Friday Hodgepodge

Here’s what I didn’t write about this week, for whatever reason.

Pakistan

The death toll form the suicide bombing near the motorcade of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is now up to at least 130 people killed and another 400 injured. I was concerned that something such as this might happen if Bhutto returned from exile; however, I did not expect the carnage that occurred. I could write an entire post on who may have been responsible. But I do not believe the now is the moment to do that. Now, for me, is the moment to consider the victims and to pray.

Benazir Bhutto

Burma (Myanmar)

It’s so easy to forget last week’s headlines. However, the junta continues its crackdown on protesters even as many nations of the world and the United Nations call for restraint, compromise, and freedom for the people of Myanmar. Yesterday Amnesty International (another “pinko group” of which I am a card carrying member) released details and firsthand accounts of atrocities committed by the Burmese military against the people. I believe that we must remain actively involved in the Burmese crisis, even as other arise, least we forget. I find the best way to do that is in daily prayer; others may find other means to remember.

Tibet

Unfortunately, I did not take time to write about His Holiness the Dalai Lama being presented the United States’ highest civilian honor and his first public appearance with a sitting U. S. president. Thankfully, others, such a Digital Dharma, have.

Catnipped

For any who are interested, Alex has written a response to my photo essay of the furball’s first experience with catnip and published it on his blog, Alexicon: A Feline’s Life with his Human.

Alex Photo in Contest

Speaking of Alex, you may remember that back in July I requested your input on the best photograph of Alex to be submitted in a pets photo contest. This week I received email notification that one of the photos I submitted is is a "semi-finalist" in the contest. That sounded wonderful, until I read further down the email:

In celebration of your unique talent, we also wish to publish your photograph in our forthcoming anthology series . . .Endless Journeys… Of course, many people do wish to own a copy of the anthology in which their artistry appears. If this is the case, we welcome your order and guarantee your satisfaction. This finely crafted volume makes an excellent addition to any home, a treasured family keepsake, and a highly valued personal gift. Go here if you would like to purchase the anthology featuring your photo.

So I wonder how many semi-finalists there are and how many people received the same email as I offering to sell the anthology book in which their "winning" photograph appears. Am I being overly cynical?

Moving Soon

I cannot remember if I wrote that the pending foreclosure on my home was completed and the judge’s order signed. Whether I did or not, my home was sold on Tuesday of this week. Last night the young man who purchased it came by to inform me that Alex and I must move. Of course, I knew that this was coming and have been looking for alternative places to live. The Social Security Disability that I began receiving the 19^th of September plus my small pension from the United Church of Christ will give us acceptable income. Still, with my age and health conditions, I do not relish having to move. But move I must and so I ask for your prayers for Alex and me through the process.

My Health

My leg remains swollen. I do not know the results of the MRI; I have received a letter from the Veteran’s Administration that an appointment has been scheduled for me at the Orthopedic Clinic for November 5^th.

Laughter

Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward. ~ Kurt Vonnegut (1922 - 2007)