Sounds like an experience ...did you get to shoot yesterday, was it, in the rain? That could be such a nice video or terrific photos--there's something about women and water that is just so simply sensual, ya know? I guess that's why artists like to work with women in baths or showers, but an outdoor in the rain shoot is something even more special. There was a Playboy shoot in the rain in the late 70s or early 80s (I'd have to dig out my issue) that was one of the sweetest photoshoots I think they ever did of a Playmate in the rain with a yellow slicker, clear umbrella and I think rainboots--it was cute, playful & sexy--I hope you got to play and have some fun. For that matter, I hope that despite the Internet connection issues and the forgotten cords the rest of the rip proves fun for you and everyone else there. I was, I have to say, surprised to see that you were posting still (I've been away for about a week picking up the pieces here, and then wasn't sure if I was going to be able to get my PC running today--took over 2 hours to get Windows to load--grumble-grumble-grumble-expletive deleted-grumble. Anyway, I hope the trip goes well, like I said, and have a safe trip home. Now I must dash and go read the rest of the more recent posts--looks like someone's irked about something, now to find out who and about what ...cheers

In Hawaii right now and the internet connection SUCKS! Rob is complaining non-stop about it and I've completely forgotten to bring a A) mousepad (so I'm using a make shift mouse pad that really doesn't work B) the cord for both the camera and the small video camera....so it's definitely making things a little more difficult. But it's still great being here. It's actually raining right now and we are thinking about doing a shoot in the rain....though we have to wait for the next door neighbors to leave their room, so they don't accidently see my nakedness.

Will do--I'll tell her Auntie D said Happy B'day (Hey, you are an aunt, after all!). Glad to hear things are getting less hectic for you--settling back in isn't always easy, but you get super high marks from me for doing what is hard and going back to school, along with keeping up with the folks here, assisting Rob, shooting your own content, working with other photogs, and being a new aunt, too. I know each time I quit and went back, it was difficult--profs I'd had before were surprised to0 see me again--they usually thought that either I'd graduated or that I'd finally gotten the funds together to get to UCSC, my dream school (ahhhh, the boardwalk, Mavericks, banana slugs and crappy pizza ...! I got in twice, never was able to get enough in grants, scholarships, and refused to take out loans until I absolutely positively had to). And then all the people I knew from earlier forays into academic life had moved on, too. But then again, there were a few who popped back up with me after taking a year or two off for similar reasons, so that was always fun getting reacquainted. In other words, its easy to go straight from hs to college and push through, its another thing to start that way, drop out, have to deal with the real world and then make the commitment to yourself to go back and finish what you started. And, for what its worth, just about every time I took a "break", I came back with a new major and a new outlook. In the end, those breaks probably were for the better, and I did like the school I finally graduated from and I did love grad school even more. Anyway, don;t sweat my PMs, I know you;re busy, and I seem to recall you're headed off to Hawai'i, so have a Dole whip, have some fun with Rob and whomever else is going along, and just have a great time letting stresses slip away and letting your brain make those adjustments it needs and when you come back just drink it all in with a smile ...bon voyage, and have a wicked great time, Auntie D!

Well tell your little niece that I said "happy birthday". Things are finally starting to get a little less hectic. I think it was just a few days there that made me go a little crazy.

No worries--I read your journal, an no worries there. I've been either hyper-busy myself, recovering from being over-extended, and usually when those two things collide, I lose my own sense of peace, time, &c., and have lots (and lots and lots) of trouble keeping myself in order. Its a failing task. Today, for example, my little niece turned 3! Still, when I'm in that sort of way, I usually play a particular song or two in my head. I shared one, my all time #1 favourtie, and here's another for you, along with my sincerest best wishes at school, and my understanding, too.

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

Lean on me...

Thanks....and I'm sure I will make a great aunt too! That child will be spoiled.

Oh, and you're no trouble ...lemon drops are trouble, consarnit! Sometimes I'm ...sooooo ...daaaarn ...sloooow!

LOLOLOLOL!!!! I read your journal, and just have to say, "Auntie D, Auntie D!" I am really super-duper hyper-mega-maxi happy for you, your sister, your mom and your bro-in-law! Carter's a great name! And just want and see if what I said doesn't happen--you are going to be a fan-freakin'-tastic aunt, Ms D!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

I'm melting, I'm melting ....my dorky sense of humor coming out.

Pretty words, arranged by the late Iz Kamakawio'ole for you today, originally written by Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg, Bob Thiele & George David Weiss

Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dream of
Dreams really do come true

Someday I wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemondrops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me

Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
And the dreams that you dare to
Oh why oh why can't I

Well I see trees of green and red roses too
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world

Well I see skies of blue and
I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself what a wonderful world

The colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
and also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands saying
How do you do
They're really saying I, I love you

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow
They'll learn much more then we'll know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
world...

Someday I wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemondrops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me

Oh somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dare to
Why oh why can't I?