Sandy F.'s Comments

ANOTHER NEW YEAR by Wilhelmine Estabrook

Jan 1, 2010 | recommended: 12 | comments: 16

Sandy F. Jan 2, 2010, 3:45am EST

A gentle, embracing and accepting recount of 2009. I too am glad many things that happened are behind me now. I have raised a glass to the memory of friends and family lost this year. They are missed. keep improving and keep sharing Wilhelmine. We are all so happy to see each anouncement of a new article from you.

May this new year, bring you peace and joy and ever more ease in daily living and creative expression.

Hug Point State Park, Oregon by Wilma M.

Dec 29, 2009 | recommended: 11 | comments: 35

Sandy F. Dec 30, 2009, 1:39pm EST

Great photo essay, Wilma. I love the Oregon Coast. My great, great aunt homesteaded with her husband in Oregon long ago. I visited Bandon, OR several years ago and fell in love with the Oregon Coast. That would be my vacation pick.

The State of Gay Marriage by Leo Lemmer

Dec 22, 2009 | recommended: 7 | comments: 36

in reply to a comment by Gary (The Eclectic) Timothy

Sandy F. Dec 23, 2009, 3:09am EST

Oh pleeese, Gary, you don't even know the proper terms for the various types of other-sexed persons. Lesbians are not gay, and the old homosexual is the new gay.

The right to marry whom you fall in love with, no matter who they are or you are is "the same right." The right to marry someone of the opposite sex is a glass barrier through which the GLBT community can see but can't get into. How cruel!!!

Try thinking of it this way. If a law were passed that one could only marry someone of the same sex, then you would suddenly be in the same boat those of the GLBT community are now.

Until that happens, you can't "understand" unless you choose to do so. You'd need empathy and a sense of fairness that seems lacking in you.

And no, I'm not G,L,B or T. I am a senior woman who bore three children and have 14 grand children and 4 great grands. Each of them has been taught to accept all people as worthy of respect and the right to life, liberty, and the persuit of happiness even though they may seem different in their lifestyle choices.

What’s Happening Here by Ruth MacGill

Dec 18, 2009 | recommended: 5 | comments: 21

Sandy F. Dec 18, 2009, 10:11pm EST

Hi Ruth, You are not alone in the tight money this year. I've bought for my great grand kids but the others are all old enough to understand. My children have all long since stopped sending cards or gifts to me. I don't have a problem with it. I think for too long we Americans have gone gaa gaa over gadgets and stuff and forgotten that the great things of life are free- family, friends, doing a little something for children, and giving thanks for all the blessings of live in these United States. Despite our money woes, we could have war on our doorstep as a large part of the rest of the world does.

Yes, I think it could be much worse and we have hope for things swinging the other way as they have after other slumps. Keep your chin up, Ruth. With the real spring there will be many kinds of "new life."

When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep
Counting my blessings.

Words from an old song featured in White Christmas and sung by Bing Crosby. I'm sure you remember that, just as I do.

Life is full of troubles, but it's not about the troubles but rather how we meet them. I am determined to keep on being generous with my time and attention and best wishes and not allow this pinch to make me fearful. I know you will do the same.

I wish your neighbor well, the damage done to the minds of those who fought in Iraq and Afganistan matches the damage done buy Vietnam. I'm not sure why that's true but my heart goes out to them all.

May 2010 be a better year for all of us around the world, and especially for you, my friend.

On Global Warming by John Doyle

Dec 18, 2009 | recommended: 5 | comments: 12

Sandy F. Dec 18, 2009, 1:04pm EST

the sharp slice of truth in your poem. Amen

YESTERDAY I THREADED A NEEDLE by Wilhelmine Estabrook

Dec 12, 2009 | recommended: 4 | comments: 43

Sandy F. Dec 12, 2009, 12:54pm EST

Yay! I think the little things are the ones that can get us down if we let them.

I've been there somewhat, having escaped a wheelchair to which I was assigned in 1998. It was .. heh heh heh ... a step by step process.

First to the counter, then to the door, finally to the car, and lastly down stairs. Now I don't even need the electric carts in stores and I carry in my own groceries. Sometimes I don't put them away until the next day due to fatigue.

The problems of aging are not for sissies, that's for sure. Good thing that few of us are sissies, having weathered many storms in our lives.

Keep on keeping on, we are all rooting for you.

Me & EFT by Carolion Grailbear

Mar 20, 2009 | comments: 17

Sandy F. Dec 11, 2009, 1:30pm EST

As I read this on Dec. 11, 2009. My heart is full from the friendship of Carolion Grailbear.
She is a lovely spirit and I often hear her whisper EFT as I suffer through something. She lives, both in my imagination and heart, as I belief she lives in the reality of the spirit dimension.

Merry Christmas, Carolion and blessings to your child(ren) and grand child(ren) and your many friends. May Peace and Acceptance of your changes bless their lives, just as your existance has blessed them and all of us.

HELP. HELP. MY CAT’S GONE WEIRD. by Wilhelmine Estabrook

Dec 8, 2009 | recommended: 1 | comments: 46

Sandy F. Dec 9, 2009, 1:39am EST

I vote for your husband's spirit standing close to you which she can see above your head.
That being said, I've read the same article(s) about animals sensing health conditions and I would not ignore that posibility.

Since we are all made of energy which creates the aura some people (like me) can actually see the colored "fan" around your physical outline. I see no reason cats couldn't see it too. Some cats can see the Television screen and see shows. I have had 2 who could. So there's a third possibility. If Tabitha was the cat that most often spent her time with your husband, then it would make sense that she would be the cat to pay attention to him now.

She might wonder why he stands around and doesn't sit so she can be with him as usual.

I have easily seen spirits since I was about 11. My little great grandson smiles and talks to an occasional spirit. I found it was my Native American protector, Silver Owl. He is near 7 ft tall and the baby was always staring and smiling at the corner of the room at ceiling level. It's only when we are taught that such things are not possible that we stop seeing spirits.

Enjoy you little visits from your dear husband, Wil. Meow.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Brian ..

Dec 5, 2009 | comments: 25

Sandy F. Dec 5, 2009, 12:16pm EST

Tanzanite S. Thank you for the link. I loved reading that story again. I've purchased it for all my grands and now my great grands but it's been 5 years since the last purchase and I had forgotten. I know a little boy of two who needs this for a Christmas present this year! And I'm lucky to be able to read it to him in person after he opens his gifts.

Retraction of Complaint and Wee Hour Ramblings by Ruth MacGill

Dec 5, 2009 | comments: 25

Sandy F. Dec 5, 2009, 11:40am EST

I read that and thought it was rude at the time, dismissed it as unworthy of my attention and went forward with something more truthful and edifying. I hope you will do the same Ruth. As a writer who has submitted many manuscripts and received accolades and very terse dismissals, I have learned not to take any comment to heart until I have re-read what I wrote and decided if the comment is:
fair
helpful
useful in my own edit

If it is not, it is gone from me as if it never existed. One can't afford to let useless and unkind remarks stay in one's attention and fester or sour one's work, no matter whom the writer/speaker may think he/she is.

You're an interesting and very human writer not to mention accurate and informed. Please put THAT in your pipe and smoke it... as my Grandmother would say. She didn't suffer fools gladly either.

Complaint by Ruth MacGill

Dec 4, 2009 | comments: 19

Sandy F. Dec 4, 2009, 6:49pm EST

I haven't like many of the new directions, I liked the old Gather Front Page-- that's how far behind I am.

I think all "social network sites" are by youngsters for youngsters and they are all frenetic and enjoy constant wild flashing input. Gather is the least offensive of facebook, my space and Gather. I come to gather less and less and have fewer and fewer friends posts alerting me via email. Ruth, you are one of five that I allow to alert me. I rarely post anything here any more either. If it's not fun, why do it? Soon, Gather will just be the word gamers and superficial stuff. I'm sorry to see the Gather that was for WRITERS fade away.

Same-Sex Marriage In Iowa & Vermont by Cheri Cabot

Apr 10, 2009 | comments: 40

in reply to a comment by Marty S.

Sandy F. Dec 4, 2009, 3:34pm EST

It was not Paul but rather Jesus Christ who said "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's..." Matthew 22:20 and Mark 12:17

If you read the old Testament you will find that God was only "WITH" the Armies which he instructed to kill. So if God hasn't told you to kill recently perhaps you should be conservative and avoid killing.

New York Senate Votes No on Gay Marriage by Kelly McCartney

Dec 2, 2009 | comments: 7

Sandy F. Dec 4, 2009, 3:15pm EST

I am 70 and I believe in equality and the humanity of GLBT people and so do all my friends-- so stop blaming old people. Try the young republicans and the young evangelical Christians who believe this free country should by law force their radical Christianity on the rest of us.

Treason??!! Senator Diaz should look to his own stance of highjacking civil law with the Bible. We will all have to stand up and be counted against theocracy before this country is safe again to be a democratic republic under our religion-less Constitution. I believe in protection for all religions and no religion, but this push by the radical right is going to cause a back-lash against religion if they are not careful. If they are to be believed they are already feeling the push-back.

Do you read ingredient labels? by Teresa A.

Dec 4, 2009 | recommended: 2 | comments: 50

Sandy F. Dec 4, 2009, 3:05pm EST

Yes! I read labels and happen to believe that our epidemics of diabetes and obesity are largely due to prepared foods and the hidden (but listed) ingredients including high fructose corn syrup, salt, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

I avoid anything with the word "Light" or "reduced calories" because it indicates artificial sweeteners especially juices and canned fruits. Why use artificial sweetner with side effects when plain apple juice can be used effectively even to sweeten such sharp juices as pomgranite and cranberry.

We have become such "fast living" addicts and the conscequences are becoming obvious in our over all health not to mention the damage to our budgets.

Great article! Thanks.

Wednesday's Writing Essentials: December 2, 2009 by Susan Budig

Dec 2, 2009 | comments: 89

Sandy F. Dec 3, 2009, 1:43pm EST

Well, Susan, please be aware if you ever offend me while trying to help me, I will require an appology posted at high noon within 3 days on My home page and written in old English script or I will not accept it and will continue to flogg you with my pretentious formal writing, in "public," until you capitulate and do as I direct.

You have been warned. (grin)

Fully expecting a bash for my bad spelling now. Sometimes Gather is a gruesome place to spend time.

A Book, A Dream, Insomnia, and A Folk Medicine Cure by Ruth MacGill

Dec 3, 2009 | comments: 20

Sandy F. Dec 3, 2009, 1:27pm EST

LOL Ruth. I'm afraid you'll have to eat that onion for it to do you any good. My self-help treatment for warding off other people's germs is 500 mg. vitamin C twice a day and garlic tablets. So far, I've not gotten what is going round and round my daughter's household of nine people (blended family of teenagers and 2 grandchildren and their divorced mother) I have a compromised immune system due to Fibromyalgia, too.

I think older people just need less sleep. Unless I wear myself out, I need only 5 hours sleep and lie awake in the middle of the night if I try to go to bed too early.

I stay up until midnight and awaken at 5 am then listen to self-improvement CDs until about 7 am.
I do try to get one extra hour of sleep when there is some bug going around or flu season because being to tired also lowers the immune system.

I have been listening to Psychosomatic Wellness by Candace Pert, PHD (She's the cell biologist who discovered brain cell receptors which allow pain medications to help with pain.) She says, because of receptors on all cells in the body, our body literally IS our subconscious mind. The trauma caused by emotions we stuff, stores in our bodies' cells and causes many kinds of chronic illness and dysfunction. The first week using the CD my Fibro pain is MUCH better. I will continue daily use and see where it goes. I do believe bodies were meant to heal themselves, if we will just stimulate that ability.

Wednesday's Writing Essentials: December 2, 2009 by Susan Budig

Dec 2, 2009 | comments: 89

Sandy F. Dec 2, 2009, 10:53pm EST

I really hate it when other people feel they must get involved and start handing out judgements as to who should do what to whom. A lot of this goes on at Gather and it's one reason I have been missing in action more and more. I don't have time for one post and related comments to take up THAT much of my time. I'd rather be creative writing.

The Price I Paid To Survive Cancer by Roger Kiser

Oct 27, 2007 | comments: 13

in reply to a comment by Sharon K.

Sandy F. Nov 28, 2009, 12:05pm EST

I'm sorry for your troubles but there is a path to relief from the credit card companies. Look for a Consumer Credit Counseling Service in your location or the nearest big city. They can even help you over the phone. Twice their services have saved members of my family from bankruptcy and loss. They take all the information, go over it with you and will tell you which creditors they can work with, especially credit card companies. They can get reductions in interest, stops of fees etc that are a big help. These are services paid for by donations from businesses and businesses work with them because they are willing to help when people are in trouble and go to these organizations. It will be one monthly payment you pay to the CCCS and they will distribute to all your creditors. Best of all, all dunning notices and threats stop.

My grandson was even allowed to wait for payments until he healed from his accident and could work again. CCCS knew that the county would help too, and arranged a no interest long term loan on his medical bills because he had no insurance when he shattered his knee and was in bed 6 months to save his leg.

The worst thing is that when we get in such dire straits we believe all the threats from the big creditors. There are laws. Just write the credit card companies and tell them they are not allowed to contact you except by mail, their calls are threatening your health. Restate that you are doing the best you can and calls do not create money for either you or them. It's a federal law they must grant your request.

Cancer is a disablity, check out state and federal disability, you could be missing some help from disability organizations as well. I receive bus discount tickets every month in the mail from a state private group called LINC. See if there is a disability group in your area, sometimes they know about services you never heard of.

Don't forget HEAT ASSISTANCE. And contact your electric company and explain your problem, some utilities collect from all customers for a fund to help those in need.

Good luck, and have faith, I'm sure there is more help available to you than you are getting now. The hardest part is finding it in each state. I'm praying for you.

A Good Yarn – by Debbie Macomber - A book review by Ruth MacGill

Nov 27, 2009 | comments: 13

Sandy F. Nov 28, 2009, 11:41am EST

I used to "chat" with Debbie McComber when back in the late eighties when we used ICQ to connect. She had a background in the romance genre but has broken out into main stream the past two decades. I think she has a Gather page, try searching for her.

Loved this review, but am surprised how like another book by another author the plot is.
The other was a second novel. hmmm. I thought the other one was well written also.

I'm most interested in human relationships of all kinds rather than adventure/mystery/ especially murder mystery. Such plots can trigger my anxiety and I read for relaxation, so that doesn't work well.

Thanks for sharing. Have you Googled "large print books"? I think there is a national lending program via mail that would expand your choices.

Interesting TV Shows on PBS – TV abstainers should read this. by Ruth MacGill

Nov 19, 2009 | comments: 13

Sandy F. Nov 20, 2009, 2:04pm EST

I loved PBS when I had cable and I may have it again a some later point in my life. Right now I just want to go and do and write while I'm able. Time enough to watch when it's all I can do.

Just my 2 cents.

I read the first book of Auel's but I agree with you that she seemed to notice that sex sells books and didn't bother with much else in the later books. Typical of commercial writing which is why I prefer literary writing.