friend say "Such a shame about the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkDx1knbRsU" target="_blank">bombings in Boston</a>."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then in skimming <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kymberlie89" target="_blank">my Facebook</a> posts, bits and pieces began to paint a tragic picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On this Patriots' Day, April 15th, the rockets' red glare came from the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w29oFkWxrhI" target="_blank">blood-spattered bombs</a> bursting in air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the horror sank in of yet another terroristic tragedy thrust upon us, my thoughts drifted to the woman from the bar, and I thought of her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, there is a face.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFPM_UlB4eXOs8OgmTQEO4BNbaDcbBURtea7NzvvePHohFal-bN9i5zCfUvQIqHZD8215_MF59DvI5Gmw-pplLlxoC1bk2V1eAFgtd-P7w5gg7GSu9o1y5Gpxyue2qgs2zRsygNQ3ettN/s1600/Jared+Loughner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFPM_UlB4eXOs8OgmTQEO4BNbaDcbBURtea7NzvvePHohFal-bN9i5zCfUvQIqHZD8215_MF59DvI5Gmw-pplLlxoC1bk2V1eAFgtd-P7w5gg7GSu9o1y5Gpxyue2qgs2zRsygNQ3ettN/s200/Jared+Loughner.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was after the Arizona shooting of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tucson_shooting" target="_blank">Gabrielle Giffords</a> and many others that I spoke up on Facebook about the ignored problem behind these incidents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see the deaths of the innocent, but stare blankly at the face of the mentally ill who are behind the acts of violence that are coming more and more frequently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The eyes of Jared Lee Laughner burrow into me still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An acquaintance, Steve, messaged me privately in agreement with my observations and revealed his secret; his son had come home from war with <a href="http://www.ptsd.va.gov/" target="_blank">PTSD</a>, displaying such violent tendencies that they live in fear of someday turning on the news and finding it will be their son's face in the headlines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN88NVorVJmTEflLBGjMnGknJwxReZtY6nFgaAsetrHiec3qmCo9GS9W24yalcOZcxTYFRYHoODM-LYx8iHNv_x9J_gERWo2TENSqQ5I1A2waHkQqplEc8o3wkR3jZOm6mkQwg-jMhQs-/s1600/James+Holmes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN88NVorVJmTEflLBGjMnGknJwxReZtY6nFgaAsetrHiec3qmCo9GS9W24yalcOZcxTYFRYHoODM-LYx8iHNv_x9J_gERWo2TENSqQ5I1A2waHkQqplEc8o3wkR3jZOm6mkQwg-jMhQs-/s200/James+Holmes.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Aurora_shooting" target="_blank">Aurora Massacre</a> touched close to me, as my beautiful cousin Emily lives in the area, as does my longtime friend Angie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stayed up all night waiting for them to check in on the site to know that they were not at a midnight showing of the new Batman movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the news unfolded over the days to follow, I was deeply disturbed by the images of James Holmes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was after this that I messaged Steve back with how I thought of him and his son every time some new calamity exploded upon us, and that I wished I could find the words to put forth that would raise our tolerance, promote forgiveness, and stop the wildfire of hate that runs rampant among us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do I cheer on those behind the killings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cry a little inside every time I think of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9jnQKiLxr0" target="_blank">Brenda Ann Spencer</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmUudfUTqRA" target="_blank">Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_Tech_massacre" target="_blank">Seung-HuiCho</a>, Laughner, Holmes, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2012/12/us/sandy-hook-timeline/index.html" target="_blank">Adam Lanza</a>, and all of those lost to us at their hopeless, mind-bent hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Senseless?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, I don't believe that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is with reason - how can we learn otherwise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we learn forgiveness, redemption, even joy without despair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And when will we begin to see the faces?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend Kevin said to me today, as speculation seeped into the media, "Whoever they are, they are Evil with a capital E."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"What defines the line between evil and mentally fucked up?" <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't yet know if this was an act of terrorism or another somebody clawing their way into their 15 minutes, but as a society we are breeding these people, in our nation and in our world with our hate upon hate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Self-righteousness that <em>we</em> could not commit such acts will only get us as far as a blood-stained bible left on an empty pew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When was the last time you saw the face of someone reaching out to you for help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or did you turn a blind eye to the freak with the orange hair or the deranged guy sitting in the back of the room?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The names come and go briefly in our minds, but I keep a photo of Jared Lee Laughner on my hard drive, because I never want to forget the gravity of what the human mind is capable of in times of darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I forced myself to watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w29oFkWxrhI" target="_blank">the footage</a> of the man with two severed legs being tended to today by emergency workers, because I need to keep within me the suffering of people outside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am desperately hoping that the funny Beatlesque woman who championed what I do will see this, and that her husband comes home to her safely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finally, I found the words.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because finally, there is a face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(c) Kymberlie Ingalls, April 16th, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-51882834935146372972012-01-31T14:28:00.000-08:002012-02-01T00:48:05.821-08:001/31 - Opinionations<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span id="ContentPlaceHolder1_GridView1_Label2_0"><a href="http://www.kron4.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2907" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ranger Uses Stun Gun on Man with Off-Leash Dog in San Mateo County</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, everyone sees this headline and fifty percent of the bunch blasts the federal park ranger - I'm going to hope it was a knee jerk reaction and that readers really didn't do so <em>after </em>having read the story, but I'm not banking on it. It's just a given in society today that too many see the side of the law as the bad guy (insert ironic joke here), because they're "the man," man. How unfortunate. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently, Gary Hesterburg was walking his two dogs off-leash when he was approached by the officer, who tried to detain him in an effort to educate Hesterburg on the leash laws. The man repeatedly tried to walk away, as well as give a fake name to the ranger. It was on a repeated attempt of leaving the scene that she pulled out a stun gun and nailed him. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a thought; <em>don't </em>walk away from a federal officer (or any for that matter) who is detaining you, and don't give falsified information. I'm constantly amazed at how indignant people get when caught breaking a law or acting inappropiately. It's not like the officer broke his kneecaps or even arrested him, but he was <em>acting inappropriately!</em> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm certainly no saint myself, but even if I'm breaking a law that I disagree with ("I didn't realize I was going so fast, Officer..."), when I'm caught, I'm caught. Officers of the law aren't always in the right - far from it. </span><a href="http://www.writerofthestorm.com/2011/02/rage-against-machine.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had those experiences too</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. But in this case, I can't see a thing wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">FOLLOW UP:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The following report has come from KTVU. If the investigation proves that what the witness has stated is true, this will shed a new light on the case and an ammendment to my above opinion. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/ranger-uses-stun-gun-man-walking-dogs-leash/nHQkB/" target="_blank">Officials To Review Ranger's Use Of Tasing On Dog Walker</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-84605994488254833822012-01-31T02:01:00.000-08:002012-01-31T02:02:23.122-08:00Occupy Movement Fired Up About Flag-Burning Debate<a href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/occupy-protest-rekindles-debate-about-flag-burning/nHLCc/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">KTVU-2 reports:</span></a><br />
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<div class="cmArticle"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Many in the crowd outside Oakland City Hall shouted "Burn it! Burn it!" as masked protesters readied to set fire to an American flag. That's when a woman emerged from the scrum, screaming for them to stop, that it would hurt the cause.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKmIhV8ClrAWpFGinq5HRKwYovTzZSsbmHNpDUqBkJt7xe3g-MTtlCE0htqvZFQNyVbzZZv6Yc3_2ai9ax6rkw_b93V0CtUDCN9ha6SkB53WiQbXlSdG0_qUH-PE_JTG1zPATuYcMBNNI/s1600/Occupy+Oakland+-+Flag+Burning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKmIhV8ClrAWpFGinq5HRKwYovTzZSsbmHNpDUqBkJt7xe3g-MTtlCE0htqvZFQNyVbzZZv6Yc3_2ai9ax6rkw_b93V0CtUDCN9ha6SkB53WiQbXlSdG0_qUH-PE_JTG1zPATuYcMBNNI/s320/Occupy+Oakland+-+Flag+Burning.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moments later, the flames began, and suddenly a movement that seemingly vanished weeks ago was back in the spotlight, this time for an act of protest that has long divided the nation and now the movement itself.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The images of the flag-burning went viral in the hours after Saturday's demonstrations on Oakland's streets, with Occupy supporters denouncing the act as unpatriotic and a black mark on the movement. Others said called it justified.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The flag-burning, however, raised questions about whether the act will tarnish a movement of largely peaceful protests and begin to alienate people who agree with its message against corporate excess and economic inequality.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/occupy-protest-rekindles-debate-about-flag-burning/nHLCc/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click here for full story.</span></a></div>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-56579483121297748512012-01-31T01:40:00.000-08:002012-01-31T01:52:03.140-08:001/31 - Occupy Movement Picks Up Again - Chaos Reigns<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two weekends ago, the Occupy movement picked up in Oakland after a winter holiday hiatus. The continued chaos is apparently causing local independent business owners to close up shop, according to a KRON-4 report.</span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was on Saturday, January 28th that things ended violently, once again putting the city of Oakland in the national spotlight. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/occupy-oaklands-planned-march-ends-chaos/nHKXs/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">KTVU Channel 2 reports:</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For weeks the protests had waned, with only a smattering of people taking to Oakland's streets for occasional weekend marches that bore little resemblance to the headline-grabbing Occupy demonstrations of last fall.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then came Saturday, which started peacefully enough -- a midday rally at City Hall and a march. But hours later, the scene near downtown Oakland had dramatically deteriorated: clashes punctuated by rock and bottle throwing by protesters and volleys of tear gas from police, and a City Hall break-in that left glass cases smashed, graffiti spray-painted on walls and an American flag burned.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More than 400 people were arrested on charges ranging from failure to disperse to vandalism, police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Thomason said. At least three officers and one protester were injured.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">________________________________________________</span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BPCMyBHpgRI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>KGO ABC News Raw Footage Video</em></span></div><em><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;">________________________________________________</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="cmArticle" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://kron.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2881" target="_blank">KRON-4 reports:</a></span></div><div class="cmArticle" style="text-align: justify;"><city><place><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><city><place>OAKLAND</place></city> (BCN) -- <city><place>Oakland</place></city> police arrested an estimated 400 people Saturday during a day of protests that began with an attempt to take over a vacant building and ended with mass arrests and a break-in and vandalism at City Hall. <br />
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Protestors that broke into City Hall Saturday evening broke an interior window in a hearing room, tipped over and damaged a historic model of City Hall, destroyed a case holding a model of Frank Ogawa Plaza, broke into the fire sprinkler and elevator closet, stole flags and burned one flag in front of the building, according to City Administrator Deanna J. Santana. <br />
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In addition, public works staff are working to remove "offensive" graffiti in <place><placename>Frank</placename> <placename>Ogawa</placename> <placetype>Plaza</placetype></place>, removing debris from City Hall and the plaza area and fixing a damaged sprinkler system, Santana said.<br />
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"While City Hall sustained damage, we anticipate that all city offices will be open for regular business tomorrow," Santana said.<br />
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The attack on city hall occurred while police were busy arresting several hundred protestors outside the YMCA at 2350 Broadway in <city><place>Oakland</place></city>. <br />
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Police alleged protestors were trying to break into the building and had ignored a dispersal order issued around <time hour="18" minute="30">6:30 p.m.</time> Protestors said they were trying to escape through the building from police, who had surrounded the group.</span> </blockquote></place></city></div><div class="cmArticle" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">________________________________________________</span></div><br />
</div><div class="cmArticle" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">KTVU-Channel 2 Reporter Is Harrassed and Spit Upon While Covering Protests:</span></div><div class="cmArticle" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">KGO Reporter Arrested During Occupy Oakland Protest</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">KGO's Kristin Hanes was covering the daylong demonstrations in downtown Oakland on Saturday evening when police corralled several hundred protesters in front of the YMCA building on Broadway and began a mass arrest.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Law enforcement officials gave an order to disperse but did not give any directions to protesters on where or how to leave. Within minutes police announced the group had failed to disperse and that they were all under arrest.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hanes tried explaining to several officers that she was a member of the press and showed them her credentials. However, she was told her press pass was only good for San Francisco and not the city of Oakland.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hanes had been reporting on-air and was sending out messages on Twitter before and after her hands were cuffed and read her Miranda rights.</span></div></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She also posted a note on Facebook where she wrote: "Tonight, I was arrested for doing my job, being a news reporter, covering an Occupy Oakland rally. Arresting officer: "Do you have any knives, guns, weapons?" Me: "Of course not, I'm a reporter." Officer: "That might be the most dangerous of them all." Finally, I was released. Whenever journalists are arrested for reporting the news, everyone's freedom is at risk. That is what frightens me the most."</span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://kgoam810.com/Article.asp?id=2383309&spid=" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click here</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for full story and to hear Kristin Hanes' audio report.</span></div><div class="cmArticle" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-44298948021676215202012-01-05T21:01:00.000-08:002012-01-05T21:01:09.775-08:00Man Accused Of Threatening SF Parking Officer With Baseball Bat<a href="http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/01/05/man-accused-of-threatening-sf-parking-officer-with-baseball-bat/" target="_blank">SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF)</a> — A man was arrested for using a baseball bat to threaten a parking control officer that put a parking boot on his car in San Francisco’s Inner Parkside neighborhood on Wednesday, police said.<br />
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The female parking control officer called for assistance around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 2100 block of 15th Avenue, where she had been placing a boot on a car wheel when the owner approached and threatened her with a baseball bat, according to police.<br />
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The man, whose name was not immediately available, denied threatening her, saying he was just getting the bat and other baseball equipment out of the car.<br />
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However, a witness heard the threats and the man was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a weapon on a parking control officer, police said.<br />
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(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved.Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-51609167240498987322012-01-01T03:11:00.000-08:002012-01-01T03:11:10.144-08:00Happy New Year - 2012!Welcome to the launch of The Bay Area Collective. We'll be bringing you news stories collected from around the San Francisco area, city and suburbs, as well as opinion, reviews, and welcoming all of your comments and opinions alongside ours. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!<br />
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Are you sorry to see 2011 fade in the rearview mirror, or happy to see it go?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oOQl15XE3Y8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3906660551642769510.post-68738704609521502682011-11-14T17:15:00.000-08:002011-11-14T17:15:30.296-08:00Occupy Oakland Dismantled<div><a href="http://www.kron4.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2290">Click</a> Here For Original Story</div><div></div><div>OAKLAND (KRON) -- Oakland officials are urging Occupy Oakland protestors not to try to rebuild a tent city removed early Monday morning during a raid involving Oakland police and officers from around the Bay Area.<br />
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Unlike a similar attempt to remove the encampment in late October, this time police managed to remove dozens of tents without a violent confrontation with protestors. That's because this time police set up a perimeter around the demonstrators in the streets while other officers moved onto Frank Ogawa Plaza to remove the tents. 32 people were arrested but there are no reports of injuries or violence.<br />
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At a mid-morning news conference, city officials asked the demonstrators not to camp out in the plaza.<br />
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"I'm asking you not to engage in destructive acts," Mayor Quan said. "I'm asking you to respect what has now become an overwhelming sentiment in the city that you can divide the movement from the encampment, and that we start to work together on the issues that unite us and not divide us."<br />
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Interim police chief Howard Jordan says all but nine of the arrests involved people who don't live in Oakland.<br />
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"Our goal has always been to resolve these incidents peacefully and to allow people to exercise their First Amendment rights," Jordan said. "You saw today how people can work together to resolve these issues."<br />
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Occupy Oakland members say they will reassemble Monday afternoon for a march and protest at the Oakland Public Library. Officials say they welcome protests, just not camping.<br />
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"Our goal today is to clean-up the plaza so that we can hopefully open the streets by 6:00," city administrator Deanne Santana noted. "I'm grateful to the public works staff who will undergo this tremendous effort to clean up all of the debris that is out there. Going forward, the plaza will be open for demonstrations and peaceful assemblies. It will absolutely not be open for lodging. Anyone attempting to lodge will know that this will not be allowed and that their tents or lodging equipment will be removed. The city remains committed to fascilitating peaceful expression and Oakland has a long history of it."<br />
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The decision to remove the encampment did draw fire both from protestors and some within city government. The Mayor's legal advisor Dan Siegel says he resigned at 2:00 a.m. after failing to persuade Quan not to move forward with the crackdown.<br />
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Authorities had mobilized law officers from around the Bay Area in anticipation of potential violence. Sheriff's deputies from Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counites joined police from Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, and Fremont, Jordan said.<br />
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Stay tuned to KRON 4 and KRON4.com for the latest on the Occupy movement in Oakland and around the country.<br />
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(Copyright 2011, KRON 4, All rights reserved.) </div>Kymberlie ~ WriterOfTheStorm.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14331379225481378114noreply@blogger.com0