tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41221120954436557962024-03-14T03:24:48.350-05:00Pencil Stubs Onlinean e-zine dedicated to amateur and professional writers and poets.--psohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08425568520128072524noreply@blogger.comBlogger3633125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-20479864760056475462024-03-01T00:30:00.002-06:002024-03-01T17:49:41.189-06:00Editor's Corner<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/Mar24EdPic2.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=36">
Mary E. Adair
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>March 2024</b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><i> “Peace begins with a smile.” </i>
<br />_Mother Teresa. </center>
<p><br />Your editor has been amazed by all the foods that can be changed
into Green Treats as the cooks try to develop something new and
spectacular to serve on St Patrick's Day. (The aforementioned poor saint
would most likely be quite subdued to know of all the fuss and
excitement made of his life and activities.)
</p><p><br />I will continue to prefer my red meats red, and my rice or
potatoes or pasta in the pale blond colors natural to them. Normally
green commodities like broccoli or asparagus, green beans, etc., are
enough of such emerald foodstuffs for me. Speaking of food, my Column ID
pic is cropped for this issue from the photo at the bottom of the page
taken by the waitress at Applebee's (one of my very favorite dining
establishments) mid-February in Lubbock. My Firstborn Granddaughter
Melinda Smith and I spent the day there, and since we don't have this
chain of restaurants in our western Texas area, it was a real treat for
me.
</p><p><br /> Walt Perryman's poems for March are mainly nostalgic
featuring "Did You Or Not?," "How Many of You Loved Your Old Truck?"
and "Ducks in A Row." John I. Blair's poems are "Cedar Waxwings" and
"Comfortable With Myself", the latter with a photo to prove it. Bruce
Clifford's two poems are "We Didn't Know" and "All These Years." Bud
Lemire's poems "Family Game Time" and "The Word On Senior Companions"
relate to his current busy life while "Like The Wind And The Sun" speak
with his personal beliefs, but "The Dream Traveler" can intrigue many of
us. "Times Past" is by Riva Joi Smith, one of our poets we haven't
heard from for awhile. Good to see you are still wielding your pen, Ms
Smith.
</p><p><br />Thomas F. O'Neill in "Introspective" decries the rampant,
though random, comments deriding American intelligence. Marilyn
Carnell's column "Sifoddling Along" reveals that her new creative
project is writing a novel, and shares a brief episode. It certainly
captures this editor's attention and interest. Judith Kroll's column "On
Trek" explains her charming concept of magic wands in a different
manner. Pauline Evanosky's column "Woo Woo," shows us what happens in
a psychic's life when someone unsought pops in to visit and have a
chat. Our newest columnist Ara Parisien in "Medium-Author-Spiritual
Teacher" discusses the realistic difference in a "Pollyanna" acceptance
vs a knowledgeable power stance.
</p><p><br />Rod Cohenour shows us a couple of photos from his kitchen
while following a favorite recipe devised by his wife, he affectionately
calls "M." "Cooking with Rod" includes the full recipe and serving
suggestions which may be varied by the diners. "Armchair Genealogy" by
columnist Melinda Cohenour updates us with the advances and new uses of
exploring DNA processes. Dublin's Mattie Lennon likes having March roll
around in the year because of all the activities that have been and
continue to be held to honor St Patrick's Day. He was impressed with a
new book on the scene "Under The Bridge."
</p><p><br />This from last month bears repeating: Now with this new year
of Pencil Stubs Online underway, we are again astounded that a simple
suggestion 27 years ago by Mike Craner that we try doing our magazine on
the World Wide Web, has bloommed so beautifully. Again, I am expressing
my gratitude to my talented friend and original webmaster Mike Craner.
We place our confidence in him as we have in the past and shall continue
doing so.
</p><p></p><center><b>See you in April.</b></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5><p align="center"><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/LubbockTrip2.jpg" />
</p>Click on author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online</i>.<br />This
issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog
www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.<p> </p></h5></center><p></p><hr /><p>
</p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-81322716351622882732024-03-01T00:28:00.014-06:002024-03-01T00:28:00.139-06:00Armchair Genealogy<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/Melinda.jpg" />
<center><br /></center><center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=337">
Melinda Cohenour
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>What's New With DNA</b></h3></center>
<p> </p><p>DNA is the most exciting tool for genealogists and the family
researcher as well. That statement has been true since the first
commercial testing became affordable several years ago. The ability to
compare test results and identify people around the globe who share
ancestral lineage is, simply, amazing. Knowledge made widely available
and affordable!
</p><p><br />Recently, while researching my series on the Gilgo Beach
Serial Murders, I was shocked to discover new technology had progressed
to permit a DNA profile to be extracted from hair samples with no root!
Previously only mitochondrial DNA could be determined. A huge forensic
advancement.
</p><p><br />What else is new in DNA science, I wondered. Well, quite a
lot it seems. Such a complex subject requires far more training than I
possess; however, I can research. So that's what this month's column is
focused upon: research and links for other inquiring minds to review if
desired.
</p><p></p><hr /><p>
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b>JUST WHAT IS DNA?</b></center>
<p><br />First, it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of how
molecular biology works to crack the code of life's creation. Thus, a
site that teaches how the scientists cracked the code. (The first page
of the college level text is reached through the following link.
Subsequent pages can be opened at the bottom of each page. Explore if
you're interested.)
</p><blockquote>
<p><b>SOURCE: </b><a href="https://opentextbc.ca/biology/part/introduction-to-molecular-biology/" target="_Blank">https://opentextbc.ca/biology/part/introduction-to-molecular-biology/"</a>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b> "These three letters “DNA” have
now become associated with crime solving, paternity testing, human
identification, and genetic testing. DNA can be retrieved from hair,
blood, or saliva. With the exception of identical twins, each person’s
DNA is unique and it is possible to detect differences between human
beings on the basis of their unique DNA sequence.</b></span>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b> "DNA analysis has many
practical applications beyond forensics and paternity testing. DNA
testing is used for tracing genealogy and identifying pathogens. In the
medical field, DNA is used in diagnostics, new vaccine development, and
cancer therapy. It is now possible to determine predisposition to many
diseases by analyzing genes.</b></span>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b> "DNA is the genetic material
passed from parent to offspring for all life on Earth. The technology of
molecular genetics developed in the last half century has enabled us to
see deep into the history of life to deduce the relationships between
living things in ways never thought possible. It also allows us to
understand the workings of evolution in populations of organisms. Over a
thousand species have had their entire genome sequenced, and there have
been thousands of individual human genome sequences completed. These
sequences will allow us to understand human disease and the relationship
of humans to the rest of the tree of life. Finally, molecular genetics
techniques have revolutionized plant and animal breeding for human
agricultural needs. All of these advances in biotechnology depended on
basic research leading to the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953,
and the research since then that has uncovered the details of DNA
replication and the complex process leading to the expression of DNA in
the form of proteins in the cell."</b></span>
</p></blockquote>
<p><b></b></p><center><b>WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGY HELPED CRACK THE GENOMICS CODE?</b></center>
<blockquote>
<p><b>SOURCE: </b><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10376292/#:~:text=Third%2Dgeneration%20sequencing%20technologies%20represent,fragments%20compared%20to%20earlier%20methods." target="_Blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10376292/#:~:text=Third%2Dgeneration%20sequencing%20technologies%20represent,fragments%20compared%20to%20earlier%20methods.</a>
</p><p><b><u>Simple Summary:</u></b>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b> "Next-generation sequencing
(NGS) is a powerful tool used in genomics research. NGS can sequence
millions of DNA fragments at once, providing detailed information about
the structure of genomes, genetic variations, gene activity, and changes
in gene behavior. Recent advancements have focused on faster and more
accurate sequencing, reduced costs, and improved data analysis. These
advancements hold great promise for unlocking new insights into genomics
and improving our understanding of diseases and personalized
healthcare. This review article provides an overview of NGS technology
and its impact on various areas of research, such as clinical genomics,
cancer, infectious diseases, and the study of the microbiome."</b></span>
</p></blockquote>
<p><b></b></p><center><b>WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?</b></center>
<p><br /><b>SOURCE: </b> <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary" target="_Blank">https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary</a>
</p><p><br /><u>Talking Glossary</u>
<br />of Genomic and Genetic Terms
<br />The glossary features nearly 250 terms explained in an
easy-to-understand way by leading scientists and professionals at the
National Human Genome Research Institute.
</p><p><br /></p><center><b>DNA NEWS AND RESEARCH</b></center>
<p><br /><b>SOURCE:</b> <a href="https://www.news-medical.net/?tag=/DNA" target="_Blank">https://www.news-medical.net/?tag=/DNA</a>
</p><p><br />DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in
humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s
body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it
is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in
the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).
</p><p><br /><b>Further Reading: </b>(The Source site provides links to each bulleted subject listed below.)
</p><ul><li>
What is DNA?
</li><li>DNA Properties
</li><li> DNA Chemical Modifications
</li><li> DNA Biological Functions
</li><li> DNA Interactions with Proteins
</li><li> DNA Genetic Recombination
</li><li> DNA Evolution
</li><li> History of DNA Research: Scientific Pioneers & Their Discoveries
</li><li> DNA and Technology
</li><li> DNA Translation
</li><li> RNA Codons and DNA Codons
</li><li> The 1968 Nobel Prize in Medicine
</li><li> DNA Sequencing
</li><li> DNA Sequence Assembly
</li><li> Structure of DNA
</li><li> What is the RNA World Hypothesis?
</li><li> DNA Replication and Repair
</li><li> History of Microarrays
</li><li> How Do Microarrays Work?
</li><li> What is Satellite DNA?
</li><li> Interactions That Hold DNA Together
</li><li> Role of Transcription Factors
</li><li> The i-motif in DNA
</li><li> What is DNA Loop Extrusion?
</li><li> DNA Loop Extrusion Mechanisms
</li><li> Mechanism of DNA Synthesis
</li><li> Histones and the Cell Cycle
</li><li> How to Store DNA
</li><li> What are DNA Nanomachines?
</li><li> What is a Semi-synthetic Organism?
</li><li> Types of Non-Coding DNA Sequences
</li><li> The Effects of Neanderthal DNA on Modern Human Health</li><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>* * * * * </b></h3></center><blockquote>
<p><br /><b></b></p><center><b>WHAT IS CRISPR?</b></center>
<p><b>SOURCE:</b><a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/questions-and-answers-about-crispr" target="_Blank">https://www.broadinstitute.org/what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/questions-and-answers-about-crispr</a>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b>What is the new DNA technology CRISPR?</b></span>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b> "A: CRISPR genome editing allows
scientists to quickly create cell and animal models, which researchers
can use to accelerate research into diseases such as cancer and mental
illness. In addition, CRISPR is now being developed as a rapid
diagnostic." </b></span></p></blockquote><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>* * * * * </b></h3></center><p><br /><b></b></p><center><b>CRIME AND DNA</b></center><p><br /><b>SOURCE:</b><a href="https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/dna-initiative-advancing-criminal-justice-through-dna-technology#:~:text=DNA%20Initiative%20Legislation-,Initiative%20Goals,accused%20or%20convicted%20of%20crimes." target="_Blank">https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/dna-initiative-advancing-criminal-justice-through-dna-technology#:~:text=DNA%20Initiative%20Legislation-,Initiative%20Goals,accused%20or%20convicted%20of%20crimes.</a>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b>What has DNA technology improved?</b></span>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b> "DNA technology is increasingly
vital to ensuring accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system.
DNA can be used to identify criminals with incredible accuracy when
biological evidence exists, and DNA can be used to clear suspects and
exonerate persons mistakenly accused or convicted of crimes."</b></span>
</p><p><span style="color: green;"><b>ADVANCING JUSTICE THROUGH DNA TECHNOLOGY</b></span>
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>* * * * * </b></h3></center><p><br /></p><center><b>IS THIS ALL THAT'S NEW WITH DNA?</b></center><p><br />No, dear reader, not by a long sight. The sources offered,
however, do cover the latest advances in technology and processes as
well as resources for a basic understanding of terms and ground floor
education in molecular biology. Perhaps we will return to this exercise
in future columns.
</p><p><br />In the meantime, continue exploration of your personal DNA
and family research, building your tree and, perhaps, becoming
acquainted with newfound cousins!
</p><p><br />Make use of the advances in your personal Armchair Genealogy. See you next month.
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr /></ul>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-2918493988891984652024-03-01T00:27:00.002-06:002024-03-01T01:10:47.686-06:00Cooking with Rod<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/Rod_cooks-sm.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=559">
Rod Cohenour
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><i>Having grown up in the Land of
Enchantment, one learns to appreciate the many different ways that
Mexican food blend spices can be used. One many people may not think
about but which is imminently delightful is Ms Mexican Queso Meatloaf.
</i></p><p><i><br />Serve this once and, I guarantee, it will become a repeat entree on your food repertoire.
</i></p><p><i><br />~Bon appetit!</i>
</p><p><br /></p><h3><center><b>M's Mexican Queso Meatloaf</b></center></h3>
<p><br />(Serves 6-8)
</p><p><br /></p><h3><b>Ingredients: </b></h3>
<p><br /><b><u>Meatloaf:</u></b>
</p><ol>* 3 lbs lean (at least 80%) ground beef
</ol><ol>* 1 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs OR dry 6 slices bread then crumble (or amount required for one cup crumbs)
</ol><ol>* 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa
</ol><ol>* 1 lg. Bell Pepper, diced small
</ol><ol>* 1 sm. white or yellow onion, diced small
</ol><ol>* 1/4 cup red enchilada sauce
</ol><ol>* 2 eggs </ol>
<p><br /><b><u>For Topping:</u></b>
</p><ol>* 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa</ol>
<p><br /><b><u>Queso:</u></b>
</p><ol>* 1/2 brick Velveeta style cheese
</ol><ol>* 4 oz. brick Pepper Jack cheese, grated
</ol><ol>* 2 cups shredded Fiesta Blend cheese
</ol><ol>* 1 (7 oz.) can Green chiles, diced, (use liquid)
</ol><ol>* 1/2 Bell Pepper, diced with membrane and seeds removed
</ol><ol>* 1/2 cup whole milk (add as needed)</ol>
<p><br /></p><h3><b>Instructions:</b></h3>
<ol>1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
</ol><ol>2. In large bowl mix all Meatloaf ingredients together,
reserving 1/2 cup thick & chunky salsa for later. Press mixture
into two ungreased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Top each with 1/2 cup salsa.
</ol><ol>3. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in
center of loaf reads 160°F. (We like our meatloaf to have a bit of a
crusty top.)
</ol><ol>4. While meatloaf is baking, allow about half an hour to prepare queso. <blockquote>
Melt Velveeta in double boiler. Add both the Pepper Jack and Fiesta
Blend cheeses. Add bell pepper. Continuously stir, allowing all
ingredients to slowly blend, achieving a silky smooth texture. If
needed, add milk in portions to keep Queso at right thickness.
</blockquote></ol><ol>5. To serve, arrange meatloaf slices on plate over choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or Knorr Mexican rice blend.
<p><br />Drizzle queso over meatloaf.
</p><p><br />Offer crisp salad featuring lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, bell
pepper (plus your favorites). A dressing of salsa blended with sour
cream is a delightful choice.
</p></ol><ol>6. Offer the following for guest's optional toppings:
<ol>Sour cream
</ol><ol>Cilantro leaves, finely diced
</ol><ol>Crisp radishes
</ol><ol>Green onion stalks
</ol><ol>Bell Pepper sticks
</ol><ol>Pico de Gallo
</ol><ol>Sliced chilled jicama and lime slices
</ol><ol>Hot buttered tortillas
</ol><ol>Tortilla chips
</ol><ol>Extra salsa
</ol><ol>Extra queso</ol></ol>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Ready2Roast.jpg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<br /><b><center>Mexican Queso Meatloaf ready to pop into the oven.</center></b>
<p><br />See pic below of serving the meatloaf topped with Queso.
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
<p>
</p><p align="center"><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/ServingQuesoMeatloaf.jpg" />
</p><p> </p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-6689656305919682352024-03-01T00:26:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:26:00.144-06:00Woo Woo<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/PaulineProfileId.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=579">
Pauline Evanosky </a></b></p><p align="center"><b> </b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>I think encouragement might be one of the
more important things we can do for ourselves and for others. As a
writer, there is the added chance that the others who might be affected
are people you may never meet. Also, it’s just a good practice to be
encouraging.
</p><p><br />Now, whether you are able to help somebody get back into the
game immediately, or if your voice is one of many to actually get a
dismayed couch potato up off of the couch doesn’t matter. You helped.
</p><p><br />Just don’t give up on them or yourself. I know in the early
days of my being a psychic medium, I would get clients who were not able
to listen. I could tell, because they would ask the same question over
and over again until it became annoying. Maybe I just wasn’t doing it
right.
</p><p><br />As I moved through my menopause years, I began to think of
myself as a psychic drill sergeant. “Did you not just see my lips move?
Why aren’t you listening?” I didn’t really say things like that. I
thought of them, though, often enough.
</p><p><br />There’s a saying that people just don’t like to hear the
truth. This is true whether they go to a psychic or their sister-in-law.
</p><p><br />See, the thing is that the advice people give is generally
based on their own experience. If you were to go into a bar and ask the
guy who sits at the end of the bar day in and day out for advice about
something, that advice would probably involve a bottle of beer, maybe
more than one. Just remember that.
</p><p><br />If you are asking a criminal's advice, there will likely be
underhanded doings involved. Or, if you figure everybody has a
legitimate point of view the world is your oyster as far as asking
people for advice. Interestingly enough, I’ve come to think everybody,
no matter what their views are, might have something of interest to
suggest.
</p><p><br />Like if you figure criminals take advantage of the smallest
opportunity, they might teach you about being observant. I think we tend
to pass up many opportunities in normal everyday affairs.
</p><p><br />It’s like if you’ve got polarizing views of good or bad, you
might not consider an accident actually to be good luck. I am an
optimist at heart, and even for me, it took many years to be thankful
for things like being fired. The woman ghosted me out of a job. I should
have stepped forward long before the ghosting started to say, “I need
to move on.” She found somebody better and stopped calling me to work.
</p><p><br />In the woo-woo part of my life, my spirit guide said when I
dropped an entire half gallon of milk on the kitchen floor that exploded
everywhere, “Oh, happy accident.” That was the first time in a long
time that the entire kitchen floor, cabinets included, got washed.
Completely.
</p><p><br />Charity begins at home. That means being kind to yourself. If
you are attempting to do something that some people could do without
blinking an eye, but you need to learn the 25 supporting actions that
have to happen first, then allow yourself a couple of years to do it.
Short of enrolling in a school, just learn it yourself. In this day of
the internet, you can reach out via YouTube and find folks who have
taught and documented their progress in renovating their homes, raising
chickens, or cultivating mushrooms.
</p><p><br />By the way, contact me if you’d like some pointers on how to
develop your own psychic senses. It doesn’t take much because the way I
figure it is that everybody is already psychic. You just have to pretend
for a little bit. Then, pretend becomes reality.
</p><p><br />Best of luck to you all. Be kind, encouraging, reflective, and you will be fine.
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-30370894836449202232024-03-01T00:25:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:25:00.128-06:00Sifoddling Along<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/MCarnell_Sep23.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=569">
Marilyn Carnell
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>Writing a Novel</b></h3></center>
<p> </p><p>A couple of years ago, my insurance company offered a free online
class called “Me and The Can Write a Romance Novel” Although I have
never written in the romance genre, I thought, “Why not, it is a free
class.” I tinkered with it for some time and recently got serious about
it.
</p><p><br />I am writing a semi-romance story using the Civil War in
Southwest Missouri as background, as I have always been interested in
the history of the area. None of my family lived in McDonald County
during the war, but one great-grandfather was stationed at near
Maysville, AR, and later settled in Pineville. One of my
great-grandmothers did butcher a hog and hide it under a pile of
laundry. Follows is a fictional scene of what happened.
</p><blockquote>
<p><br /> <i>Bonnie Faye Doolittle leaned over a steaming black iron
cauldron resting on a welded ring above a roaring fire. After much
tugging with the help of a sturdy broomstick, she extracted a bedsheet
from the seething water. </i>
</p><p><br /> <i>The sheet would serve as a screen to hide the dead
pig currently residing under a nearby pile of dirty laundry, and later,
when drier, the sheet would help in handling the slippery beast and
conceal it during transportation to a safer place. Despite the chilly,
just-before-dawn, weather, sweat dripped from her face and soaked her
clothing. She swiped a wisp of dark red hair, now sprinkled with gray
from the recent trauma of war, from her forehead and hooked it behind
her ear. She was taller and stronger than most women she knew, but her
formerly robust body was thinned by short rations since the war began.
She had a pretty face with creamy white skin, large green eyes, and a
ready smile that showed even white teeth. Her strength and good health
gave her some advantage in being responsible for caring for all the
necessary farm chores that fell to her since the war began. after all
the men were gone.</i>
</p><p><br /> <i>Times were brutal and if a male of military age was
found, soldiers or bushwhackers were inclined to shoot first and ask
later. Men who were not in a group were wise to stay hidden. Bonnie
Fay’s adult male family members chose to serve in the Southern army,
which reflected their loyalties – this area was almost evenly divided
between Union and Rebel causes. Even brothers differed in their opinions
which divided some families painfully. </i>
</p><p><br /> <i>The sun was just peeking over Pea Vine Ridge. She
had to hurry. The war had been going on for 6 months and its impact on
southwest Missouri had been devastating. Seemed like every soldier on
each side had marched through the area and bushwhackers could strike out
of the blue wreaking havoc and death.</i>
</p><p><br /> <i>A short time later, she heard volleys of gunfire
that were closer than usual. It seemed to come from the far side of Pea
Vine Ridge. She was terrified.</i></p></blockquote>
<p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>* * * * * </b></h3></center>
<p><br />Stay tuned for future stories. If you find this interesting, let me know.
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-64721043423219385072024-03-01T00:24:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:24:00.131-06:00Irish Eyes<p></p><h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/MattieLennon_smlr.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<b></b><p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=153">
Mattie Lennon
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>MEMORABLE SAINT PATRICK’S DAY.</b></h3></center>
<p>MORE than a million people lined the streets of New York's Fifth
Avenue for a colourful St Patrick's Day parade in 2001. Despite the cold
many stayed for hours watching over 150,000 marchers pass by, police,
army, firefighters, hundreds of bands, and people from every county in
Ireland.
</p><p><br />Our green and misty island was well represented. The marchers
included the Finglas Concert Band as well as a contingent from Dublin
Bus while Garda representatives joined the New York Police Department at
the head of the parade.
</p><p><br />I was one of the 100 from Dublin Bus participating. The late
Barney Coleman had put years of work into organizing it, ably assisted
by Dublin Bus Management. One of our group was Limerick man, Joe Collins
who was the PR man for Dublin Bus for many years and knew New York City
like the back of his hand. No matter what information or help we needed
all we had to do was (if I may borrow a phrase) “talk to Joe”
</p><p><br />We met many who wanted to talk about their Irish roots. One
man said he had stood in ehe same spot for the parade for 50 years.
"It's a great day for the Irish," he said. His comments reflected the
enthusiasm of many New Yorkers, for the parade, even those without Irish
connections.
</p><p><br /> Among the dignitaries was Mayor Giuliani who was wearing a
green woollen scarf over a green turtleneck sweater. He was hugely
popular with the inhabitants of the Big Apple, some of whom shouted: "We
love you, baby". Members of the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organisation
were underwhelmed since they were once again refused permission to take
part. They chanted: "We're Irish, we're queer, and we’ll be here every
year". Their protest was peaceful, unlike the previous year when there
were 11 arrests.
</p><p><br />On the days on either side of the march our group divided
into splinter groups. The shopaholics among us seem to spend most of
their time in Macy's and such establishments. I was one of a small
group who stood on the roof of one of the Twin Towers, looking down at
the small planes going up and down the Hudson. Little did we know the
fate that the same building and its twin would suffer six months later.
</p><p><br /> On the Sunday I compiled and presented a one-hour radio
programme Ceol na nGael on WFUV20.7 broadcast from Fordham
University. It is the most popular Irish radio program in New York, and
according to the feedback my presentation was all right. One of my
fellow travelers had told me, “You have the perfect face for radio.” I
had prepared most of it before I left home and I brought Dublin Bus
driver/ singer Angela Macari who gave a memorable, live, rendition of
Grace.
</p><p><br />Our little group was also in a world-famous submarine. It
wasn’t submerged, of course. I’m referring to the nuclear sub, Growler.
</p><p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/TheGrowler.gif" />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<p><br />At the time Growler was the only nuclear missile submarine
available open to the public in the United States. As the information
areas about the sub on Pier 86 are spacious, visitors were encouraged to
learn and take in as much information as they could in the early parts
of the tour before entering the submarine. Once on board, lines can move
quickly and the ability to ask questions of the staff is limited, but
encouraged. A couple of us there didn’t need any encouragement to ask
questions. I prefer to think of us as having inquiring minds but unkind
people described us as “inquisitive hours.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>* * * * * </b></h3></center>
<p><br />In September 1998, 40,000 people showed up to catch a glimpse
of the President of the United States Bill Clinton, and his wife Hillary
in Limerick. At a public event on 5th September on O'Connell Street,
Bill Clinton was granted the Freedom of the City by my old friend, the
Mayor of Limerick, Joe Harrington. As Bill was mounting the platform
Joe whispered something in his ear and the world’s media didn’t find out
what it was. But on March 18th two and a half years later I made a
trans-Atlantic call, did a live on-air phone interview with Joe and he
told me, and the Stateside listeners, what he had whispered to the
President. I won’t share it with you but it was a piece of advice that
Bill eventually took.
</p><p><br />There have been many changes, both good and bad, on both sides of the Atlantic since that memorable day twenty-three years ago.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>* * * * * </b></h3></center>
<p><br /> I was just a few pages into "Under the Bridge" by Jack Byrne, an
English author of Wicklow ancestry when I got an email from the editor
telling me that the deadline was staring me in the face. However, I was
far enough into this gripping story to see the author's talent.
</p><p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/JackByrne.jpg" />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
One reviewer has described it as "A truly British and Irish Thriller"
and I couldn't agree more. Set in Liverpool in 2004, from the very
first page the author's ability to describe everything including the
weather, in detail and to bring the reader into the minds and hearts of
the characters is obvious. We are steered into an intimate knowledge of
the emotions of the two complex characters, Anne and Vinny.
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/UnderTheBridge.png" />
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<p><br />Watch this space in April. And in the meantime, whether you are
English or Irish or from anywhere else in the world I can already see
that going out to buy "Under the Bridge" would be a good move. It is
published by Northodox Press Limited and you will find the author at;
www.jackbyrne.home.blog
</p><p><br />See you in April
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
<p>
</p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-75657926848280996242024-03-01T00:23:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:23:00.129-06:00Author-Medium-Spiritual Teacher<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/AraParisien.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<b></b><h2><br /></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=377">
Ara Parisien
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">POLLYANNA OR POWER?</span></b></center>
<p>Time and time again I have heard that positive thinking is not realistic. It’s all too sugar and spice. Very Pollyanna.
</p><p><br />What I know is this. If my reality is not to my liking I am
able, through my innate power, to create one I do like. Nothing
Pollyanna about that. That is power!
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">CAN YOU BE POSITIVE ALL THE TIME? </span></b></center>
<p><br />Perhaps people believe that one cannot possibly be positive ‘all’
the time. To this, I agree. However, there is nothing stopping one from
attempting to be. After all, we live on a plane of duality so we will
always have hot/cold, slow/fast etc. We live in a world of opposites.
Just because the negatives exist does it mean we absolutely have to pay
attention to them? No.
</p><p><br />If you consider that your thoughts create then it would bode
well for us to pay attention and offer only the thoughts we would love
TO create.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">FOCUSING ON THE NEGATIVES</span></b></center>
<p><br />When one focuses on the negative or pushes against what they see
or hear it only serves to expand the negative energy and bring more of
the negative into your experiences. Think about that. We have all had
days that started out badly and got worse. We stress out on the bad
things that happen and it causes more. It stands to reason that the
opposite is also true.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">IT’S SCIENCE</span></b></center>
<p><br />E=Mc2. It’s energy. It’s energy in motion. Small amounts of mass
(your experiences in your reality) are equivalent to huge amounts of
energy expended. When we consider how long and how intensely we focus on
the negatives in our lives we can begin to see what it DOES create.
</p><p><br />E=MC2 also works the same to the positive. It’s not Pollyanna. It’s science.
</p><p><br />We can see how a positive attitude can be more beneficial for
this reason – and countless other reasons too! How do we switch from
the negative to the positive?
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">LAW OF POLARITY</span></b></center>
<p><br />Enter the Universal Law of Polarity which states, “Everything in
this dual plane of existence has an equal opposite.” Hot/Cold.
Fast/Slow, etc.
</p><p><br />Consider holding a stick. It has 2 ends. One end represents
the negative value and the opposite end, the positive. As human beings,
who by the way, deem themselves to be intelligent, focus on a negative
event they are typically caught up with identifying the catalyst of the
event and rarely the event itself. They twist and sputter about the
rightness and fairness and such. When they do so it simply expands what
they are pushing against. They rarely notice the opposite end of the
stick which represents the gift the event has caused into being. Not
only that, they fail to notice all the emotional values between the
negative and positives that lay between either end of the stick.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">CHOOSE THE POSITIVE</span></b></center>
<p><br />In choosing the positive end, we may not immediately jump to it
in one try as the vibrational frequencies do not align. However, they
can at least try and land comfortably somewhere in the middle of the
stick. Even the middle feels vastly different than the negatives they
are immersing themselves in. Even if you only jump a third of the way
you will still feel better and be able to gain some clarity on the
situation that remained elusive when at the negative end.
</p><p><br />Striving to maintain a positive balance in any given
situation is not Pollyanna. It is more about unleashing your power. You
have the power in you to create the reality you prefer. No one is fated
to live through a challenge as it appears at first glance. They have the
wherewithal to see it in a better light, a better frequency which
caters to maintaining a higher frequency which inevitably leads to a
faster solution and a more positive result. Who ‘doesn’t’ want that?
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b><span style="color: blue;">YOU ARE POWER</span></b></center>
<p><br />Remember the stick. Remember your choices. Remember who you are. You are not Pollyanna. You are power!
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-87487166589296249712024-03-01T00:22:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:22:00.133-06:00Introspective<p> <img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/O'Neill_EnglishTeacherSm.jpg" /></p><h2></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=412">
Thomas F. O'Neill
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>I read a post on Facebook saying America is
"dumbing down." The sheer number of people who believe in conspiracy
theories and refuse to acknowledge facts that contradict their
irrational beliefs has led people in other nations to think that America
is, in fact, "dumbing down." Many make America appear to be losing the
moral high ground on social media, primarily due to the sheer number of
ignorant posts. The belief that IQs in America are on a downward spiral
has become complex and contentious, and opinions on this matter can vary
widely. Some people argue that certain aspects of American society,
such as the quality of education, public discourse, and media, have been
declining, leading to a "dumbing down" effect. Others may contend that
technological advancements and the ease of accessing information have
led to greater overall knowledge and awareness.
</p><p><br />There are certainly concerns about the state of education in
the United States, including disparities in resources between schools,
standardized testing, and the ability of the education system to prepare
students for the challenges of the modern world. Additionally, the rise
of social media and the 24-hour news cycle has changed how people
consume information and has raised questions about the quality and depth
of public discourse.
</p><p><br />On the other hand, it's essential to recognize that many
highly educated and informed individuals are in the United States, and
the country continues to be a global leader in many fields, including
technology, science, and academia.
</p><p><br />Whether America is "dumbing down" is a multifaceted issue
with no simple answer. It's essential to consider multiple perspectives
and factors when evaluating knowledge and intellectual engagement in any
society.
</p><p><br />I hope I have made a difference in my former students' lives,
not by filling their minds with mundane facts but by opening their
minds to new ideas.
</p><p><br />Always with love,
<br />Thomas F O'Neill
</p><h5>
<ol>Email: introspective7@hotmail.com
</ol><ol>WeChat - Thomas_F_ONeill
</ol><ol>Phone (410) 925-9334
</ol><ol>Skype: thomas_f_oneill
</ol><ol>Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thomas_F_ONeill
</ol><ol>Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-f-o-neill-6226b018/
</ol><ol>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomas_f_oneill/
</ol><ol>Facebook: http://facebook.com/thomasf.oneill.3/</ol></h5>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-18490461809594757052024-03-01T00:21:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:21:00.125-06:00On Trek<h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/JKroll2021sm.jpg" />
<center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=545">
Judith Kroll
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>Magic Wand</b></h3></center>
<p>I always said, I wish I had a magic wand! Poof wave the wand and things become better.
</p><p><br />In my deeper thoughts, it came to me that WE have that power.
How? We don't need a wand, we just need love, and intent. We can
change our thinking, which changes ourselves. I cannot make anyone
change their thinking, but I can set an example. I can become a wand
in how I treat others. How I share information online. Not with hate
but love. Love is the key. When the magic wand is waved, it is for
GOOD, not for bad. When we think magic wand we do not think of it
destroying people, places, or things. It is always for the good of
all.
</p><p><br />So I am a wand of love, that shares good news, positive
thoughts, and tons of love, just like the flowers are wands, and trees
are wands, and the dogs and all animals are wands. The sunrises and
sunsets, and I can go on and on. The Earth is one magic wand, that
people destroy, but it, our planet doesn't destroy even a bird.
</p><p><br />Love to all,
<br />Judy one of the wands of love. 11/16/23
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-71689680611951849932024-03-01T00:20:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:20:00.123-06:00How Many of You Loved Your Old Truck?<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=577">
Walt Perryman
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>Can anyone relate to my morning thought?<br />
Maybe it depends on the truck you bought!</p><p>
Somehow, I can’t believe how life can suck,<br />
How many of you men loved your old truck?</p><p>
Then you go and trade it in for a new one,<br />
And you’re devastated when the deal is done.</p><p>
You’re so sad about your old truck and you, <br />
And about all that you’ll have been through!</p><p>
You look back at your old truck as you leave,<br />
The love you had for a truck is hard to believe.</p><p>
As you drive your new truck off the new car lot, <br />
You discover it’s a computer that you’ve bought!</p><p>
Three days later and you’re driving around town,<br />
You’ll finally read, how to roll the windows down.</p><p>
I don’t know how we can love a ‘old’ truck this way,<br />
Maybe it has something to do with Valentine’s Day!</p><p>
©2/14/2024 Walt Perryman
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-58169967969390455142024-03-01T00:18:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:18:00.137-06:00Family Game Time<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=396">
Bud Lemire
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p></p><center>While growing up, games were what we always did<br />
Rummy, Nertz, Cribbage, it was fun as an adult or a kid<br />
Gin Rummy or Five Hundred Rummy, it didn't matter to us<br />
Our family loved playing games, we never caused a fuss<br />
Dice games, board games, and card games too<br />
Taking part in any of them, was always fun to do<br />
Bunco was fun, and then along came Greed<br />
Who really knew, where each day would lead<p>
My brother Terry, would stop in the afternoon and stay<br />
Play a few games of Cribbage with Mom, on almost every day<br />
When our whole family got together, we'd play Animal or Spoons<br />
I haven't played those games, for quite a few moons<br />
As a kid it was games like Leapin' Letters, or Battling Tops<br />
Kerplunk, drop the ball in and see if it drops<br />
Charades, was a lot of fun to play<br />
When friends came over, it was all day</p><p>
Then there was a time at the old family home, we'd play at night<br />
Nancy would come over, we'd play games under the kitchen light<br />
Royal Rummy, The Magnificent Race, Boggle, or Pictionary<br />
The games that we played, they would always vary<br />
The fun times, never seemed to end<br />
Memories of those times, we use to spend<br />
I think back to those days, the memories are great<br />
Those were the times so precious, I sure appreciate</p><p>
I keep those memories alive, by cherishing each and every game<br />
These days I play them with Nancy, and friends, which is my aim<br />
I love the games, that we always play<br />
They add so much enjoyment, to every day<br />
I can go back in time, with each memory<br />
Yet still move ahead, which is a great place to be</p></center>
<p>©Jan 19, 2024 Bud Lemire
</p><p> Author Note:</p><center><h4>
The memories of playing games with Mom and my<br />
brothers and sisters, always take me back. Today I<br />
am making more memories with my sister Nancy,<br />
and the friends I play games with at night</h4></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5><p align="center"><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/FamilyGameTime.jpg" />
</p>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-5915437490896679292024-03-01T00:17:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:17:00.128-06:00Comfortable With Myself<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=89">
John I. Blair
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>My soft-bellied, bulgy, bony self <br />
Caused me grief when I was young.<br />
Shy beyond belief, I hid,<br />
Sure I was gross, awkward, fat. </p><p>
Today I’ve survived the awkwardness.<br />
At times I’m gross indeed, no doubt,<br />
But at my age I’m at peace with that.<br />
At my age I’m just glad I’m here.</p><p>
Now when I look into a mirror<br />
I pause to smile at what I see,<br />
Long since rid of my fear, no more<br />
Hostage to another’s tongue.</p><p>
I’ve no one to answer to but me,<br />
No one else to live up to—<br />
And though a hard critic I can be,<br />
Of critics I’m the quickest to forgive.</p><p>
©2003 John I. Blair
<br />Encore
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5><p align="center"><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/JIBcomfortable.jpg" />
</p>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
<p>
</p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-25087021389364538052024-03-01T00:15:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:15:00.127-06:00 Did You or Not?<p> </p>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=577">
Walt Perryman
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>Do you remember going to Church as a kid,<br />
And some of the stupid things that you did!</p><p>
It was worse when you had a friend with you,<br />
The giggles were terrible when there were two.</p><p>
You’d try to stop giggling, but it was all in vain,<br />
And the congregation thought you were insane!</p><p>
Then your grandmother would grab your ear,<br />
After that your giggling was replaced with fear.</p><p>
When I wrote this, I guess I was asking you,<br />
But if I were truthful, I’d tell you, “I did it too”</p><p>.
©2/16/2024 Walt Perryman
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-52517541282758499742024-03-01T00:13:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:13:00.130-06:00The Dream Traveler<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=396">
Bud Lemire
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p></p><center>I'm The Dream Traveler, I travel in and out of dreams<br />
Where I go, nothing is exactly what it seems<br />
The places where I go, Imagination of the mind<br />
You just never know, what you're going to find<p>
A distorted place, of the world that you know<br />
Where your mind takes you, is where you're going to go<br />
To a distant future, or a long-ago past<br />
Only while you're asleep, they never really last</p><p>
Friends and family, always have a role there<br />
Even they seem different, so you need to be aware<br />
You can be the Captain, on a ship out on the seas<br />
Or at a kitchen table, eating a big bowl of peas</p><p>
Maybe at a Class Reunion, one you've never been to<br />
Where you meet a Classmate, that you never knew<br />
You can be in a classroom at a desk, sleeping in a chair<br />
The teacher is calling your name, but you're unaware</p><p>
You can be living out a fantasy, for goodness sake<br />
A dream can take you anywhere, when you're not awake<br />
Maybe a star of a T.V. Show, that you watch every day<br />
How did this ever happen, but it takes your breath away</p><p>
How about a dream, that is so very real<br />
You know it must be true, just by the feel<br />
You could have a dream, of what's happening recently<br />
Knowing things nobody told you, yet in the dream you could see<br />
When you're The Dream Traveler, you can go anywhere<br />
When you're sleeping, your mind can take you there</p></center>
<p>©Feb 21, 2024 Bud Lemire
</p><p> Author Note:</p><center><h4>
I'm sure you have had many dreams, and some can be very<br />
strange. Some may be unbelievable. Some may feel so real.<br />
Some can have a loved one from the afterlife visiting.that <br />
could very well be real, if it touches you deeply. The dream<br />
can take you many places. </h4></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Dreaming.jpg" /> </h5><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
<p>
</p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-53799851438680450442024-03-01T00:11:00.000-06:002024-03-01T00:11:00.188-06:00All These Years<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=74">
Bruce Clifford
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>All these years you’ve kept me whole.<br />
Time after time lost in the unknown.<br />
Not a moment in time have I been able to define.<br />
All these years without letting go.</p><p>
These dreams are so real.<br />
Why can’t we find a way to feel.<br />
How we once used to be.<br />
This ancient mystery.<br />
All these years.</p><p>
I could have never made it without you.<br />
I’ve gone on without you.</p><p>
All these years you’ve stayed with me as I survive.<br />
Every day and night waiting for a familiar surprise.<br />
Not a moment in time have we found our place in life.<br />
All these years waiting for you to arrive.</p><p>
My broken heart Is so real.<br />
Why can’t we find a way to unpeel?<br />
All these layers so deep.<br />
I feel you when I’m awake and asleep.</p><p>
I could have never made it without you.<br />
I’ve gone on without you.<br />
I’ve gone on.</p><p>
All these years you’ve stayed with me.<br />
All these years you remain with me.<br />
All these years you have remained in my heart.<br />
All these years I’ve loved you from the very start.</p><p>
©2/23/2024 Bruce Clifford
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />Bruce Cliffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655672353288848382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-57148247093319427162024-03-01T00:09:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:09:00.126-06:00Times Past<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=547">
Riva Joi Smith
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p></p><center>Since childhood<br />
Words have dropped from my mind onto the paper.<br />
Sometimes faster than they could be written.<br />
As time wore on they were less frequent<br />
The observation became more private -<br />
Life over took the pen.<br />
Then the thought of pictures telling stories...<br />
Again, I was passionate<br />
Once more All must be shown.<br />
Yet now, I ask myself is this futile? <p>
All the words lost - photographs stolen!<br />
I am left wondering<br />
Why have I done this.<br />
Did I write all those words for myself?<br />
Did I save those moments in time for no one?<br />
The bee on the thistle<br />
The geese on the pond<br />
I'll never know</p><p></p></center>
© Jan 31, 2024 Joy Smith
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and
list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-74408217446915590942024-03-01T00:07:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:07:00.126-06:00Cedar Waxwings<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=89">
John I. Blair
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>
A drunken, rowdy bunch,<br />
Bellies full of berries,<br />
They roister through the hollies,<br />
Piping high, swooping low,<br />
Lightening my gray day.</p><p>
Each year I yearn to see<br />
That waxwings are here,<br />
A breath of northern air<br />
Spilled south to freshen up<br />
This stagnant Texas town;</p><p>
And when they do arrive,<br />
All gold and green and gay,<br />
They help restore my hope<br />
That yet another wintertime<br />
Can be survived.</p><p>
©2002 John I. Blair
<br />Encore
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online</i>.</h5></center><p></p><h5></h5><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-83066207188619050462024-03-01T00:05:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:05:00.125-06:00 Ducks in a Row<p> </p><h2></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=577">
Walt Perryman
</a></b>
</p><p align="left">Here is something about living everyone should know,<br />
Most of us spend our life trying to get our ducks in a row.</p><p>
Ducks represent life situations both the good and the bad.<br />
To be happy we think things must be perfect, that is sad.</p><p>
We get them in a row and everything’s going fine,<br />
But those stupid little ducks never stay in line.</p><p>
So, we put our happiness on hold and that really sucks,<br />
Life passes us by while we are lining up ducks.</p><p>
We do not realize that life goes by so fast,<br />
Until we get older and look at our past.</p><p>
I am going to change my priorities and I will be just fine,<br />
I am going to be happy even if my ducks are out of line.</p><p>
So, Lord please help me and my ducks too.<br />
So, we can try to stay in line with you. </p><p>
Amen</p><p>
©2/5/2024 Walt Perryman
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-19047021032242323272024-03-01T00:03:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:03:00.135-06:00 The Word On Senior Companions<p> </p><h2></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=396">
Bud Lemire
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p></p><center>Senior Companions are well known, wherever they be<br />
One of the best Volunteer Programs, you'll ever see<br />
We're asking residents and In Home clients, what they are thinking<br />
Rita smiles and says “They're great” and then she is winking<p>
Those who have dementia, remember only at the time<br />
Yet that moment comes again, their smile is a great sign<br />
George says “I look forward to the people in Blue”<br />
Sara was quick to say, “She's a friend I love talking to”</p><p>
Jenna says, “We play cribbage, when he gets here”<br />
“Crazy Eight,” says Pete, “Is a game I always cheer”<br />
Molly smiles, “They truly are the best Companions to us”<br />
Eleonor believes in her heart, they are people we can trust</p><p>
Millie is glowing as she says “They're Angels! Angels in blue!”<br />
Lucille says “Yes! There's so much they will do”<br />
The residents have spoken, and you have heard<br />
Senior Companions are special, that is the word</p></center>
<p>©Feb 1, 2024 Bud Lemire
</p><p> Author Note:</p><center><h4>
Being a Senior Companion is very rewarding.<br />
Just to see the smiles on their faces when you<br />
enter the room where they are. So many of them<br />
look forward to you being there, to play a certain<br />
game with them, or just to visit. Your understanding<br />
of the place they are in their life, makes it all worth<br />
while. </h4></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5><p align="center"><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/SrCompanion.jpg" />
</p>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
<p>
</p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-85675870027056073312024-03-01T00:01:00.000-06:002024-03-01T00:01:00.136-06:00We Didn't Know<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=74">
Bruce Clifford
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p>She took me back to that empty space.<br />
Empty spaces without a trace.<br />
I’m just a poet in the vacuum of scars.<br />
We didn’t know it.<br />
We don’t know who we are.</p><p>
We didn’t know it.</p><p>
You brought be back to enchanted memories.<br />
You took me to the person I could never be.<br />
We once soared through the timeless vacant summer sky.<br />
We didn’t know it.<br />
We couldn’t even if we tried.</p><p>
So, you beat me to the punch.<br />
You ate my heart during your extended lunch.<br />
Now I’m left holding the bag.<br />
Feeling lonely, desperate and sad.</p><p>
You took me to those endless spaces.<br />
My heart destroyed by irrelevant faces.<br />
We once could see what was ahead of us.<br />
Now all that’s left is the blind faith in trust.</p><p>
She took me back to that empty space.<br />
Empty spaces without a trace.<br />
I’m just a poet in the vacuum of scars.<br />
We didn’t know it.<br />
We don’t know who we are.</p><p>
We didn’t know.<br />
We didn’t know.<br />
What was up ahead.<br />
You weren’t willing to show.</p><p>
©2/5/2025 Bruce Clifford
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />Bruce Cliffordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05655672353288848382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-13567651280482768152024-03-01T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-01T00:00:00.139-06:00Like The Wind And The Sun<p> </p><h2>
<center></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=396">
Bud Lemire
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p></p><center>She's like the wind and the sun<br />
She's everywhere, and shines on everyone<br />
Even though she passed away<br />
Her spirit is with me everyday<p>
Many of us, don't have the gift<br />
To see or hear spirit, to give us a lift<br />
Believe me, they want you to know<br />
Exactly what happened, to their soul</p><p>
They can be many places, like the wind and the sun<br />
Their spirit is energy, when their human life is done<br />
All of her family and friends, that she left here<br />
Need to know and understand, she is always near</p><p>
She checks up on all, the loved ones she left behind<br />
When came out of her body, from the world of mankind<br />
The deep connection you had, while she was here<br />
Will continue forever, let me make this clear</p><p>
Forever, infinity, everlasting it will be<br />
Our love together, is the Universal Key<br />
When you leave this world, your journey isn't done<br />
You will be like the wind, and like the sun</p></center>
<p>©Feb 20, 2024 Bud Lemire
</p><p> Author Note:</p><center><h4>
We become energy after we pass, and like the wind<br />
and the sun, can be in more than one place at one<br />
time. I know, it's hard to think that something like<br />
that can really be true. Those who have touched<br />
the Spirit World, know this. But for us, it is hard<br />
to grasp until we experience it ourselves. Once we<br />
do, it will be so amazing.<br />
Note: I wrote this about Vicki, and to let you know<br />
that your loved ones' lives go on in spirit, and are<br />
always near you, sharing their love still. </h4></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5><p align="center"><img align="middle" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Sunset-byBudLemire.jpg" />
</p>Click on the author's byline for bio and
list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
<p>
</p>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-81049894079837936382024-02-01T07:30:00.001-06:002024-02-01T07:30:00.129-06:00Editor's Corner<p> <img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/meaEdPicJun23b.jpg" /></p><h2><center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=36">
Mary E. Adair
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>February 2024</b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><i>.“February, a form pale-vestured, wildly fair.<br /> One of the North Wind’s daughters with icicles in her </i>
<br />― Edgar Fawcett </center>
<p><br />The shortest month which only once every four years gains a
day--just a day after all that waiting, has arrived. Maybe it's so short
because it doesn't like hanging around in the cold. Nonetheless, there
are some memorable dates: family events of course, and smack dab in the
center there's sweet Valentine's Day when showing your love is not
frowned upon, rather almost insistently encouraged.
</p><p><br />Did any of our authors wax eloquent on Valentine's Day, nay. A
couple alluded to a romantic period in their life, but no specific
dates. Your editor is happy to see a new year beginning for this eZine
which has published the compositions of more than 500 writers.
</p><p><br />Thomas F. O'Neill in "Introspective" looks at endings
rather than beginnings as warnings that "The end is near." Marilyn
Carnell's column "Sifoddling Along" focused in her charming manner on
the past, not the future, on a trip that may well have been one of the
cornerstones in her life. Judith Kroll's column "On Trek" allows her to
find her voice and discuss some firm beliefs concerning our choices, and
where we make them. Pauline Evanosky's column "Woo Woo" gives us
insight into perhaps a tiny amount of what psychics do when they are
asked questions. Our new columnist Ara Parisien in
"Medium-Author-Spiritual Teacher" has a popular theme for this
month--Manifesting. It's easy for her so she shares some insight with
us.
</p><p><br />Rod Cohenour's helpmate wows us with a meal to make you feel
like you stepped into another country--Cuba to be specific. "Cooking
with Rod" has all the details and how to prepare right in your own
kitchen. "Armchair Genealogy" by columnist Melinda Cohenour details the
shocking updates around the many bodies discovered, victims, it most
likely seems, of one person, who has been apprehended. Much of the
evidence is supported and refined using DNA, and most recently, Nuclear
DNA processes. Dublin's Mattie Lennon fills his column "Irish Eyes"
with an experience he declares is to be rued, but it does make for quite
a tale.
</p><p><br /> Walt Perryman has for us "Right or Wrong Ramble," "Cancer
Check-up!" and "Happy Birthday to Laura, my Wife" along with a pic of
Laura and himself for that occasion. Bruce Clifford's two poems are "A
Thought" and "Every Passing Day." Bud Lemire's compassionate poem
"Walter" is touching, and "A Cold January" and "1950" wind up his poems
this month. John I. Blair's choice of poems to enjoy are "Counting The
Flower Buds," "Pencil Stubs," "Rainbow," and "Hello, Stranger."
</p><p><br />Now with this new year of <b>Pencil Stubs Online</b>
underway, we are again astounded that a simple suggestion 27 years ago
by Mike Craner that we try doing our magazine on the World Wide Web, has
blossomed so beautifully. Again, I am expressing my gratitude to my
talented friend and original webmaster Mike Craner. We place our
confidence in him as we have in the past and shall continue doing so.
</p><p></p><center><b>See you in March!.</b></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online</i>.<br />This
issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the blog
www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.<p> </p></h5></center><p></p><hr />MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-84794586005927483612024-02-01T07:28:00.001-06:002024-02-01T07:28:00.153-06:00Armchair Genealogy<p> <img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/Melinda.jpg" /></p><h2><center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=337">
Melinda Cohenour
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>Gilgo Beach Serial Killer news Update</b></h3></center>
<p>A new charge has been brought against Rex Andrew Heuermann in
connection with the remains of victims found on Gilgo Beach. Heuermann
was previously charged with the murders of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan
Waterman, and Amber Costello. On January 16, 2024, Heuermann was
officially charged with Murder in the Second Degree for bringing about
the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes "on or about July 9, 2007."
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><br />Early in July of 2007, Maureen Brainard-Barnes was feeling
stressed and desperate. Facing an impending eviction notice and fearing
for the well-being of her two young children, Maureen headed to New York
along with a friend where the two women would market their bodies in an
attempt to earn enough money to avoid financial catastrophe.
</p><p><br />A typical trip to the City would involve placing ads on
Craig's List or Backpage. On this particular trip, Maureen was
accompanied by a friend who later urged her to return with her to
Connecticut. Maureen declined. A video of that friend's memory of that
last fateful trip may be viewed here: <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/woman-moments-friend-gilgo-4-103024449" target="_Blank">Video</a>
</p><p><br />The decision to stay and try to earn more money would prove
to be a fatal choice for Maureen. In a phone call to another friend in
Connecticut late on July 9, 2007, Maureen advised she was not following
her usual procedure of entertaining her customer in her hotel room but
was making an "outcall." That was the last time anyone would speak with
Maureen. Her phone, however, would be used.
</p><p><br />On July 12, 2007, Maureen's cellphone was used to check her voicemail.
<br /><b>Source:</b>https://abc11.com/gilgo-beach-serial-killings-rex-heurmann-news-murders-timeline/14326351/
</p><p></p><blockquote>
<p><i>'Personal cell phone and credit card billing records revealed
numerous instances where Heuermann was in the general locations as
burner phones, which authorities say he had with him at the killings. He
used the phones to call the three victims and also used
"Brainard-Barnes and Barthelemy's cellphones when they were used to
check voicemail and make taunting phone calls after the women
disappeared," Suffolk County prosecutors allege.'</i> </p></blockquote>
<p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><b></b></p><center><b>GILGO BEACH FOUR DISCOVERED</b></center>
<p><br />In December of 2010, Maureen Brainard-Barnes' skeletal remains
were discovered near the remains of Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman,
and Amber Costello in the tangled brush on Gilgo Beach as Suffolk
County's Police searched for the body of Shannan Gilbert in vain. Of
those four victims, three sets of remains were shrouded in camouflage
burlap material. Brainard-Barnes remains lacked a burlap shroud but were
bound by use of three leather belts. One very distinctive belt bore
stylized initials.
</p><p><a href="https://nypost.com/2023/08/04/gilgo-beach-victim-was-bound-with-distinctive-wh-or-hm-belt/" target="_Blank">One very distinctive belt bore stylized initials</a>
</p><p><br /></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td valign="right"><p>The initials may be “WH,” which matches Heuermann’s grandfather, William Heuermann</p></td>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Belt-letters-1.jpg" />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p></p><p><br />On the buckle of one of the three belts binding
Brainard-Barnes was a human hair. Testing of that hair determined it
matched to Heuermann's wife, tying Heuermann to the disposition of her
body.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><b>JANUARY 16, 2024</b></center>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Heuermann-CourtAppearance.jpg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<br /><b><center>Heuermann Court Appearance</center></b>
<p><br />Alleged Gilgo serial Killer Rex Heuermann appears inside Judge
Timothy P. Mazzei's courtroom with his attorney Michael Brown at Suffolk
County Court in Riverhead, N.Y. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. Heuermann is
indicted in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. (James
Carbone/Newsday via AP)
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><br />***Various extracts from the Superseding Indictment and pertinent
references specific to the Murder Charge now levied against Defendant
Heuermann as to the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes:
</p><p><br /><i>Today, Defendant Rex A. Heuermann stands before this Court
charged by the Grand Jury in a Superseding Indictment, which
incorporates not only the above counts, but the additional charge of:
</i></p><ol><i>• MURDER IN THE SECOND DEGREE, in violation of New York
State Penal Law Section 125.25(1), a class A-I violent felony for the
death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes on or about July 9, 2007.</i></ol><i>
<ol>***<br />
The People filed a written bail application at Rex A. Heuermann’s
initial arraignment, which occurred on July 14, 2023. That application
is annexed hereto as Exhibit A. </ol>
<p><br />On July 14, 2023, the Hon. Richard Ambro ordered that Defendant
Rex A. Heuermann be remanded without bail. The matter was subsequently
adjourned to August 1, 2023, before the Hon. Timothy P. Mazzei. On
August 1, 2023, and in the ensuing appearances that have followed, this
Court has continued to remand the Defendant without bail.
</p></i><p><i><br />Set forth below is the People’s bail application in
support of the Superseding Indictment, which will expand on additional
evidentiary developments in this investigation not included within
Exhibit A, further tying Defendant Heuermann to the murders of Melissa
Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Costello, and now, Maureen
Brainard-Barnes.</i>
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><a href="https://www.genomebc.ca/blog/forensics-breakthrough-dna-extracted-from-rootless-hair" target="_Blank"></a></p><h5><a href="https://www.genomebc.ca/blog/forensics-breakthrough-dna-extracted-from-rootless-hair" target="_Blank">EXCITING ADVANCEMENT IN ANALYSIS OF HAIR TO EXTRACT DNA GENOTYPE FROM ROOTLESS HAIR</a></h5>
<p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><b></b></p><center><b>DNA Analysis of Hairs Recovered from the Examination of the Victims’ Bodies </b></center>
<p><br />During the course of this investigation, each of the four
victims’ bodies were examined by a Forensic Scientist with the Suffolk
County Crime Laboratory, which revealed as follows: </p><blockquote>
<p><b>Maureen Brainard-Barnes</b>
</p><p>Ms. Brainard-Barnes had been left restrained by 3 leather belts,
one of which was utilized to tie Barnes’ feet/ankle/legs together.
During the examination of the belts, a female human hair was recovered
from the buckle of one of the belts by the Suffolk County Crime Lab
(hereinafter “Female Hair on Barnes”). On or about December 18, 2010,
the Suffolk County Laboratory (examined) this hair and was able to
determine that it corresponded to a “Caucasian head hair fragment.”
Although this hair was not suitable for nuclear DNA profiling at that
time, it was subsequently submitted for further DNA analysis.
</p></blockquote>
<p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><b>Source:</b> https://patch.com/new-york/riverhead/gilgo-suspect-rex-heuermann-be-charged-4th-murder-docs
</p><p><br />Tierney said the Suffolk County Crime lab as well as two
outside forensic laboratories, conducting testing of hairs recovered on
various victims, specifically compared the DNA profiles generated from
those hairs recovered at the crime scenes to DNA profiles developed from
Heuermann and members of his immediate family.
</p><p><br />Throughout the investigation, key evidence has included the
five hairs found on the victims. Nuclear DNA testing helped provide more
accurate results, Tierney said.
</p><p><br />Nuclear DNA is found in the cell nucleus; mitochondrial DNA is found in cell cytoplasm, according to reports.
</p><p><br />Brainard-Barnes, the report said, had been left restrained by
three leather belts, one of which was used to tie her feet, ankles, and
legs together. A female human hair was found on the buckle.
</p><p><br />The DNA profile generated from the female hair on Barnes,
recovered from the belt buckle "is 7.9 trillion times more likely to
have come from a person genetically identical to Asa Ellerup's SNP
Genotype file than from an unrelated individual," the bail report said.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><b>Daughter's DNA Helped Link Gilgo Suspect Rex Heuermann To Murders: DA</b></center>
<p><br />Nuclear DNA technology led to new information, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney says.
</p><p><br />RIVERHEAD, NY — Rex Heuermann, the man charged in three of
the Gilgo Beach murders, has been charged with the murder of a fourth
woman, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, according to Suffolk County District
Attorney Ray Tierney. And new DNA evidence revealed Tuesday helped
connect Heuermann to all four of the deaths, he said.
</p><p><br />Heuermann was charged with second-degree murder, an A-1
violent felony, in the death of Brainard-Barnes on July 9, 2007, Tierney
said.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><br />Last July, Heuermann, of Massapequa Park, was indicted on three
counts of first-degree murder charges and three counts of second-degree
murder charges in the deaths of sex workers Melissa Barthelemy, Megan
Waterman and Amber Costello, whose remains were found along Ocean
Parkway in 2010. Heuermann also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
</p><p><br />A total of 11 sets of remains were found in the Gilgo Beach
murders, which rocked Long Island, including that of a toddler and an
Asian male.
</p><p><br />Tierney said Monday that he and other members of the Gilgo
Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force were set to announce a
"significant development" in the case Tuesday.
</p><p><br />Melissa Cann, Brainard-Barnes' sister and her daughter
Nicolette Brainard-Barnes appeared in the courtroom Tuesday, as did Asa
Ellerup, Heuermann's estranged wife.
</p><p><br />According to the bail report, Ellerup and the couple's
children were also out of town on the date that Brainard-Barnes went
missing; they were also away for the previous murders, according to the
DA.
</p><p><br />According to the bail report, additional burner phones and
online activity were linked to Heuermann. The burner phones revealed
communications with sex workers as well as a new email account of
Heuermann's, which was subscribed to the fictitious name of Andrew
Roberts, Tierney. said.
</p><p><br />That "Sandbagger" account was utilized as recently as April
2021, to access and conduct searches related to "pornography, rape,
torture and sex workers several thousand times," the bail report said.
Heuermann, the report said, also searched for information regarding the
Gilgo Beach investigation and the victim's relatives.
</p><p><br />An analysis of his laptop indicated the use of a file
shredding software on July 9, 2009, shortly before he was to meet
Barthelemy; investigators believe it was an attempt to "shred" any
digital evidence of the laptop computer utilized to search for her
prostitution advertisement, the report said.
</p><p><br />An analysis of his laptop revealed that on September 1, 2010,
at 9:03 p.m. Heuermann accessed Amber Costello's Backstage ad; about
two hours later, a burner phone linked to Heuermann had communications
with Costello's phone, the report said, adding that during those
communications, the burner cellphone connected to cell site towers in
West Amityville and Massapequa Park.
</p><p><br />Later, the cellphone traveled to West Babylon, near
Costello's home, and again had contact with her phone on Sept. 2, 2010,
which is when witnesses said he arrived at her residence, the report
said.
</p><p><br />"Despite Defendant Heuermann's attempts to 'wipe out' or
'scrub' his laptop computer, he was unsuccessful in concealing his
access to Ms. Costello's Backpage ad," the report said.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><b></b></p><center><b>DNA analysis</b></center>
<p><br />Tierney said the Suffolk County Crime lab as well as two outside
forensic laboratories, conducting testing of hairs recovered on various
victims, specifically compared the DNA profiles generated from those
hairs recovered at the crime scenes to DNA profiles developed from
Heuermann and members of his immediate family.
</p><p><br />In September, a cheek swab taken recently from Heuermann
matched DNA found on pizza crust disposed of by Heuermann — a key part
of evidence that officials say led to his arrest.
</p><p><br />Members of the Gilgo Beach task force met with Heuermann's
wife Asa Ellerup and his daughter, Victoria Heuermann, and stepson,
Christopher Sheridan, to obtain buccal swab. The swabs were tested
against 11 bottles found in garbage cans placed in front of Heuermann's
home on July 21, 2022, as well as a "Monster Java" can, the report said.
</p><p><br />Investigators saw Victoria Heuermann drinking from the can
while on a Long Island Rail Road train; they took the can after she
discarded it in a trash bin, the bail report said.
</p><p><br />Throughout the investigation, key evidence has included the
five hairs found on the victims. Nuclear DNA testing helped provide more
accurate results, Tierney said.
</p><p><br />Nuclear DNA is found in the cell nucleus; mitochondrial DNA is found in cell cytoplasm, according to reports.
</p><p><br />Brainard-Barnes, the report said, had been left restrained by
three leather belts, one of which was used to tie her feet, ankles, and
legs together. A female human hair was found on the buckle.
</p><p><br />The DNA profile generated from the female hair on Barnes,
recovered from the belt buckle "is 7.9 trillion times more likely to
have come from a person genetically identical to Asa Ellerup's SNP
Genotype file than from an unrelated individual," the bail report said.
.....
</p><p><br />Two female hairs were found on Megan Waterman; a DNA profile
generated said the hair was 2.374 x 10 to the 48th power, to have come
from a person genetically linked to Ellerup's profile than to an
unrelated individual, the report said. The second hair, recovered from
the tape from Waterman's head area, is 2.778 x 10 to the 480th power to
come from a person genetically identical to Ellerup's profile, the
report said.
</p><p><br />A female hair found on Costello, after a one-to-one autosomal
nuclear DNA comparison, said it was 4.654 x 10 to the 63d power more
likely to have come from a person genetically linked to Victoria
Heuermann's SNP Genotype file than from an unrelated individual, the
report said. At the time of Costello's disappearance and murder,
Victoria Heuermann would have been about a month shy of her 14th
birthday, the report said.
</p><p><br />Two forensic labs have independently determined that the
female hairs recovered on Waterman and Costello are derived from a
person genetically identical to the SNP Genotype files of members of
Heuermann's family, specifically Asa Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann, the
report said. Because they were away and out of state at the time of the
murders, it "provides further support that Rex A. Heuermann murdered,
restrained and transported the remains of the victims to Gilgo Beach
until they were ultimately discovered in December 2010, the report said
</p><p><br />A male hair found on Waterman was also linked to Heuermann, according to the report.
</p><p><br />His attorney Michael Brown said Heuermann pleaded not guilty; Heuermann will next appear in court on Feb. 6.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p><br />Should new charges be filed, identification of Peaches, her
toddler daughter or of the Asian male be announced, or any other
Breaking News occur during the coming month, be assured it will be
reported in the next update on Armchair Genealogy.
</p><p><br />Stay tuned
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Maureen L. DuCharme Brainard-Barnes.jpeg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<br /><b><center>Maureen L. DuCharme Brainard-Barnes</center></b>
<<p>A very young Maureen L. DuCharme Brainard-Barnes (from the memorial established in her memory on Find-A-Grave website)
</p><p>Maureen L. Ducharme Brainard-Barnes
<br />BIRTH: 14 Jun 1982
<br />New London, New London County, Connecticut, USA
</p><p>DEATH: Age 25 (Date believed killed between Jul 9, 2007 and Jul 12, 2007) on or near Massapequa, Long Island, New York
<br />her remains found) 13 Dec 2010 (aged 28)
<br />Gilgo Beach, Suffolk County, New York, USA
</p><p>BURIAL: Saint Marys Cemetery
<br />Norwich, New London County, Connecticut, USA
</p><p>MEMORIAL ID: 64693289
</p><p>From Find-A-Grave memorial
</p><p>She was 25.
</p><p>She had been last seen on July 9, 2007. Death date above is the date her body was found. Actual date is not known.
</p><p>Cause of death: murdered, remains found with 3 other women, police are searching for a serial killer.
</p><p>A suspect was arrested in July 2023, with DNA match evidence, and is connected to the other 3 girls found with her.
</p><p></p><hr />
<br />Cemetery info provided by (#48452907)
<br /><hr />
<p>Below provided by (49259303)
</p><p>Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 28, formerly of Norwich, died Dec. 13, 2010, in Babylon, N.Y.
</p><p>She was born June 14, 1982, in New London, the daughter of Marie
Ducharme of Groton and the late Robert Senecal. She was formerly
employed at Foxwood's Resort & Casino as a dealer.
</p><p>Besides her mother she is survived by two children, Nicolette
Brainard-Barnes of Mystic and Dylan Haggett of Norwich; a sister,
Melissa Vieu of New London; a half-sister, Bryona Senecal; and several
nieces, nephews, and cousins.
</p><p>She was predeceased by a brother, William Vieu Jr.
</p><p>Her family received relatives and friends at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home in New London.
</p><p>A funeral service was held. Interment followed in St. Mary Cemetery.
</p><p>Published in The Day on Feb. 2, 2011
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-81930444414121493832024-02-01T07:26:00.000-06:002024-02-01T07:26:00.124-06:00Cooking with Rod<p> </p><h2>
<img align="left" border="0" src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/People/Rod_cooks-sm.jpg" /></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=559">
Rod Cohenour
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><i>While living in Ahwatukee, an upscale
suburb of Phoenix, Melinda and I often visited the Havana Cafe in a
local shopping center. This was one of three Havana Cafe locations
operated by BJ Hernandez and her late husband, Gilbert.
</i></p><p><i><br /> BJ Hernandez and Gilbert opened their original Havana
Cafe on Camelback Road in east Phoenix in 1989. It eventually was
joined by others in north Scottsdale and Ahwatukee.
</i></p><p><i><br /> The Ahwatukee location closed in 2011, followed by the Phoenix one in 2014 and the Scottsdale one in 2015.
</i></p><p><i><br /> The food was divine, the cafe a small jewel of classy yet simple decor, the ambiance enchanting.
</i></p><p><i><br /> My Miss M always planned to try the full menu, but
then would order the Pollo Cubano with Cuban Black Beans, rice, and the
delicious plantains which she said perfectly complemented the chicken
dish.
</i></p><p><i><br /> Just before closing her Havana Cafe restaurants, BJ
Hernandez gifted her long-time customers with her recipe shared online
for the Pollo Cubano which is now shared here.
</i></p><p><i><br /> Included are recipes M has created to approximate the sides she so loved to order with her favorite dish.
</i></p><p><i><br /> These recipes are delectable, not that complicated to
prepare, but worth every moment to grace your table with this exotic
cuisine.
</i></p><p><i><br /> Enjoy A Cuban Adventure.
</i></p><p><i><br /> Bon appetit ~!</i>
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>Havana Café’s Pollo Cubano</b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/RodFebPic.jpg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<p><br /> When BJ Hernandez, chef and owner of the three Havana Cafe
locations in the Valley, started making this recipe, it was only because
it was a special she created for her guests. Now, it's her most popular
dish at the restaurants and has found a permanent home on the menu.
</p><p><br /> Part of its appeal is its use of citrusy flavors on the
chicken. The recipe uses bitter orange seasoning, made with orange and
lime juices, as well as garlic, salt and cumin to create a rich
combination of tastes.
</p><p><br /> Here's how to make it:
</p><p><b></b></p><center><b>Pollo Cubano</b></center>
<p><br /> Serves 4
</p><ul><li>
2 pounds boneless breast of chicken
</li><li> 1 1/4 pound Spanish onions (or yellow onions) sliced medium thickness
</li><li> 1/2 cup orange juice
</li><li> 1/8 cup fresh lime juice
</li><li> 2 tablespoons olive oil</li></ul>
<p><br /><b>Marinade:</b>
</p><ul><li>
3/4 cup orange juice
</li><li> 1/4 cup lime juice
</li><li> 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
</li><li> 1 teaspoon salt
</li><li> 1 teaspoon cumin
</li><li> 1 teaspoon hot sauce
</li><li> 1/8 cup olive oil
<p>Mix marinade ingredients together. Place chicken breasts in a glass,
plastic, stainless steel bowl or zip lock gallon bag. Pour marinade over
chicken and marinate 3 hours or overnight, refrigerated.
</p><p><br />In a large frying pan, heat olive oil to very hot. Add
chicken breasts. Do not turn over or move until first side is very
brown. Turn over and add onions and juice. Move onions around to brown
cook for 8-10 minutes more. Serve with white rice and black beans. There
should be juices left in the pan. Pour them over the chicken breasts
topped with the onions.
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/CubanBlackBeans.jpg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<p><b></b></p><center><b> Ms Cuban Black Beans</b></center>
<p><b> Ingredients:</b>
</p><ol>* 1 cup Ms Sofrito (OPTIONAL OR USE FOLLOWING VEGGIES AND SPICES
down through Oregano). This is a timesaving option if you have
previously made and frozen or stored the sofrito)
<blockquote><p><br /> <b>Ms Sofrito recipe link here:</b>
<a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/Magazine/MagPage.asp?NID=6871&fbclid=IwAR2QRTWicQIpIpdgxWTnm5n5xl-oFyt5avpr0Ru51jMO5lEUB1y1NfKkeTw" target="_Blank">Ms Caribbean Sofrito</a></p></blockquote></ol><ol> * 1 small purple onion, finely diced, tough outer layer removed
</ol><ol> * 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
</ol><ol> * 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
</ol><ol> * 1 small fresh jalapeno, seeds and stem removed, finely diced
(can substitute 1 Tbsp. Pickled Jalapeno if desired, no juice, or an
equivalent small section of poblano pepper, finely diced)
</ol><ol> * 1 tsp. Minced garlic (much preferred rather than powdered or granulated garlic)
</ol><ol> * 1 Tbsp. Olive or Avocado oil
</ol><ol> * 1 tsp. Cumin
</ol><ol> * 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
</ol><ol> * 3 (three) 15 oz. cans Black Beans, liquid included
</ol><ol>* 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate (thawed)
</ol><ol> * Juice of one lime</ol>
<p><b>Instructions: </b>
</p><p>(If desired, prepare beans day before and allow flavors to blend
over night. Add lime juice after reheating and just before serving)
</p><ol>1. Prepare onion and peppers and assemble garlic, oil, and spices for quick sauté.
</ol><ol> 2. Preheat skillet and add oil. When hot add onion and all peppers and stir over medium high heat until onion is translucent.
</ol><ol> 3. Add minced garlic, cumin, and dried oregano. Stir to combine well.
</ol><ol>4. Add canned black beans. If cans contain too much liquid,
drain one can. Add orange juice concentrate. Stir well. Lower heat and
allow to simmer, stirring often to prevent scorching. You may wish to
allow time to cook off some of the liquid and intensify the flavor.
</ol><ol> 5. Just before serving add lime juice. This sparks a fresh flavor.</ol>
<p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/CilantroLimeRice.jpg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<p><b></b></p><center><b>Ms CILANTRO-LIME RICE</b></center>
<p><b> Ingredients:</b>
</p><ol>
• 8 cups chicken broth (add water, if necessary, to broth to make an even 8 cups)
</ol><ol>• 4 cups white long-grain rice
</ol><ol>• Lime juice (best to use the little lime filled with juice found in the Produce Department
</ol><ol>• Cilantro, washed, dried, bulk of stems cut off and leaves and top stems chopped roughly.</ol>
<p><br /><b> Instructions:</b>
</p><p>Prepare rice per manufacturer’s instructions (usually heat
broth/water to boiling, add rice, stir, lower heat, cook about 5
minutes.) Turn heat off and permit to sit for 30 minutes, until liquid
is absorbed and rice is cooked tender. Add lime juice and a goodly
amount of the cilantro (to taste).
</p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></h3></center>
<p></p><center><p></p><table border="0">
<tbody><tr>
<td><img src="http://www.pencilstubs.com/images/Magazine/Supporting/Platanos.jpg" />
</td>
<td valign="center">
<p></p><br /></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table><p></p></center>
<p><b></b></p><center><b> Ms Platanos Maduros Cubano</b></center>
<p><b> NOTE:</b> Do not prepare until ready to plate and serve the meal.
Platanos Maduros (sweet ripe fried/grilled plantains) do not keep well
and should be served within minutes of preparation.)
</p><p><b> Ingredients:</b>
</p><ol>* 3 large ripe plantains (full yellow peel with numerous black
spots to fully black but not yet soft indicates a ripe and sweet
plantain)
</ol><ol>* Small bowl of cold water (for cut plantains to keep from turning before frying)
</ol><ol> * 1/2 cup orange juice concentrate
</ol><ol> * 1/4 cup brown sugar
</ol><ol> * 1/2 - 3/4 cup oil (coconut, olive, avocado or corn oil will do)</ol>
<p><b>Instructions:</b>
</p><ol> 1. Prepare plantains. Cut off each end of fruit. Then carefully slice peel lengthwise top to bottom. Remove peel.
<p>Slice plantains on a diagonal, each slice at least 1/2" thick. (You
may choose to slice each fruit in planks, top to bottom OR in rounds. In
my opinion, the best result is the thick diagonal cut. Always ensure
each slice is at least 1/2" thick however for best result.)
</p><p>Place plantain slices in bowl of cold water to soak while skillet of oil is ready for use.
</p></ol><ol> 2. Put thawed orange juice concentrate in a separate bowl.
Put brown sugar in another bowl. (If desired, a small measure of chili
powder can be sprinkled in).
<p></p></ol><ol>3. Preheat skillet and oil. Oil should be hot enough to sizzle when plantain slice is added.
<p></p></ol><ol> 4. Using tongs remove plantain slice from cold water,
shaking slightly to further remove vestiges of water. Dip slice first in
orange juice then brown sugar, turning to coat both sides.
<p>Carefully add to hot oil, so that no oil splashes to burn the cook or the counter.
</p><p> Repeat until skillet is full of slices but not crowding plantain slices. You may need to fry in batches.
</p></ol><ol> 5. When bottom of plantain is beautifully browned (about
2-3 minutes depending on your skillet and stove), turn to permit equal
browning on reverse side.
<p></p></ol><ol> 6. Remove browned slices, one at a time to a platter
fitted with paper toweling. Use a second sheet to dab any excess grease
from the top.
<p> The perfect Platano Maduros will be slightly crispy on its edges but soft and creamy and sweet on the inside.
</p></ol><ol>7. Serve Platanos Maduros hot, best within five (5) minutes of browning.</ol>
<p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
</li></ul>MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4122112095443655796.post-970887496675339172024-02-01T07:24:00.001-06:002024-02-01T07:24:00.127-06:00Woo Woo<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxfL2WYFFb7lsykwkn1z7nn3bubsXrTSsXyvSrGBsdC1XeQ4DM-DaO3Os4V0U-mlZuZCiu1niqPSyJITqr6QseYjs_F_pk8fdw5cFpJv6dCGMgWub6Rv_bEeVkPxUAr40qrS-u4EMEltFowJiDogpZcjwmh3Mj_c1y5eHeKfDtDD0SeR20YDbWSYFKJ8/s140/PaulineProfile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="140" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxfL2WYFFb7lsykwkn1z7nn3bubsXrTSsXyvSrGBsdC1XeQ4DM-DaO3Os4V0U-mlZuZCiu1niqPSyJITqr6QseYjs_F_pk8fdw5cFpJv6dCGMgWub6Rv_bEeVkPxUAr40qrS-u4EMEltFowJiDogpZcjwmh3Mj_c1y5eHeKfDtDD0SeR20YDbWSYFKJ8/w177-h177/PaulineProfile.jpg" width="177" /></a></p><h2><center><br /></center></h2>
<p align="center"><b>By <a href="http://www.pencilstubs.com/magazine/authorbio.asp?AID=579">
Pauline Evanosky
</a></b>
</p><p align="left"></p><p><b></b></p><center><h3><b>You’re Probably More Psychic Than You Think </b></h3></center>
<p>You say: So, am I psychic or not?
</p><p><br /> I say: Well, you are an ordinary person, so I would say, yes, you are psychic.
</p><p><br />You respond heatedly: I don’t think I am psychic. I’ve never
had an experience with the supernatural, except when I thought I saw a
ghost.
</p><p><br />Ah, I say: When was that?
</p><p><br />You say, “Oh, it happened a couple of years ago, and it’s never happened since then.
</p><p><br />I say: Well, tell me about it.
</p><p><br />You say: It was after a family gathering. It was Thanksgiving
one year. We were gathered at Aunt Phyliss’ place. They’d brought out
the photograph albums, and everybody was sharing stories. We did it
every year. This was no different than any other year at Thanksgiving.
</p><p><br />I say: So, nothing out of the ordinary?
</p><p><br />You say: Nope.
</p><p><br />I say: So, when did this sighting of yours happen?
</p><p><br />You say: It was after everybody had gone home. Some of us
were sleeping over. I was on the couch in the basement—the one in the
rec room. There were two other people with me. They had sleeping bags.
It was about 2 in the morning, and I woke up. They always kept a night
light on in the bathroom, and the light spilled over into the room we
were in. I saw something. It looked like Uncle Beau. Except, he’d been
dead for five years. But I saw a guy with really frizzy white hair like
he used to have.
</p><p><br />I say: What was he doing?
</p><p><br />You say: He was just standing there. He wasn’t doing
anything. I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again. I figured he’d
be gone. He wasn’t. He was still there. I squeezed my eyes shut again.
Then, he was gone. I wasn’t afraid. I’d just seen a guy. In the morning,
neither of the folks sleeping down there with me said anything. I was
still so freaked out about it I didn’t say anything.
</p><p><br />Later that morning, after we’d had breakfast and were into a
second cup of coffee, I found myself alone in the kitchen with Aunt
Phyllis. I told her what had happened. She said that wasn’t the first
time something like that had happened. She’d seen her dead husband down
there several times. She wasn’t afraid either. She said what I’d seen
was true.
</p><p><br />Then, she went on to tell me that she could see things
sometimes. I asked her what she meant. She said sometimes, when she’s
doing stuff that doesn’t require her full attention, like washing the
dishes or doing laundry, she will get this fast image. Like she’ll see a
lot of red. Nothing in particular, just the color red. A day later,
there is a train accident on the news with lots of people injured. Other
times, she will see green. That’s when she’ll notice new stuff coming
up in the garden later on. Personally? I think it is all a coincidence. I
mean, how can anyone see the future? Just with colors?
</p><p><br />So, no. I don’t think I am psychic.
</p><p><br />I say: I think you are. Everybody is, to one degree or
another. Think of it as a sense. Remember from when we were kids? It’s
your sixth sense, just as ordinary as being able to see or hear. Don’t
be afraid of it. It’s just a sense. There’s not a whole lot written
about it, and it’s unusual in the sense that nobody really talks about
it much. It’s like when you were a kid. Your parents never taught you to
hear. You just did. The same thing happened with you seeing. One day,
you saw. You didn’t know what you were looking at because you hadn’t
learned words yet. But I’ll bet if you wanted your dolly or teddy bear,
you knew what you were looking at even though you didn’t have a name for
it.
</p><p><br />The thing is, there are probably other things that are
happening with you just because you are connected in a way you’ve never
really thought about. Like how you might think of somebody, and three
hours later or the next day, they call you. Did you make that happen by
thinking of them, or were you getting a heads-up about them thinking
about you? Years ago, I used to have fun at work by announcing when my
boss was going to be the one on the phone. It happened enough times that
people started looking at me funny. Turns out I was just dialed into
him, I suppose.
</p><p><br />It's like being able to draw. When you first learn how to
draw, it’s all just wrong. The lines are wonky, and it does not look
like a cat more than it resembles a hedgehog. Eventually, with enough
practice, the things you draw begin to look like something. The real
test is when you do faces, I think. When the face resembles the subject,
that’s when you can tell you are getting to be a better artist. It just
takes practice.
</p><p><br />The same thing happens when you awaken to your own psychic
self. It’s strange at first, but if you are not afraid of it and treat
it more like a game, it will happen more often because you are not
pushing it away.
</p><p><br />Just relax about it. Invite it into your life. Play games
with it, and someday, you’ll be able to pick winning lottery numbers.
I’m just kidding about that. The only winning lottery numbers I ever
picked were for a different state. It was eerie enough when it happened.
As I look back on it, I think it was just a little twinkle and nod from
the psychic side of life.
</p><p><br />So, yes, you are psychic.
</p><p></p><hr /><p></p><center><h5>Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by <i>Pencil Stubs Online.</i><br />
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.</h5></center><p></p><hr />
MaryEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474872444014299240noreply@blogger.com0