Knotty Musings

Ideas, philosophies, and evil plots to take over the world through love hatched here.


I Am Enough

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically
liberates others." ~ Marianne Williamson


Remove the Nots

Remove the Nots

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Soundings From A Place Called Grief

"Soundings from a place called Grief"
by Bob Perks
I have wept like that.
I have felt the pain of losing someone and thought at
that very moment I would never live again without them.
Then you know?
Yes, I do know. I know the heaviness of breathing. I know the
underside of darkness while hiding beneath the covers on my bed.
I know the struggle of lifting myself up and the pleasure of lying
back down.
How long?
I wanted forever, but God had different plans.
I don't want to know them.
Neither did I, until...
Until what? Until He tore you from the bed. Until He forced you
to believe again?
Until I realized that lying there only kept them gone, only made
their passing a sad, morbid fact.
Isn't it?
No, not at all. If I live they live, too. I cannot touch them,
hear them breathing, but I can see them, still.
Nonsense! How can that be?
I see them in every step I take, every sunrise and sunset I
choose to claim. I was not, we were not meant to be
without accepting the responsibility that it is our duty,
no true destiny to live on.
And seeing them? How can you see them?
In my memories. They come to me like old songs. Hearing
them again plays sweetly upon my ear igniting within my
being their touch, their smile and urging me to keep the
music playing until...until the music ends and we are once
again together. A family, a chorus, a symphony!
I cannot...
Not now. Now you must weep. The music will wait.
You have, you have wept like this.
And you will live as I have with the music playing on.
"I wish you enough!"
J
Bob Perks
I encourage you to share my stories but
I do ask that you keep my name and contact
information with my work.

If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational
stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
and submit your email address.
"I Wish You enough!"
© 2001 Bob Perks
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear
much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

Bob Perks, P.O. Box 1702, Shavertown, PA 18708-1702, USA

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Cup

The Cup by Bob Perks

You do have my prayers, my friend.

I have another perspective on the "cup and saucer." It really just
this second came to me as I read your message.

It all depends on how one sees their cup.

Some people see small cups. They live a life in such a way that they
see their portion and needs as small. Their cup is always overflowing
and life is certainly abundant even though in reality it takes little
to fill it.

Others see the cup has huge. Their portion or desires for life are
never ending.

They can never get enough. They won't bother with the little things
the others find as important, because they add little to the filling
of such a big cup.

Thus, their cup will never come close to overflow. Even if it did,
they'd then want a bigger cup.

They are rarely happy with anything but more.

When faced with health issues, life threatening occurrences, both
people are brought to the same place, the same level.

Both will certainly be afraid. Both will worry.

The first one is more likely to be a person of faith. After the
initial shock they will turn to God, be grateful for a life lived
fully and trust in Him.

The second might go either way. If they acknowledge God, they might
be angry with Him and blame Him for this.

On the other hand this might be an awakening for some in that group.
Suddenly they see value in life itself not the stuff of life.

Of course there are people of abundance who are people of faith.
They never have a full cup because they have shared what they had all
along. I'm thinking the cup was most likely always 90% full with, at
the very least, 10% gone to others. Tithing.

We must also keep in mind those who wish they even had a cup to fill.
They would be happy with something to hold in their hands.

I believe, my friend, you are in the first group.
Bob

This is why everything I believe and all that I do is based on
my story...
"I wish you enough!"
http://www.IWishYouEnough.com

Drinking From My Saucer

"Drinking from my saucer"
By Bob Perks


I had forgotten all about it. So, like
finding a ten dollar bill tucked in a suit coat,
or better yet, coming across a long lost friend,
this was precious.


When I was a child one of the most important persons
in my life at the time was my "Gramps." I loved
whenever he was around.

His smile and playful attitude always brought much
joy to my life. His bald head, round belly and
cigar made him the perfect image for what a grandfather
should be. He often brought me gifts including a Ukulele
introducing me to the "Three Little Fishies" song for the
first time.


How much of an impression was he on my life? So much so
that I recently purchased a cheap version of a ukulele
just to relive the memory.


But something else came rushing back just the other day.


My wife remembered that her father often drank coffee
from the saucer.


"I never understood that," she said.


I did. My Gramps always drank from his saucer, too. He told me it was to cool it off faster. Of course, I tried it, but

with tea. Mom would never let me have coffee at that age.


Not only was it true, but such a neat thing to do.


The very next day after this conversation with Marianne,
a "friend I never met" named Garnet, sent this link to me:
http://gloriousgrace.net/saucer/saucer.html


It is the song, "My Cup Has Overflowed" sung by Michael Combs in this version, http://www.michaelcombs.com


I recently added the title "Interpreter" (with a smile) to
my list of descriptive words when people ask me what I do
for a living.


So, here's my take on this precious memory. Everything

that happens to me has a deeper and more significant meaning

in my life. This, too carried a message.


The practice of drinking from the saucer is still very much
alive in some countries, perhaps even in your home.


The purpose
as I will remind you is to take the hot beverage and pour it
on the saucer so it cools faster. That occurs because the hot
liquid is spread over a larger surface allowing it to cool
more rapidly.


Life deals out many overwhelming challenges.


Sometimes they come
in numbers too many to handle. The ones with the most potential
to cause damage in your life should not be handled immediately
and directly. It may appear at very moment that the urgency
dictates immediate attention.


The truth is one should never
jump into a circumstance without first taking time to
evaluate its importance.


Acknowledge it, then put it in perspective by spreading it out
over time. You may feel overwhelmed and your life is out of
control. Take the hottest issues and let them cool until you can
see them for what they are.


When facing too many challenges, "drink from the saucer."


May your cup overflow!

"I wish you enough!"

J

Bob Perks

I encourage you to share my stories but
I do ask that you keep my name and contact
information with my work.

If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational
stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
and submit your email address.

"I Wish You enough!"
© 2001 Bob Perks

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear
much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Professor Is A Genuis!

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before,
but had once failed an entire class.

--------------------------------------------

That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer....


The professor then said, "OK,
we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".


All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.


After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.


As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little.
The second test average was a D!
No one was happy.


When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering,
blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.


All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.
Could not be any simpler than that.


Professor is a Genius


As the late Adrian Rogers said, "you cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.."

Friday, October 23, 2009

Halloween Open House













Every year my company hosts a Halloween open house for employees and their children. Each department has a theme and sets up games, prizes, etc. Our department's theme was the spooky dungeon. Employees are also encouraged to wear costumes. I wore the HR approved bellydance costume, which isn't nearly as much fun as my non-HR approved one, but ahhhhh well.

Here is the evidence: my boss and her sister as a banchee and a goth angel.

Traci as a she-devil

Carol as the catwoman

me as the bellydancer/copier salesperson "Introducing the Canon 2400".

UCC Group as the Flintstones

Our dungeon

The frog prince and headless horseman

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

I'm Proud of You

This really made me think about how little I tell people I'm proud of them, so I'll say it now: I am so proud of all of you!!!

"I'm proud of you!"
by Bob Perks

Does anyone say it any more?
When I heard it the other day, it
caught my attention. It was like
hearing something oddly familiar
but distant and faint in my memory.
You know, like things your grandmother
used to say.

I needed to understand why. I mean, it
just doesn't seem right that a phrase
so powerful would not be heard and
used regularly.

"I'm proud of you!"

When was the last time you said that to
someone? Not just someone you love, but
a neighbor, friend, or co-worker.

To a neighbor...
"You make a difference in the world
in everything you do.

I watch the people around you, how they react
whenever you're there. They smile, laugh
often and feel better for having had you in
their day, even if ever so briefly.
I'm proud of you!"

To a Friend...
"You take on the challenges of life and never
give in. You might not always win, but you
don't lose for lack of trying.
I'm proud of you!"

To a co-worker...
"You care. It shows in the way you do your work.
You not only do your job, you care about the
details, the goals and the outcome.
I'm proud of you!"

To a child...
"You didn't hit a home run, but you played with
your heart in every game. You never missed a
practice, you tried your very best. That's a
home run in my book.
I'm proud of you!"

To your spouse or partner...
"We'll get through this together. Yes, you lost
your job, but so did many others. I see great
determination in your eyes. I love you even
more in the difficult times because that's
when you shine and the world sees your best.
I'm proud of you!"

Now for you, my "friend I've never met"...
"You take time each day to search out and read
positive, uplifting messages on the internet.
Your love for people shows when you pass along
special messages for your friends facing
challenges. Your faith is strong and evident
when you lift up others, offer spiritual support
and encouragement and pray for people you
don't even know. You are a part of the world's
largest support group giving hope to those
whose only connection to others may be the
internet.
"I'm proud of you!"

"I wish you enough!"
J
Bob
I encourage you to share my stories but
I do ask that you keep my name and contact
information with my work.

If you would like to receive Bob's Inspirational
stories, please visit http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
and submit your email address.

"I Wish You enough!"
© 2001 Bob Perks
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear
much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

Sunday, October 18, 2009

George Washington's 110 Rules of Civil Behavior

George Washington, sometime before the age of 16, transcribed Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation. (Original errors in numbering have been corrected; original spelling is unchanged.)

1st Every Action done in Company, ought to be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.

2d When in Company, put not your Hands to any Part of the Body, not usualy Discovered.

3d Shew Nothing to your Freind that may affright him.

4th In the Presence of Others Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet.

5th If You Cough, Sneeze, Sigh, or Yawn, do it not Loud but Privately; and Speak not in your Yawning, but put Your handkercheif or Hand before your face and turn aside.

6th Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others stand, Speak not when you Should hold your Peace, walk not on when others Stop.

7th Put not off your Cloths in the presence of Others, nor go out your Chamber half Drest.

8th At Play and at Fire its Good manners to Give Place to the last Commer, and affect not to Speak Louder than Ordinary.

9th Spit not in the Fire, nor Stoop low before it neither Put your Hands into the Flames to warm them, nor Set your Feet upon the Fire especially if there be meat before it.

10th When you Sit down, Keep your Feet firm and Even, without putting one on the other or Crossing them.

11th Shift not yourself in the Sight of others nor Gnaw your nails.

12th Shake not the head, Feet, or Legs rowl not the Eys lift not one eyebrow higher than the other wry not the mouth, and bedew no mans face with your Spittle, by approaching too near him when you Speak.

Painting detail, "Highlife Below Stairs" 1763, by John Collet, CWF acc. no. G1991-175 13th Kill no Vermin as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others, if you See any filth or thick Spittle put your foot Dexteriously upon it if it be upon the Cloths of your Companions, Put it off privately, and if it be upon your own Cloths return Thanks to him who puts it off.

14th Turn not your Back to others especially in Speaking, Jog not the Table or Desk on which Another reads or writes, lean not upon any one.

15th Keep your Nails clean and Short, also your Hands and Teeth Clean yet without Shewing any great Concern for them.

16th Do not Puff up the Cheeks, Loll not out the tongue rub the Hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them or keep the Lips too open or too Close.

17th Be no Flatterer, neither Play with any that delights not to be Play'd Withal.

18th Read no Letters, Books, or Papers in Company but when there is a Necessity for the doing of it you must ask leave: come not near the Books or Writings of Another so as to read them unless desired or give your opinion of them unask'd also look not nigh when another is writing a Letter.

Print of a lady as "July," CWF acc. no. 1988-291,7 19th let your Countenance be pleasant but in Serious Matters Somewhat grave.

20th The Gestures of the Body must be Suited to the discourse you are upon.

21st: Reproach none for the Infirmaties of Nature, nor Delight to Put them that have in mind thereof.

22d Shew not yourself glad at the Misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23d When you see a Crime punished, you may be inwardly Pleased; but always shew Pity to the Suffering Offender.

24th Do not laugh too loud or too much at any Publick Spectacle.

25th Superfluous Complements and all Affectation of Ceremonie are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be Neglected.

26th In Pulling off your Hat to Persons of Distinction, as Noblemen, Justices, Churchmen &c make a Reverence, bowing more or less according to the Custom of the Better Bred, and Quality of the Person. Amongst your equals expect not always that they Should begin with you first, but to Pull off the Hat when there is no need is Affectation, in the Manner of Saluting and resaluting in words keep to the most usual Custom.

27th Tis ill manners to bid one more eminent than yourself be covered as well as not to do it to whom it's due Likewise he that makes too much haste to Put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to Put it on at the first, or at most the Second time of being ask'd; now what is herein Spoken, of Qualification in behaviour in Saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of Place, and Sitting down for ceremonies without Bounds is troublesome.

28th If any one come to Speak to you while you are are Sitting Stand up tho he be your Inferiour, and when you Present Seats let it be to every one according to his Degree.

29th When you meet with one of Greater Quality than yourself, Stop, and retire especially if it be at a Door or any Straight place to give way for him to Pass.

30th In walking the highest Place in most Countrys Seems to be on the right hand therefore Place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to Honour: but if three walk together the middest Place is the most Honourable the wall is usually given to the most worthy if two walk together.

31st If any one far Surpassess others, either in age, Estate, or Merit yet would give Place to a meaner than himself in his own lodging or elsewhere the one ought not to except it, So he on the other part should not use much earnestness nor offer it above once or twice.

32d: To one that is your equal, or not much inferior you are to give the cheif Place in your Lodging and he to who 'tis offered ought at the first to refuse it but at the Second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33d They that are in Dignity or in office have in all places Preceedency but whilst they are Young they ought to respect those that are their equals in Birth or other Qualitys, though they have no Publick charge.

34th It is good Manners to prefer them to whom we Speak before ourselves especially if they be above us with whom in no Sort we ought to begin.

35th Let your Discourse with Men of Business be Short and Comprehensive.

36th Artificers & Persons of low Degree ought not to use many ceremonies to Lords, or Others of high Degree but Respect and highly Honour them, and those of high Degree ought to treat them with affibility & Courtesie, without Arrogancy.

37th In Speaking to men of Quality do not lean nor Look them full in the Face, nor approach too near them at lest Keep a full Pace from them.

38th In visiting the Sick, do not Presently play the Physicion if you be not Knowing therein.

39th In writing or Speaking, give to every Person his due Title According to his Degree & the Custom of the Place.

40th Strive not with your Superiers in argument, but always Submit your Judgment to others with Modesty.

41st Undertake not to Teach your equal in the art himself Proffesses; it Savours of arrogancy.

Print "Keep within Compass and You Shall Be Sure to Avoid Many Troubles which Others Endure," CWF acc. no. 1958-629,2 42d Let thy ceremonies in Courtesie be proper to the Dignity of his place with whom thou conversest for it is absurd to act the same with a Clown and a Prince.

43d Do not express Joy before one sick or in pain for that contrary Passion will aggravate his Misery.

44th When a man does all he can though it Succeeds not well blame not him that did it.

45th Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in publick or in Private; presently, or at Some other time in what terms to do it & in reproving Shew no Sign of Cholar but do it with all Sweetness and Mildness.

46th Take all Admonitions thankfully in what Time or Place Soever given but afterwards not being culpable take a Time & Place convenient to let him him know it that gave them.

47th Mock not nor Jest at any thing of Importance break no Jest that are Sharp Biting and if you Deliver any thing witty and Pleasent abstain from Laughing there at yourself.

48th Wherein wherein you reprove Another be unblameable yourself; for example is more prevalent than Precepts.

Print "All Fours," men playing cards, CWF acc. no. 1996-91 49th Use no Reproachfull Language against any one neither Curse nor Revile.

50th Be not hasty to beleive flying Reports to the Disparagement of any.

51st Wear not your Cloths, foul, unript or Dusty but See they be Brush'd once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any Uncleaness.

52d In your Apparel be Modest and endeavour to accomodate Nature, rather than to procure Admiration keep to the Fashion of your equals Such as are Civil and orderly with respect to Times and Places.

53d Run not in the Streets, neither go too slowly nor with Mouth open go not Shaking yr Arms kick not the earth with yr feet, go not upon the Toes, nor in a Dancing fashion.

54th Play not the Peacock, looking every where about you, to See if you be well Deck't, if your Shoes fit well if your Stokings sit neatly, and Cloths handsomely.

55th Eat not in the Streets, nor in the House, out of Season.

56th Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you Esteem your own Reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad Company.

57th In walking up and Down in a House, only with One in Company if he be Greater than yourself, at the first give him the Right hand and Stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him, if he be a Man of Great Quality, walk not with him Cheek by Joul but Somewhat behind him; but yet in Such a Manner that he may easily Speak to you.

teapot inscribed "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace," CWF acc. no. 1995-27 58th Let your Conversation be without Malice or Envy, for 'tis a Sign of a Tractable and Commendable Nature: And in all Causes of Passion admit Reason to Govern.

59th Never express anything unbecoming, nor Act agst the Rules Moral before your inferiours.

60th Be not immodest in urging your Freinds to Discover a Secret.

61st Utter not base and frivilous things amongst grave and Learn'd Men nor very Difficult Questians or Subjects, among the Ignorant or things hard to be believed, Stuff not your Discourse with Sentences amongst your Betters nor Equals.

62d Speak not of doleful Things in a Time of Mirth or at the Table; Speak not of Melancholy Things as Death and Wounds, and if others Mention them Change if you can the Discourse tell not your Dreams, but to your intimate Friend.

63d A Man ought not to value himself of his Atchievements, or rare Qualities of wit; much less of his riches Virtue or Kindred.

64th Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho' there Seem to be Some cause.

65th Speak not injurious Words neither in Jest nor Earnest Scoff at none although they give Occasion.

66th Be not forward but friendly and Courteous; the first to Salute hear and answer & be not Pensive when it's a time to Converse.

67th Detract not from others neither be excessive in Commanding.

68th Go not thither, where you know not, whether you Shall be Welcome or not. Give not Advice without being Ask'd & when desired do it briefly.

69th If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained; and be not obstinate in your own Opinion, in Things indiferent be of the Major Side.

70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiours.

71st Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of Others and ask not how they came. What you may Speak in Secret to your Friend deliver not before others.

72d Speak not in an unknown Tongue in Company but in your own Language and that as those of Quality do and not as the Vulgar; Sublime matters treat Seriously.

73d Think before you Speak pronounce not imperfectly nor bring out your Words too hastily but orderly & distinctly.

74th When Another Speaks be attentive your Self and disturb not the Audience if any hesitate in his Words help him not nor Prompt him without desired, Interrupt him not, nor Answer him till his Speech be ended.

75th In the midst of Discourse ask not of what one treateth but if you Perceive any Stop because of your coming you may well intreat him gently to Proceed: If a Person of Quality comes in while your Conversing it's handsome to Repeat what was said before.

76th While you are talking, Point not with your Finger at him of Whom you Discourse nor Approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77th Treat with men at fit Times about Business & Whisper not in the Company of Others.

78th Make no Comparisons and if any of the Company be Commended for any brave act of Vertue, commend not another for the Same.

79th Be not apt to relate News if you know not the truth thereof. In Discoursing of things you Have heard Name not your Author always A Secret Discover not.

80th Be not Tedious in Discourse or in reading unless you find the Company pleased therewith.

81st Be not Curious to Know the Affairs of Others neither approach those that Speak in Private.

82d undertake not what you cannot perform but be carefull to keep your promise.

83d when you deliver a matter do it without passion & with discretion, however mean the person be you do it too.

84th When your Superiours talk to any Body hearken not neither Speak nor Laugh.

85th In Company of these of Higher Quality than yourself Speak not til you are ask'd a Question then Stand upright put of your Hat & Answer in few words.

86th In Disputes, be not So Desireous to Overcome as not to give Liberty to each one to deliver his Opinion and Submit to the Judgment of the Major Part especially if they are Judges of the Dispute.

Portrait of Thomas Bolling, c.1773, possibly by Matthew Pratt, CWF acc. no. G1995-99 87th Let thy carriage be such as becomes a Man Grave Settled and attentive to that which is spoken. Contradict not at every turn what others Say.

88th Be not tedious in Discourse, make not many Digressigns, nor repeat often the Same manner of Discourse.

89th Speak not Evil of the absent for it is unjust.

90th Being Set at meat Scratch not neither Spit Cough or blow your Nose except there's a Necessity for it.

91st Make no Shew of taking great Delight in your Victuals, Feed not with Greediness; cut your Bread with a Knife, lean not on the Table neither find fault with what you Eat.

92d Take no Salt or cut Bread with your Knife Greasy.

93d Entertaining any one at table it is decent to present him wt. meat, Undertake not to help others undesired by the Master.

94th If you Soak bread in the Sauce let it be no more than what you put in your Mouth at a time and blow not your broth at Table but Stay till Cools of it Self.

95th Put not your meat to your Mouth with your Knife in your hand neither Spit forth the Stones of any fruit Pye upon a Dish nor Cast anything under the table.

96th It's unbecoming to Stoop much to ones Meat Keep your Fingers clean & when foul wipe them on a Corner of your Table Napkin.

97th Put not another bit into your Mouth til the former be Swallowed let not your Morsels be too big for the Gowls.

Print, 'The Dinner,' CWF acc. no. 1954-698 98th Drink not nor talk with your mouth full neither Gaze about you while you are a Drinking.

99th Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after Drinking wipe your Lips breath not then or Ever with too Great a Noise, for its uncivil.

100th Cleanse not your teeth with the Table Cloth Napkin Fork or Knife but if Others do it let it be done wt. a Pick Tooth.

101st Rince not your Mouth in the Presence of Others.

102d It is out of use to call upon the Company often to Eat nor need you Drink to others every Time you Drink.

103d In Company of your Betters be not longer in eating than they are lay not your Arm but only your hand upon the table.

104th It belongs to the Chiefest in Company to unfold his Napkin and fall to Meat first, But he ought then to Begin in time & to Dispatch with Dexterity that the Slowest may have time allowed him.

105th Be not Angry at Table whatever happens & if you have reason to be so, Shew it not but on a Chearfull Countenance especially if there be Strangers for Good Humour makes one Dish of Meat a Feast.

106th Set not yourself at the upper of the Table but if it Be your Due or that the Master of the house will have it So, Contend not, least you Should Trouble the Company.

107th If others talk at Table be attentive but talk not with Meat in your Mouth.

108th When you Speak of God or his Atributes, let it be Seriously & wt. Reverence. Honour & Obey your Natural Parents altho they be Poor.

109th Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull.

110th Labour to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire Called Conscience.

Finis

*Washington, George. Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation: a Book of Etiquette. Williamsburg, VA: Beaver Press, 1971.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Frederick Wentworth Poem

From Jane Austen: A good read for those times when couples reach a point that reading one another is difficult.

I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak to you by such means as are within my reach. You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant. You alone have brought me to Bath. For you alone, I think and plan. Have you not seen this? Can you fail to have understood my wishes?

I had not waited even these ten days, could I have read your feelings, as I think you must have penetrated mine. I can hardly write. I am every instant hearing something which overpowers me. You sink your voice, but I can distinguish the tones of that voice when they would be lost on others. Too good, too excellent creature! You do us justice, indeed. You do believe that there is true attachment and constancy among men. Believe it to be most fervent, most undeviating, in F. W.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Gi Joe and Lillie

As we approach Pearl Harbor Day, it is appropriate to remember who fought for our freedoms. Thank them every chance you get because these humble men and women have given far more than we could ever know.

Please take a moment to click on the video at your right and listen but make sure you have your tissues handy.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Walking on the Wild Side









After a long sleep in my peep's bed, it was play time. I can't let them get lazy. . .