SHEsaysWITHaSMILE.blogspot.com

"WE FOUND OUR CALLING!" (me! and my sister -karin!)

only vague memories of glancing at the various vendor tables during the missions fair after church some several weeks ago,

nope. can't do that.. not qualified for that.. no.. maybe... probably not...

and then a great big "YES!" when i was gently recruited as a potential banner beauties for the world famous balloon platoon


"that's all you do? carry the banner in the parade? no experience necessary?"

hallelujah! i'm qualified!"

and then i immediately recruited my sister, "check out how you too can serve the Lord..." i said with a smile
-and walked her over to the balloon platoon table where we learned our very important first mission opportunity would be october 10th, for the columbus day parade in san francisco

"well, look no further!" i told them "we're your girls"

***

and i would later learn, my sister has always wanted to be in a parade. -i didn't know that. sisters, roommates, best friends for how many years, and i didn't know she always wanted to be in a parade

-then more talk about our childhoods, when she went to baton camp with the -waldonians? -earned a third place ribbon and everything, but was never in a parade..

well!

always, always, remember this my friends: God knows the secret desires of your heart...

***

He also knows your limitations..

***

anyway.. there were some problems, a few obstacles.. and child care concerns, and for a short stretch it didn't look like we were going to get to participate (i mean. ... serve the Lord )

i threw it up to heaven

"it will work out if it's supposed to... the parade will take place fine without us, october 10th will come and go... the planet will keep spinnin'"

and i sweet~surrendered really, to the -maybe next time..- idea

***

even though... i had already hit the jackpot at kohls finding very cute & very inexpensive matching white outfits

two pairs of all white, boyfriend jeans, capri style, with a trendy hole on the write knee.. one my size, one her size, and ON SALE!

two v-neck, 3/4 sleeve, white t's -ON SALE!

two darling, white vests.. ON SALE!

and i talked to God while i was in the dressing room trying everything on. "Jesus... now i know i'm supposed to be using this money from our parents for food and gas..

but look! look how cute! -and it's really to serve you, afterall... it's for the church, Jesus! really.. and it's for the balloon platoon.. they're counting on us! -and it's family fellowship...

so if you don't want me spending this money on these cute matching outfits (ON SALE!) -then you better make sure these pants don't

[pull, squeeze, wiggle, wiggle, pull] -fit.

LOOK AT THAT! I GOT 'EM ZIPPED UP & EVERYTHING! -and once i move around in 'em for a couple days, they'll stretch to size.. [knee bend, squat, stand, jumping jack, knee bend, dance move or two..]

***

and so i figured, if i couldn't get the pants buttoned/zipped, that would be a sign i shouldn't spend my grocery money on cute matching outfits, but!

since i could get the pants on, with only a minimal amount of negotiation and effort.. well, then. that's was a clear sign i'd be the next one in line at the register.

***

so i surprised my sister with our new, matching, banner beauty outfits. "you go try yours on. i'll go put mine on. and then let's meet in front of your mirror"

and, how could the good Lord, not smile at the sight of us? ~ middle-aged, mom-sisters, in matching white boyfriend jeans, white t-shirts & vests..

***

and so, when it looked like we might not get to -serve the Lord- afterall, -well, i was extra grateful about kohl's amazing return policy

***

but this is write about when God must of whispered in our mom's ear, -because, once again.. in our great time of need, "GRANDMA SHARON TO THE RESCUE!" -and not only did she step up to watch the kids (on her wedding anniversary day)

but as she stepped up.. well, my sister noticed what cute white shoes she had on.. and how they might better match the cute white shoes she loaned me to wear...

so, -shirt off her back -shoes off her feet. we have a very generous mom

now my kids had coverage. my sister's kids had coverage. we had our cute matching white banner beauty outfits , PLUS our matching white shoes. -our next job then, was simply to show up at 10am in the parking lot @ jcpenney home store to meet with the rest of the balloon platoon & their spouses for the bus ride over

and with only one very quick, very minor, pit-stop at walgreens to pick up socks, and look! -sparkling matching earrings (and granola bars, and water...)

we made it.

***

having never done this before, both my sister and i had imagined 'the bus' as a middle-sized, yellow kind of thing, so it was a pleasant surprise to find a great big, fancy, tour bus in the parking lot, with "THUNDERSTAR" painted along the side

my imagination delighted immediately in the idea this was our bus.. and "our driver, calvin..."

***

so we mixed n''mingled with the balloon platoon, their spouses.. families... and watched them load up their gear. we got the inside scoop from centerpointe friends (& veteran banner beauties), cindy & sigrie, about what to expect -we were provided white gloves, white navy hats, & green scarves to accessorize our outfits. took a few pictures, and were off...

to san francisco! in the thunderstar! to march in the columbus day parade! with the world famous balloon platoon! -on an amazingly gorgeous, sunshiny, perfect-climate day!

***

so, i don't know who or how this whole thing gets orchestrated, but WOW! to everyone behind the scenes. all we did was follow orders and line up where we were told, which was between the american italian social club float (just in front of us) and lang, the bart board car (after us); wait on our que to move... wait on our que to move... wait on our que to move... then

go!

and very helpful we just had to follow the AISC float, because we had NO IDEA where we were really, or where we were going

what a high though! with the sounds of marching bands, the gorgeous costumes, the blue skies, -the blue angels, and to round a corner which brought us in front of the fisherman's wharf

and to have the street so

- w- i- d- e- o- p e n -

to ourselves, with crowds and crowds of people to either side, so nicely organized & contained along the sidewalks for as far as our eyes could see

first God gets me my own bus... then my very own driver... and now.. he's even parted the crowds like the red sea, so i can walk without bumping into one person..

and i just wiggled around a little.. flapping my arms... taking advantage of the incredible elbow room.

-because on my rare visits to fisherman's wharf.. to pier 39.. the crowds overwhelm me. -but not today..

today.. the streets of san francisco are MINE! and not only are the streets mine.. but look at the people all squished to the sides.. smiling... laughing... taking pictures..

it's quite amazing.

and there was general parade cheering from the crowds, but every now and then the generic cheer would turn into a burst of loud laughter and applause

i learned quickly this burst of applause was a sure sign the balloon platoon behind us had stopped to perform their world famous "shake n' bake" move. [we must add this to youtube if it's not already there]. it's a squat and a wiggle, which

well, you must picture 20, otherwise distinguished men, all lined up in a row, wearing giant wiggle~able inner tubes around their middles, underneath their over-sized white navy suits, carrying mops... shaking their booties and everything else -on command

by the admiral.

oh! talk about a crowd pleaser... the balloon platoon would steal the show at every corner with just a few select choreographed half military/ half vegas synchronized dance moves -using their mops like crosby used his cane, they'd entertain

then spread out and work the crowd. fall in line.. and march, left, write, left, write, left

for i don't know how many blocks or miles around fisherman's wharf, all along columbus, past thousands of people, families, singles, children, s.f. eccentrics

and every corner we turned it seemed i ran smack into another spectacular, unbelievable view available in every direction

streets that lead write up to heaven. the most colorful row of houses on cement ramps. coit tower over there. blue angels up there. packed restaurant patio's everywhere. cable cars, horses, double-decker tour buses with open air seats

police stopping traffic for the parade to cross.. people popping out of their sunroofs with camera's. peace and joy and...

happiness. i mean, just look at my sister. -every once in a while i'd glance over and see her smiling so big.. waving at the children, smiling for a picture

dancing to the italian music being performed live on the float directly in front of us. serenaded, we were.. and treated to an occasional sip of red wine -in the middle of the parade! by the italian -social club men

and every once in a while, we'd turn a corner and i'd get a better view of the marching band further ahead

poor kids. i'd think. had to learn a musical instrument. practice, practice, practice, and all those rehearsals

i mean.. i felt like such a cheater - just carrying the banner. but a very smart cheater. [yes! more wine.. thank you! we're serving the Lord... ]

and a fun thing too, to hear calls from the crowd. in addition to the cry out for the balloon platoon's "shake n' bake!" we'd also hear an occasional "go pleasanton!" or "hey p-town!" -and quite a big surprise to suddenly hear,

"sandra!" -and see my beloved friend carla, her son dominic and husband russ. the only familiar faces i'd see in the crowds. they got to see the blue angels from her aunt's rooftop, and i laughed so hard to learn something about a flying salame sandwich hitting carla in the head...

and there was a mystery holler out toward the end,

"did you hear that?" my sister shouted, "they just hollered out, WriteousMom!" -no idea who it was, but big thank you to you!

and speaking of big....

took my breath away to turn a corner toward the end of the parade and cast my eyes upon the most gorgeous - huge - spectacularly beautiful catholic church!

and to see nuns a couple floors up in the neighboring building standing at their windows to watch the parade.

you know i did a quick sign of the cross, said thank you to Jesus and waved a big hello to the sisters..

it was the perfect conclusion to our banner carrying debut.

***

i'm going to skip the story here about the hour and a half wait for a few slices of garlic bread at the first restaurant we went to for food after the parade, and just

take you with me to north beach pizza where the service was A+, the pizza was delicious, the beers were cold and tasty and the crowds were still going wild

but not for the balloon platoon. for the giants.

tv's were on inside north beach pizza, and we landed there write about when one of the next few plays would determine whether or not

"THE GIANTS WON!"

the excitement never ends in san francisco.

visited inside the saint peter & paul church for a few minutes before heading back to the thunderstorm where our driver, calvin, was waiting

the balloon platoon mentioned their next parade would be in san diego. my sister and i just smiled and said yes.

"we found our calling."

posted by SHE @ 7:17 AM 1 comments

GOD PARTED THE RED SEA OF PEOPLE for (me! & my sister!), sandra, tvgp

having mentioned, in yesterday's post, about being trapped & terrified on the golden gate bridge with some 300,000 people

it brought to mind this experience:   -and you might better appreciate, as i did, how God parted the crowds like the red sea..  so that with plenty of elbom room, we could enjoy the streets and sights of san francisco in the grandest style.

original posting:  Tuesday, October 12, 2010

"WE FOUND OUR CALLING!" (me! and my sister -karin!)

only vague memories of glancing at the various vendor tables during the missions fair after church some several weeks ago,

nope. can't do that.. not qualified for that.. no.. maybe... probably not...

and then a great big "YES!" when i was gently recruited as a potential banner beauty for the world famous balloon platoon

"that's all you do? carry the banner in the parade? no experience necessary?"

hallelujah! i'm qualified!"

and then i immediately recruited my sister, "check out how you too can serve the Lord..." i said with a smile
-and walked her over to the balloon platoon table where we learned our very important first mission opportunity would be october 10th, for the columbus day parade in san francisco

"well, look no further!" i told them "we're your girls"

***

and i would later learn, my sister has always wanted to be in a parade. -i didn't know that. sisters, roommates, best friends for how many years, and i didn't know she always wanted to be in a parade

-then more talk about our childhoods, when she went to baton camp with the -waldonians? -earned a third place ribbon and everything, but was never in a parade..

well!

always, always, remember this my friends: God knows the secret desires of your heart...

***

He also knows your limitations..

***

anyway.. there were some problems, a few obstacles.. and child care concerns, and for a short stretch it didn't look like we were going to get to participate (i mean. ... serve the Lord )

i threw it up to heaven

"it will work out if it's supposed to... the parade will take place fine without us, october 10th will come and go... the planet will keep spinnin'"

and i sweet~surrendered really, to the -maybe next time..- idea

***

even though... i had already hit the jackpot at kohls finding very cute & very inexpensive matching white outfits

two pairs of all white, boyfriend jeans, capri style, with a trendy hole on the write knee.. one my size, one her size, and ON SALE!

two v-neck, 3/4 sleeve, white t's -ON SALE!

two darling, white vests.. ON SALE!

and i talked to God while i was in the dressing room trying everything on. "Jesus... now i know i'm supposed to be using this money from our parents for food and gas..
but look! look how cute! -and it's really to serve you, afterall... it's for the church, Jesus! really.. and it's for the balloon platoon.. they're counting on us! -and it's family fellowship...
so if you don't want me spending this money on these cute matching outfits (ON SALE!) -then you better make sure these pants don't
[pull, squeeze, wiggle, wiggle, pull] -fit.

LOOK AT THAT! I GOT 'EM ZIPPED UP & EVERYTHING! -and once i move around in 'em for a couple days, they'll stretch to size.. [knee bend, squat, stand, jumping jack, knee bend, dance move or two..]
***
and so i figured, if i couldn't get the pants buttoned/zipped, that would be a sign i shouldn't spend my grocery money on cute matching outfits, but!

since i could get the pants on, with only a minimal amount of negotiation and effort.. well, then. that's was a clear sign i'd be the next one in line at the register.
***
so i surprised my sister with our new, matching, banner beauty outfits. "you go try yours on. i'll go put mine on. and then let's meet in front of your mirror"

and, how could the good Lord, not smile at the sight of us? ~ middle-aged, mom-sisters, in matching white boyfriend jeans, white t-shirts & vests..

***

and so, when it looked like we might not get to -serve the Lord- afterall, -well, i was extra grateful about kohl's amazing return policy

***

but this is write about when God must of whispered in our mom's ear, -because, once again.. in our great time of need, "GRANDMA SHARON TO THE RESCUE!" -and not only did she step up to watch the kids (on her wedding anniversary day)

but as she stepped up.. well, my sister noticed what cute white shoes she had on.. and how they might better match the cute white shoes she loaned me to wear...

so, -shirt off her back -shoes off her feet. we have a very generous mom

now my kids had coverage. my sister's kids had coverage. we had our cute matching white banner beauty outfits , PLUS our matching white shoes. -our next job then, was simply to show up at 10am in the parking lot @ jcpenney home store to meet with the rest of the balloon platoon & their spouses for the bus ride over
and with only one very quick, very minor, pit-stop at walgreens to pick up socks, and look! -sparkling matching earrings (and granola bars, and water...)
we made it.

***
having never done this before, both my sister and i had imagined 'the bus' as a middle-sized, yellow kind of thing, so it was a pleasant surprise to find a great big, fancy, tour bus in the parking lot, with "THUNDERSTAR" painted along the side

my imagination delighted immediately in the idea this was our bus.. and "our driver, calvin..."




***
so we mixed n''mingled with the balloon platoon, their spouses.. families... and watched them load up their gear. we got the inside scoop from centerpointe friends (& veteran banner beauties), cindy & sigrie, about what to expect -we were provided white gloves, white navy hats, & green scarves to accessorize our outfits. took a few pictures, and were off...





to san francisco! in the thunderstar! to march in the columbus day parade! with the world famous balloon platoon! -on an amazingly gorgeous, sunshiny, perfect-climate day!





***


so, i don't know who or how this whole thing gets orchestrated, but WOW! to everyone behind the scenes. all we did was follow orders and line up where we were told, which was between the american italian social club float (just in front of us) and lang, the bart board car (after us); wait on our que to move... wait on our que to move... wait on our que to move... then

go!

and very helpful we just had to follow the AISC float, because we had NO IDEA where we were really, or where we were going.   what a high though! with the sounds of marching bands, the gorgeous costumes, the blue skies, -the blue angels, and to round a corner which brought us in front of the fisherman's wharf,  and to have the street so

- w- i- d- e- o- p e n -

to ourselves, with crowds and crowds of people to either side, so nicely organized & contained along the sidewalks for as far as our eyes could see.   

first God gets me my own bus... then my very own driver... and now.. he's even parted the crowds like the red sea, so i can walk without bumping into one person..

and i just wiggled around a little.. flapping my arms... taking advantage of the incredible elbow room.

-because on my rare visits to fisherman's wharf.. to pier 39.. the crowds overwhelm me. -but not today..

today.. the streets of san francisco are MINE! and not only are the streets mine.. but look at the people all squished to the sides.. smiling... laughing... taking pictures..

it's quite amazing.   and there was general parade cheering from the crowds, but every now and then the generic cheer would turn into a burst of loud laughter and applause.

i learned quickly this burst of applause was a sure sign the balloon platoon behind us had stopped to perform their world famous "shake n' bake" move. [we must add this to youtube if it's not already there]. it's a squat and a wiggle, which

well, you must picture 20, otherwise distinguished men, all lined up in a row, wearing giant wiggle~able inner tubes around their middles, underneath their over-sized white navy suits, carrying mops... shaking their booties and everything else -on command
by the admiral.
oh! talk about a crowd pleaser... the balloon platoon would steal the show at every corner with just a few select choreographed half military/ half vegas synchronized dance moves -using their mops like crosby used his cane, they'd entertain

then spread out and work the crowd. fall in line.. and march, left, write, left, write, left

for i don't know how many blocks or miles around fisherman's wharf, all along columbus, past thousands of people, families, singles, children, s.f. eccentrics

and every corner we turned it seemed i ran smack into another spectacular, unbelievable view available in every direction
streets that lead write up to heaven. the most colorful row of houses on cement ramps. coit tower over there. blue angels up there. packed restaurant patio's everywhere. cable cars, horses, double-decker tour buses with open air seats

police stopping traffic for the parade to cross.. people popping out of their sunroofs with camera's. peace and joy and...

happiness. i mean, just look at my sister. -every once in a while i'd glance over and see her smiling so big.. waving at the children, smiling for a picture

dancing to the italian music being performed live on the float directly in front of us. serenaded, we were.. and treated to an occasional sip of red wine -in the middle of the parade! by the italian -social club men

and every once in a while, we'd turn a corner and i'd get a better view of the marching band further ahead

poor kids. i'd think. had to learn a musical instrument. practice, practice, practice, and all those rehearsals
i mean.. i felt like such a cheater - just carrying the banner. but a very smart cheater. [yes! more wine.. thank you! we're serving the Lord... ]

and a fun thing too, to hear calls from the crowd. in addition to the cry out for the balloon platoon's "shake n' bake!" we'd also hear an occasional "go pleasanton!" or "hey p-town!" -and quite a big surprise to suddenly hear,

"sandra!" -and see my beloved friend carla, her son dominic and husband russ. the only familiar faces i'd see in the crowds. they got to see the blue angels from her aunt's rooftop, and i laughed so hard to learn something about a flying salame sandwich hitting carla in the head...

and there was a mystery holler out toward the end,
"did you hear that?" my sister shouted, "they just hollered out, WriteousMom!" -no idea who it was, but big thank you to you!

and speaking of big....

took my breath away to turn a corner toward the end of the parade and cast my eyes upon the most gorgeous - huge - spectacularly beautiful catholic church!

and to see nuns a couple floors up in the neighboring building standing at their windows to watch the parade.

you know i did a quick sign of the cross, said thank you to Jesus and waved a big hello to the sisters..

it was the perfect conclusion to our banner carrying debut.

***


i'm going to skip the story here about the hour and a half wait for a few slices of garlic bread at the first restaurant we went to for food after the parade, and just

take you with me to north beach pizza where the service was A+, the pizza was delicious, the beers were cold and tasty and the crowds were still going wild

but not for the balloon platoon. for the giants.

tv's were on inside north beach pizza, and we landed there write about when one of the next few plays would determine whether or not

"THE GIANTS WON!"

the excitement never ends in san francisco.

visited inside the saint peter & paul church for a few minutes before heading back to the thunderstorm where our driver, calvin, was waiting

the balloon platoon mentioned their next parade would be in san diego. my sister and i just smiled and said yes.

"we found our calling."

posted by SHE @ 9:44 AM 0 comments

The Real People Fashion Parade @ Santana Row -sandra mickanen imagining.. #fashion

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 12:04 PM 0 comments

OBAMA by (me!) Sandra,tvgp

posted by SHE @ 5:57 PM 0 comments

Too Coot -conversations 'round the perc ponds with (Robert! & Sandra!) #NOTonNOBLE #percponds

but towards the top of that growing list:   "the perc pond parade!"   -we purchased some, as sexy likes to identify it 'safe and sanctified, certified, all the way credentialed, USDA agriculturally approved -official and politically correct waterfowl duck food'  -from An-Jan's Feed and Pet Supply in Milpitas to safely feed the ducks at the perc ponds

  -because there were one or five people who expressed concern for the ducks who were being fed bread crumbs    "awful!"  apparently...   "makes 'em sick"

and it's true.. there are those who have been feeding ducks bread crumbs for their entire lives.. and have never seen any negative side effects, or dead ducks washed up on the shorelines..

but, we decided, 

well, i already told you what we decided...   and so, not only are we supporting a very worthy local business with our purchases, but, it is entirely guilt and worry free now, that we delight in feeding the ducks at the perc ponds

"good morning friends,"  i say to them with a big smile... "we didn't bring you just any 'ole bread crumbs you cute things...  we brought you the best!  gourmet duck food for brunch..."

and now it is super fun because at first, they might all start swimming away from the approaching humans, but then robert will get out one of the zip lock bags with our 'safe and sanctified, certified, all the way credentialed, USDA agriculturally approved -official and politically correct waterfowl duck food' from An-Jan's..  

and then with a big smile i say to them.. "oh!  did something change your mind... "  because the second you shake that bag...     50 or more come flying across the pond..

sweetest thing you ever saw!   and despite my reading how common they are, it's the first time i am conscious of seeing these...

and i was like, "look baby, at those necks.. they look like black velvet.."  -and i fight an urge to pet them because i'm not quite sure if they are pet-friendly

"look at those red eyes!"   and then i just checked them all out...   how much darker their necks compared to their dark bodies, the white beaks with the black tip...  that kind of brown jewel on their foreheads...   but honey

i stopped in my tracks to marvel at their feet!    honestly...   "baby, look!  they're scalloped...  scalloped! and some kind of green, blue...    with black markings... "   who created these?!?  they are magnificent..

and I believe there is one God, who so loved the world, and gave his only son..

but I also wonder...   well, i think the creative wand got passed around, and i can't quite explain beyond that..

anyway..  Robert seemed surprised too  "there's no web on their feet like the ducks" 

and i took i don't know how many pictures trying so hard to capture the creativity and color and scallop design of those feet.  So, hats off to you, Kevin Malo, you did it!   and were justifiably awarded

we just love these black duck-ish creatures with the white beaks and fascinating feet, and they seem to love us too..  /or, at least they love the food from An-Jan's

and, for several days we would just find a place on land to feed them for a bit, until we ran out, but then we got the idea of just how fun it would be if we just sprinkled food as we walked around the entire pond.   -would they follow us the entire way around the pond?

and, i'm not certain whether i would have found this quite as thrilling in my 20's or 30's.. but, now that i'm nearly LV

it was a total thrill.  darling!  walking forward and tossing a few pellets behind us as we made our way around...  and to look back over our shoulders and see like, 50 of these little waddlers, plus super duck and his entourage following so close behind  

"welcome to the perc pond parade!"

and times, they really have changed this current 5th decade in life, because not only do i so thoroughly enjoy feeding the ducks, and taking long nature walks, but, i'm about to invest in some binoculars

        -and they will actually be for bird watching.

i want to get a closer look at these herons!  hawks!

and so, all i could do is share about how sweet these little black creatures with white beaks were... and on one of our more recent walks we crossed paths

  -distant paths; as they were wearing covid protection masks in the wide open outdoors, so we kept a respectful distance, but

the mrs. of the pair, she told us those black birds with the white beaks are called coots.

and then she said, 

she said, 

"I HATE COOTS!"

can you imagine?  i couldn't believe my ears!  "how on earth could you hate those cute little birds with those wildly fascinating feet?  they are so sweet!"  i said to her, 

and that's when she explained to us, that she actually saw a coot kill it's offspring.  "They kill their children"  she repeated.  "I hate them"

  they kill their offspring?

and we chit-chatted about other birds, and the perc ponds in general...  and then they went their way, and we went ours

and when we got home, first thing i did was start researching about coots.

do you know that term "terrible truth"  

well, it is the terrible, awful, disturbing truth, what the mrs. shared with us.

from limited reading, i learned about how coots have several offspring, but will shake the neck of a portion of them so they only end up with one or two.

    -scientists project it is because they can only provide for one or two

    -it is was considered through a darwinian lens, that the parent saved the strongest two, until research revealed they actually save the weakest two

         -is that because the smaller ones will eat less?

i'm not going to pretend to understand any of it.    my initial reaction was 

"no, no, no..  not my sweet velvet black neck, red eye, scalloped feet cootie pies!  i just made them my friends..."

perhaps i was better off not knowing, know what i mean...

and i will have to block it out, that new knowledge, so i can maintain the pleasurable relationship i initially formed with them

my God...!  they literally run on top of the water toward their food source (that's us) -it's as near actual flight as you can get, speed wise, without actually lifting off the surface of the water into the air...  

SUPER FAST!

and, do you know during my research i saw where someone posted a picture of a coot, and identified it as "the most evil looking bird you will ever see"

wow.  -not my experience AT ALL.

and i've just been curious ever since...  and i'm sure someone has already done the research, but i'm not curious enough to do even more of my own research

i'm only curious enough to wonder...

if a coot mother kills its offspring   -and the actual reason for that behavior is because it is dwindling down to the number of offspring it can adequately care for and feed

if that is its conscious behavior in the natural/wild...

what if a population of coots were provided ample food supply  -no competing, plenty for everyone to go around

    -does it change the behavior?   if the offspring are fed from the get go..

or, is it a hard-wired instinct...

   -you know which way i want to believe the outcome would go,   -write.

but, 

bottom line...    i loved them before i learned awful things about them...   and, it brings us great joy to visit them, feed them, create a parade...

and we are going to keep doing just that.      amen.

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 6:09 PM 0 comments

Too Coot -conversations 'round the perc ponds with (Robert! & Sandra!)

           from the archives.  original post Jan 17, 2021.    -reposting today because one of the current factors in People Who Love the Perc Ponds vs. San Jose City Council, is semantic in nature:

What makes a park, -a park?   Three factors surface to the top:   1. Has it been dedicated as a park?  [and YES, our perc ponds have been legally dedicated as a park/open space]   2.  Is it open to the public and utilized as a park? [ BIG YES! countless people over decades, with pictures, memories, stories galore]   3.  Has it received "improvements"?  -Been invested in   [again, YES! trees have been planted, a trail created, benches, water fountain, fence..   trash cans.. irrigation, 4 signs, one at every entry "welcome to your neighborhood park"  etc.]

  but it is the 'improvements' category which is the hiccup write now, because..  how much has to have been spent in order to qualify?  or something like that..    -and while they debate all that behind closed doors,  we are just going to keep enjoying our treasure of a park, and work to save and protect it, from 100 bed homeless tiny home site being built -on it; and directly across the street from Noble Elementary School, Daycare, Berryessa Library..   longer list.

    ******  ************* *************  *********      

but towards the top of that growing list:   "the perc pond parade!"   -we purchased some, as sexy likes to identify it 'safe and sanctified, certified, all the way credentialed, USDA agriculturally approved -official and politically correct waterfowl duck food'  -from An-Jan's Feed and Pet Supply in Milpitas to safely feed the ducks at the perc ponds

  -because there were one or five people who expressed concern for the ducks who were being fed bread crumbs    "awful!"  apparently...   "makes 'em sick"

and it's true.. there are those who have been feeding ducks bread crumbs for their entire lives.. and have never seen any negative side effects, or dead ducks washed up on the shorelines..

but, we decided, 

well, i already told you what we decided...   and so, not only are we supporting a very worthy local business with our purchases, but, it is entirely guilt and worry free now, that we delight in feeding the ducks at the perc ponds

"good morning friends,"  i say to them with a big smile... "we didn't bring you just any 'ole bread crumbs you cute things...  we brought you the best!  gourmet duck food for brunch..."

and now it is super fun because at first, they might all start swimming away from the approaching humans, but then robert will get out one of the zip lock bags with our 'safe and sanctified, certified, all the way credentialed, USDA agriculturally approved -official and politically correct waterfowl duck food' from An-Jan's..  

and then with a big smile i say to them.. "oh!  did something change your mind... "  because the second you shake that bag...     50 or more come flying across the pond..

sweetest thing you ever saw!   and despite my reading how common they are, it's the first time i am conscious of seeing these...

and i was like, "look baby, at those necks.. they look like black velvet.."  -and i fight an urge to pet them because i'm not quite sure if they are pet-friendly

"look at those red eyes!"   and then i just checked them all out...   how much darker their necks compared to their dark bodies, the white beaks with the black tip...  that kind of brown jewel on their foreheads...   but honey

i stopped in my tracks to marvel at their feet!    honestly...   "baby, look!  they're scalloped...  scalloped! and some kind of green, blue...    with black markings... "   who created these?!?  they are magnificent..

and I believe there is one God, who so loved the world, and gave his only son..

but I also wonder...   well, i think the creative wand got passed around, and i can't quite explain beyond that..

anyway..  Robert seemed surprised too  "there's no web on their feet like the ducks" 

and i took i don't know how many pictures trying so hard to capture the creativity and color and scallop design of those feet.  So, hats off to you, Kevin Malo, you did it!   and were justifiably awarded

we just love these black duck-ish creatures with the white beaks and fascinating feet, and they seem to love us too..  /or, at least they love the food from An-Jan's

and, for several days we would just find a place on land to feed them for a bit, until we ran out, but then we got the idea of just how fun it would be if we just sprinkled food as we walked around the entire pond.   -would they follow us the entire way around the pond?

and, i'm not certain whether i would have found this quite as thrilling in my 20's or 30's.. but, now that i'm nearly LV

it was a total thrill.  darling!  walking forward and tossing a few pellets behind us as we made our way around...  and to look back over our shoulders and see like, 50 of these little waddlers, plus super duck and his entourage following so close behind  

"welcome to the perc pond parade!"

and times, they really have changed this current 5th decade in life, because not only do i so thoroughly enjoy feeding the ducks, and taking long nature walks, but, i'm about to invest in some binoculars

        -and they will actually be for bird watching.

i want to get a closer look at these herons!  hawks!

and so, all i could do is share about how sweet these little black creatures with white beaks were... and on one of our more recent walks we crossed paths

  -distant paths; as they were wearing covid protection masks in the wide open outdoors, so we kept a respectful distance, but

the mrs. of the pair, she told us those black birds with the white beaks are called coots.

and then she said, 

she said, 

"I HATE COOTS!"

can you imagine?  i couldn't believe my ears!  "how on earth could you hate those cute little birds with those wildly fascinating feet?  they are so sweet!"  i said to her, 

and that's when she explained to us, that she actually saw a coot kill it's offspring.  "They kill their children"  she repeated.  "I hate them"

  they kill their offspring?

and we chit-chatted about other birds, and the perc ponds in general...  and then they went their way, and we went ours

and when we got home, first thing i did was start researching about coots.

do you know that term "terrible truth"  

well, it is the terrible, awful, disturbing truth, what the mrs. shared with us.

from limited reading, i learned about how coots have several offspring, but will shake the neck of a portion of them so they only end up with one or two.

    -scientists project it is because they can only provide for one or two

    -it is was considered through a darwinian lens, that the parent saved the strongest two, until research revealed they actually save the weakest two

         -is that because the smaller ones will eat less?

i'm not going to pretend to understand any of it.    my initial reaction was 

"no, no, no..  not my sweet velvet black neck, red eye, scalloped feet cootie pies!  i just made them my friends..."

perhaps i was better off not knowing, know what i mean...

and i will have to block it out, that new knowledge, so i can maintain the pleasurable relationship i initially formed with them

my God...!  they literally run on top of the water toward their food source (that's us) -it's as near actual flight as you can get, speed wise, without actually lifting off the surface of the water into the air...  

SUPER FAST!

and, do you know during my research i saw where someone posted a picture of a coot, and identified it as "the most evil looking bird you will ever see"

wow.  -not my experience AT ALL.

and i've just been curious ever since...  and i'm sure someone has already done the research, but i'm not curious enough to do even more of my own research

i'm only curious enough to wonder...

if a coot mother kills its offspring   -and the actual reason for that behavior is because it is dwindling down to the number of offspring it can adequately care for and feed

if that is its conscious behavior in the natural/wild...

what if a population of coots were provided ample food supply  -no competing, plenty for everyone to go around

    -does it change the behavior?   if the offspring are fed from the get go..

or, is it a hard-wired instinct...

   -you know which way i want to believe the outcome would go,   -write.

but, 

bottom line...    i loved them before i learned awful things about them...   and, it brings us great joy to visit them, feed them, create a parade...

and we are going to keep doing just that.      amen.

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 8:44 AM 0 comments

Let's unforget his dream by (me!) sandra, tvgp

posted by SHE @ 9:32 AM 0 comments

BEHIND THE VETERANS DAY PARADE SEENS by (me!) sandra, tvgp

posted by SHE @ 9:48 PM 0 comments

PUBLIC THANK YOU TO CINDY & MIKE LAFFERTY from (me!) sandra, tvgp

huge surprise! from the lafferty's:

i returned the bells cindy loaned my niece to carry in the Christmas parade with the balloon platoon, and "we have something for you," she tells me with a mysterious smile

then they handed me a pretty Christmas gift bag

"we do Christmas a little differently," Mike kindly said, "we like to find people we care about, and see what we can do.."

"and you can't wait 'til Christmas to open it," cindy smiled, "you have to open it write now.."

and -no idea in the world this was coming..

a bran new gorgeous canon powershot sd1300 is!"

what a thoughtful, thoughtful, wonderful, and very generous surprise! /might have to do with cindy taking pictures for me with my beloved but aging camera in san francisco..

and again, offering to take pictures with my camera at the pleasanton parade.. when it took an immediate and unannounced retirement..

"thank you both so much!!"

you can be assured it will get lots -and lots- of use.

***

and dear friends and family...
my beloved children of the most high God

you know by now, God works through people..

and so even though you may sigh, and roll your eyes, and hide or cry out, "not another picture.."

you have been over-ridden by and must surrender to the holy spirit.

what other interpretation could there possibly be? obviously this is God letting me know i can take all the pictures i want.


i'm gonna have myself (click, click) a very (click) merry (click, click) Christmas...


love, ~mamma~razzi

posted by SHE @ 7:18 AM 0 comments

A virtual parade of 'WOW!' moments Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil

for (me!) personally; the best show i have ever..  or probably will ever see! next level creativity -fusing some of the greatest dance music, with breathtaking choreography, phenomenal costumes, master level acrobatics, spectacular sets, michael-jackson-magic galore   -directed to perfection.  the light show! the surprises..  can't "thank you!" enough for the existence of this show.  i wish the whole wide world could see it

and if that was the only thing we did while in las vegas.. would have been worth the flight.  we had tickets originally for Michael Jackson ONE performance last year, which got covid-canceled..    but,  -worth the wait! encore, encore, encore...    

 

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 3:43 PM 0 comments

#haiku #warriors @writeousmom by (me!) ~topps

posted by SANDRA MICKANEN @ 11:09 AM 0 comments

Clip Up, Clip Down.. learns (me!) sandra, tvgp

its one of my favorite nights to work at ricks picks; the October brew crawl.. like, my very own personal parade of slightly intoxicated people in such a variety of costumes..

and i had the great pleasure of pouring beer with Adam, of cool beer works. -from cool, California..  a city. (Or country rather..) I did not even know existed until last night..   and.. if you are curious too, 'it is 6 miles northeast of auburn'

which I can quote and recite and repeat, but there is no map in my mental files for where auburn is, so..  

anyway.. we poured cool beer's very popular 'blond diva' and their 'paranormal pale ale..    /both get a thumbs up from (me!)..

and the blond references come to no end..  "I'll take a tall blond". " I want a blond".  "Give me a blond".   Etc, etc.  and, you could see every now then.. the husband with the dark haired wife, -asking for a blond..  

this slight irritation..   and some of the brunettes felt, let's say, under  appreciated and under represented..    but when I saw first hand, just how popular..   I see now why Starbucks..  and any variety of retail centers use this marketing technique..   It gets results!

and I wanted in the worst way to have a come back line, for all these references.. something that would elevate the non-blonds..make people laugh,  but I never did.. 

" I prefer blonds'

and I said, 'we have a gentleman here...'.  -because these things get locked in the brain like nursery rhymes..  

anyway.. trust me here.. I was thinking, -if the brunettes and red heads felt under appreciated..  Please imagine us silvers.../gray, white, salt n pepper.. 

if you had two kegs and offered. 'Blond diva or gray haired lady...

but may I make that recommendation to cool beer works and Starbucks..

now, I am aware gray haired lady might not be your highest profit center..  but even the bible recognizes euphemisms..

'Crown of splendor!'.   /then we stand a higher chance..

and before I switch to clips up.. let me say, great pleasure meeting and pouring with you Adam..  a former police officer (thank you for your noble service!)..  and, in love with his girlfriend from 17 years ago...

is he going to propose?  

***

my favorite costumes.. I mean I love it all.. ! .. but the men who dressed like the hosiers basketball players with short-shorts.. Too funny!  and then the male tooth fairy in all white tank top dress, with a tiara and tennis shoes and one big tooth on the outfit.. 

sexy with a sense of humor...  you win!

***

my most delightful conversation however, was not with one of the slightly intoxicated adults in costume..

my most delightful conversation was with a radiant young girl from alisal elementary school..  and during our highly engaging conversation, she mentioned something about 'clip up..'

"What is this.. clip up? I've never heard of this before.."

and she explained, as only a 3rd grader (2nd?) with  high school communication skills can, that

"Clip up and clip down..  is where.. if you do something you are not supposed to..  clip down..   and if you are good for the day.. Clip up."

"What are they clipping..  your hair? Your skin.. 

and she went on to explain a color coded clip system which is quite similar to our national security terror threat warning system:

apparently.. Blue is at the top.. highest up your clip can go.. Stellar citizen!   and then there was yellow and orange.. don't do that again type warnings..   and..

RED! the lowest your clip can go.. the bitter end.. And! If you get clipped down to red for your unstellar behavior in the classroom,

You cannot get clipped back up!  Once in red; you stay in red..

if you get clipped from blue to yellow or orange.. You can behave your way back to blue...  But RED!  

and so I said, " here is the most important question I have for you about this fascinating color coded clip system

K.. let's say you... Well not YOU, because you stay blue..  Stay blue for me OK..  but let's say someone gets clipped to RED

How long does that last? For a week, for the year, for a day?"

and that's when I learned it only lasts for the day.  The next day.. everyone starts again from blue.   And the Christian in me loves that system.. Every single day his mercy is new..

Fresh start; try again!    -the way Joyce Meyer teaches it, you never fail a test...but you do get to take it over and over and over again, until you pass.

/I'm being tested with keith write now..   as in

write now! I am resisting the urge to see if I can remember where he lives without an address or directions..

***

I can see my keys from here..

***

but! honey... if you think I'm gonna make this easy and convenient for you..

you are as delusional as I am...

in Jesus great name...  Hallelujah~amen!

posted by SHE @ 5:54 PM 0 comments

The Neil Diamond Rose -from (gerry!) to (me!) sandra, tvgp

posted by SHE @ 9:16 AM 0 comments