Deep In The Forrest

I just love animals, they are so sweet, so cute... I am big into cats and birds in particular, but love em all big and small. If you remember, I found a dancing bird called "Snowball", and he was really cool dancing to the likes of "Another One Bites The Dust" and lots more... but I ran across this bird named "Frostie" who gave me a giggle also. He likes "Ray Charles" evidently... lol This weekend I've seen some really good ones. I met one older couple who had a gargantuan "Rhodesian Ridgeback" dog, boy was he horse-like. He nearly dragged everyone that tried to lead him. But he was a sweet, big huge baby! Then today, I saw baby kittens over at Big Tracy's house. They were so sweet and adorable. Being spring, there have been lots of baby animals everywhere, baby cows, baby horses, kittens, birdies. Then of course, I get to see my own two magnificent animals (Rodney and Sal). They make my day. Animals just love you no matter wha...

Dear Tink and WWC Family, Please excuse AJ for being absent for the Weekly Words Challenge this week. She had a terrible case of loose vowels. She will be back in next week and will make up this week's assignment as well. Sincerely, AJ's Higher Self Yes I missed yesterday, and of course I could do the 'late but Wednesday' version like I did last week, but I had higher hopes of my photos being more worthy. I only have 2 possible submissions and I really don't like either one of them for the keywords. So you guys will have to sit tight until next Tuesday, and not only do I promise not to be late, I am going to begin doing my WWC entries (like Jay does I think) on Monday nights and having them all shiny and ready for Tuesday. I really must pick myself up and get my @$$ in gear. This has been unacceptable. I know, I know... I have been through a great deal in the last year (years), but still I gotta keep moving and living and trying to make ends meet. Everyone is busy,...

They are dead; but they live in each Patriot's breast, And their names are engraven on honor's bright crest. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Cover them over with beautiful flowers, Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours, Lying so silent by night and by day Sleeping the years of their manhood away. Give them the meed they have won in the past; Give them the honors their future forcast; Give them the chaplets they won in the strife; Give them the laurels they lost with their life. ~Will Carleton REMEMBER... HONOR... FREEDOM IS NOT FREE Grass PILE the bodies high at Austerlitz and Waterloo. Shovel them under and let me work-- I am the grass; I cover all. And pile them high at Gettysburg And pile them high at Ypres and Verdun. Shovel them under and let me work. Two years, ten years, and passengers ask the conductor: What place is this? Where are we now? I am the grass. Let me work. Sandburg, Carl. 1918. Cornhuskers.

W ell the busy week just kicked me in the butt, so sure... I took a few days off where I just didn't think of posting, took to a bit of relaxing, and of course had to take care of a few things. Nothing really exciting, just the same old crap, revisited. Had a pretty cool dream involving John Lennon last night as I slept in my Dad's old recliner. I know there was more to it than I can recall, but I forgot a few pieces. The part I do remember was I felt a huge wave of emotion when I was talking to him, and I said, "John there just aren't any others like us who really "feel", and no one who understands like you do!" [I'm not quite sure what this meant and why I was confessing this to John.] John replied, "I know. But there are a few." Then he began to name some specific people for me to look up, and I said, "Wait, let me write them down!" and I grabbed a pen and paper, and began to take names that John Lennon told to me. Of course u...

I am struggling, but I am finally bringing my Weekly Words Challenge for this week. This fun lil game is hosted by our wonderful friend Tink (from Pickled Beef) . She challenged us this week with the keywords "K" and "Metal". I'll make this short and sweet, enjoy... Silhouette of "The King" "K" for the Hearing Impaired "K" is for Killians (Irish Red) "K" for Kolbe (back of a big trailer) Kudzu Runs Rampant in Mississippi Klassic (sic) Metal!!! "Melt Your Face" Metal Bonus Photo: I guess this to caution us on stray See-Saws...? Ok, anyway-I'll be back later with more in depth stuff. Don't forget, you can submit something for "Ask AJ" at any time and I'll tackle it when I am able, so don't forget to check in and see if I have featured your topic on the blog. Also, give a bit of feedback and let me know if you are liking the "Ask AJ" feature. Plenty has stressed me this week, so ...

Hey guys, I have really had a busy and stressful few days. Sorry I haven't even posted on anything or mentioned if I was going to WWC--I am, I am going to be late and do it today but I am, so hang in there. Sorry for delays, just swamped and tired. :-\ Love, AJ

Love, love, love... simply because it is finally Friday and I have nothing better to say about it. Too much swirling around in my head right now to really pinpoint any particular story from me... although I would like to put up a story again soon. It's been a while since I have shared a good one, has it not?? What do you think, are you ready for one of those infamous "AJ" stories?? And if so, what kind?? I'm enjoying user input lately... it's just helping me brainstorm. Speaking of user input, I received three great questions for "Ask AJ". I think I will use today's post to tackle them so you might be well informed to start your weekends... (or finish them, whichever comes first, right? lol). Here we go... now I must warn you, AJ might have to get a bit graphic on some of the topix and advice that are asked of her, so if you don't want to think of me in a "mature" or dirty way, change the channel. Mainly I mean these types of messages ...

Richie sent me this today and I don't know why, but it is really funny and made me LOL hard! :) Thought I would share. I give you one of Life's big Losers, Having A Meltdown Online and Being Played Off By Keyboard Cat . Watch this shiznit!!! That Cat is becoming a phenomenon... see more @ http://playhimoffkeyboardcat.com . Also, I had nothing for "Ask AJ" today, so I need your questions or inquiries. Anything you want to know more about from "The Forrest", etc. E-mail or Comment me. Let's get this segment rollin!!! How about instead of just Thursdays, I will put up an "Ask AJ" within any post when a topic is received? I need your questions and topix! :) Another long day down, one to go... Love, AJ

Yesterday was a bit of a fog, and I was unable to execute the photos for the Weekly Words Challenge (by Tink) . The words were "Arch" and "Purple". Sorry I didn't get to join in the fun this week, doesn't mean you can't Run by and see everyone else's talents! Speaking of "Skipping", and since it is Springing into Summer pretty much around here, I am reminded of that famous phenomenon, Senior Skip Day (wiki) . Now, in the time leading up to my very own graduation, I have to go ahead and admit that I never did anything very interesting. It's quite sad honestly. I wasn't much of a class 'skipper' really, that is until I reached college. By then the rebel factor was no longer in effect, it was just go to class, don't go to class. There were no ringing bells, no tardy slips. It was a whole different ball game. Yes well when the time came for our very own Senior Skip Day, I even contemplated whether it would be worth my part...

So here is today's "Video du Jour" I share with you Alabama singing, In A Hurry And Don't Know Why . Soak it in!

I know this will disappoint some of my Rock and Punk guys and gals, but I am in R&B mode today. This one makes me wistful... for many reasons. I remember this feeling. You're Lovely .

Officially, I'll start the "Ask AJ" section this Thursday. So go ahead and submit to me anything you would like more information about, that means stories, places of interest or just things you wanna know, and I will address these on Thursdays as promised. Come on, it'll be fun! Just quickly since I haven't had time to post, I'm giving the Tater Reds info... Tater Reds boasts that they are 'your one stop voodoo shop. "It's a Blues shop . . . with an attitude!" Open 7 days a week 12 pm - till we've had enough'. Tater has had this shop open for about 15 years here in Memphis down on Beale St., and it's a very popular point of interest in the historic Beale district. There you will find novelties, voodoo items, as well as Memphis and blues souvenirs and interesting character to say the least. It's a must see if you are ever here for a visit. The sign, as you have all pointed out of course, is the coolest! 901-578-7234 ...

Sorry I fell off from the other day, as I know I promised the first official of the "Ask AJ" segments. I still intend to, and as we are just starting the topic, we'll smooth it out. Once again though, if you have ever read something on the blog that you'd like to know more on, or just have something else you'd like to inquire of me, e-mail it to auntiejac@gmail.com and I will put them up weekly on thursdays here at the forrest. Though off schedule, I will try to put up the "Tater Red" shop tomorow. Yeah. As for excuses on why the posting hiatus from Wed, let's just say it has been very hectic at work, then at home as well. It happens here and there to us all. I always keep dragging along though, even if I am speaking to just one or two readers, at least that's someone. Thank any of you who still come by and hang with me... I know I can be boring sometimes or drone on about overemotional things... I still love to entertain and reach people though...

This day started out with extreme thunderstorms, all through the night. Some reported having trouble sleeping through the noise of the thunder and heavy rain, but not me. I slept like a log. Further through the day, I have been in the mood to listen to books on audio. There's just something relaxing about listening to someone read a story or a book. Not that I mind reading myself, as there are times and places that I love to revel in the silence and frolic in that land limited only by my own imagination while reading a great written work. Therefore, at lunchtime, I listened to a bit of my copy of Jack Kerouac's "On The Road", narrated by Matt Dillon (which I will overlook in the interest of enjoying Kerouac's story). lol As well, I found a website called Librivox.org , which is a site where users can Volunteer to read volumes and contribute these, and of course all of these are offered for listening free. It's worth a look if you like audio books. Ok on more t...

I had the hardest time posting today... I swear. Issues at work were on fire, and it was just one task after another. My day even included my mouse freezing followed by the dreaded "blue screen of death". Yeah, me. So I managed to get my photos in order FINALLY... I just hope they were worth waiting for. I'll be around to everyone shortly, I promise! As you should know by now, the Weekly Words Challenge is brought to us by the little girl with the big heart, Tink of Pickled Beef . The words for this week are: Bokeh (Definition HERE ) and Heart Let's get started, shall we?? Slightly Bokeh (barely, maybe not) Pretty Cool for Accidental Bokeh! This Bokeh makes a great desktop background (that is if it qualifies for Bokeh) I Heart Gumbo... Ribs? Not so much. Handy Heart Creamy, Cool, Delicious Heart My Heart If you haven't joined the fun yet, go here for details. We also have a Flickr group for easy shareability. Not only do you get to add "Lowly Foon" ...

You've seen those "demotivational posters"... I found one that described me pretty well. When you see something it takes me too long to do, a post, or something I say I am going to do and haven't done yet, just know that I honestly do mean what I say, my intentions are good. Things get hectic, I am unorganized, I am struggling to get to it all. Eventually, I do what I say I am going to do... 99.9 percent of the time. It just takes me a while with all the things that I have piled up in my procrastination. Makes me feel like shit honestly... I hate this about myself. The important thing to remember is I truly mean well... I just have a hard time. I try. :-\

My weekend in just a few words... Rain. Soothing Rain. Riding My Motorcycle In Rain. Home. A Visit With Mom Made Soup. Felt stressed lately and maybe haven't had the pleasure of a rainstorm?? Close your eyes and spend 10 minutes here .

Since I was a child, I have had the occasional fever blister. Most recently, I had one like two weeks ago, and then this week (after this past Friday's extremely stressful and emotionally wearing day), I popped up with another one. This greatly distressed me, as I feel really bad on a daily basis about how I look to start with, and then to appear even more diseased with these mouth blisters makes me really go off the deep end. So I was thinking about what causes these hellish plagues. I know first off that it is already in the Herp family y'know and lies dormant in the nerve cells until it is triggered by some type of stress, or trauma to the affected area anyways... I know that sounds bad... It's NOT THE GENITAL type, of course, but it still makes one feel disgusting. Even though it is NOT, it could turn into something like that if one doesn't exercise the proper cautionary measures and cleanliness in order to prevent passing it on or having it spread. So yeah, stress ...

Haven't had enough Aunt Jackie today?? Then Go Check Out Today's Post Over At: I Miss My Childhood Don't forget as well, every Friday is WTF Friday !