Sunday, December 26, 2004


Really, is there anything better? Posted by Hello

Christmas is so tiring, even for Kitties.  Posted by Hello

Wednesday, December 22, 2004


Eye see Posted by Hello

Saturday, December 18, 2004


The official tree lighting. Posted by Hello

Wendall got the chance to visit Santa Posted by Hello

This ripped my heart out

I cried while reading it yesterday. Today I reread it, and cried again. I know how hard it was for my son to have his father gone for six months. I can not imagine having to tell him anything this horrible. I would not know how to deal with his pain.

http://www.shns.com/shns/warkids/

Friday, December 17, 2004

Deck the Halls
You are 'Deck the Halls'! Let's be honest, it
isn't Christmas you are celebrating, is it? In
fact, you know full well that there were no
shepherds in the fields in December, and that
the date of Christmas was put at midwinter
specifically to coincide with the older
celebrations of Yule and the birth of Mithras.
An unashamed Pagan, you take great glee in the
number of carols referring to holly, evergreens
and Winter's end, and will sing them with
gusto. You know where they really came from.
And you do enjoy the seasonal celebrations,
regardless of their name... A merry Yule to
you!

What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

http://bookcrossing.com/journal/2035850

Ok, Hiking Diamondhead was worth it. I got a journal entry out of it at least! #34.

Sunday, December 12, 2004


Don't ask me why, but I like this picture. I think it shows us well. The boys looking right into the camera, focused on the task at hand, and me, busy doing something else entirely. Posted by Hello

Wednesday, December 08, 2004


The view of the southern coast. Posted by Hello

The view of Waikiki. Posted by Hello

The start of the trail. Posted by Hello

Sushi!

Yes, the view was worth the trek. We rewarded ourselves with sushi. Posted by Hello

All’s Quiet on the Home front

Sorry to be absent for so long. We had a houseguest, and stayed insanely busy running around the island. I considered it practice for the coming month. I love having visitors. My brother said that his favorite thing is seeing someone experience life here for the first time. I have to agree. With a visitor I am able to forget that my life actually revolves around trips to the grocery store and the library. I can remember that this is an amazing place, and that the people here really are different than they are in other parts of the country. I tend to forget that in other parts of the country brown skin and long hair are not the norm.

We had a wonderful week. Lots of food and running around. We even found time to hike a mountain. Won’t be doing that again, but it was better than I expected! She is back to work in the morning, poor thing, but I know she is glad to be home.

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

How to make comments to my posts

Hey, I figured out the comments! First, click on the title on the side, which will take you to the page for just that post. Click "make comment"or whatever it says. Then, click "post annonymously", and it will let you through. I feel so much better now!
Of course this was only after I wrote to support for help. Oh well.

I am adjusting the timestamp on this so it will be on top for a few days. If this is your second day looking at it, there is probably something new below this post. Look down.

Saturday, November 27, 2004


Our pre Thanksgiving feast. Posted by Hello

It's Like Home

Tonight for dinner we had chicken and rice, simple, classic, and yummy. When the boy heard the dinner plans he smiled and announced that chicken and rice was his favourite, because it is "like home".
It made my heart smile.

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

It's close....

Ragdoll
You are a Ragdoll! You are known for your laid
back attitude. You are the ultimate in
low-maintenance. You'd rather hang out around
the house all day than seek adventure.

What breed of cat are you?
brought to you by

Finding Forrester caught a second time

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1647509

Oh, so was "These is My Words"!

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1404800


So no wild catches this week, but two were 're-caught'. I can be pretty happy about that. On Sunday we stumbled into a five dollar a box sale. Unfortunately it was after the fiction had been packed away, but we put together a solid box of books for release. I am now over 1100 books registered. Now it's time for some more releasing!

Monday, November 22, 2004


The ceiling of the "Pope's Room" at Bucca de Beppo Posted by Hello

TOC Meeting

Today was our local Bookcrossing meeting. We call ourselves Table of Contents because we really meet to discuss food as much as books. Today we met at Buca de Beppo, a family style Italian Restaurant. The food was good, the decore was rich, and the group was as wonderful as ever. We have been meeting once a month since January, and we have a glorious time.

I have posted a photo of the restaurant.

Saturday, November 20, 2004

A mixed up sort of day

I just finished sending Wendall a nasty email. The situation in Iraq is starting to really upset me (I have been upset for quite a long time, but as it increases, so does my agitation.) and I just lashed out a bit. Sorry, Hon. I meant what I said, but I could have said it better. He's working on his reply, so I am prepared to be blasted back.

In other, much more pleasant news, the boy did something truly wonderful today.

On our way to the car, he stopped to pick up a penny on the ground. He held it in his hand until I released him from his seat in the parking lot of Wal Mart. I asked him about the penny, and he told me that he had found it, but that it was not for him. He announced that it was for someone inside the store.

"You can put it in your pocket to keep it safe." I said, but he replied that it was not his, so he had to keep it in his hand.

We went into the store, and he remained focused on his task, looking at everyone we passed to see if they might be "the one". We even stopped in the bathroom (I held the coin for him) and then went back to the search.

Finally, in the housewear section, he proclaimed "It's her!", and he pointed to a woman coming towards us. She paused for a moment, and the boy looked up at her and said "This is your coin. I found it, and it's for you!" The woman held out her hand, and he gave her the coin. I explained that he had been looking for someone to hand the coin to, and I hoped she would accept it. She smiled, and said she would be happy to take the coin. "I got it in the street!" he said, proud of himself. "Thank you."said the woman, to which he replied "You're welcome!" I thanked the grinning woman, and we went on our way.

I love my boy.

Friday, November 19, 2004

Tagboard/ shoutbox thingy added

Ok, I keep hearing that comments are not possible, so I've added a new feature to the bottom of the page. You should be able to send public commentary there without having to sign up on this site. I am experimenting with it, and I understand if you don't trust it. From what I can tell, if you give it any sort of name it will accept your comment. You do not need to enter an email or web address.
Hope this helps. It should be fun trying to figure out who everyone might be. Feel free to say hi. This seemed easier than a guestbook, although if it is abused I will remove it quickly!

Wednesday, November 17, 2004


A boy and his Shirley Temple... Posted by Hello

Margaret Hassan

What a shame. She was in Iraq to help people, nothing more. She had lived in Iraq for half of her life. Her family was there. Do the people who did this thing not realize how much they have hurt not only their "cause" but their country? CARE has withdrawn because of her kidnapping. They will not be returning. People will now lead lives made more miserable because of the deeds of a few masked men. My sincere hope is that the people who did this are found and punished. Not by the British, not by the Amercans, but by their own people.

Monday, November 15, 2004

Mother of Pearl caught

nice!

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1872491

The family around our new table. Woohoo, there was enough room for all of us to eat at one time! Posted by Hello
this is an audio post - click to play

Friday, November 12, 2004

Apologies accepted!

http://www.apologiesaccepted.com/index.php

An open Letter to My Husband

An open Letter to My Husband

Thank you, Love.Thank you for going out and doing what you knew had to be done. Thank you for doing what only you could do. Thank you for rising up to the challenges and facing them head on. Thank you for flinching, and being able to admit that you had flinched. It has made you stronger.

Thank you for being the type of person who could agree to be sent to the far side of the world, away from friends, family, and personal freedom, in order to serve your country. Thank you for returning to me in one piece, physically and mentally.

Thank you for being my partner. Thank you for helping me build a family strong enough to survive. Thank you for helping me understand that our union is the foundation of something much greater than us, and that we are, in fact, a part of our own future. Thank you for our child.

Thank you for every day. The good and the bad. The sick rich poor sad crazy happy whirlwind of our days. Thank you for Hawaii, and thank you for whatever comes next. Thank you for being you, and for being us, and for being a part of the greater beyond.

On Veteran’s Day, I thank you.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004


hee hee Posted by Hello

Tuesday, November 09, 2004

Sunday, November 07, 2004

This made me smile

Election condolance cards. Too funny!
This is one of my favourite blogs.

http://http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com

Thursday, November 04, 2004


Just in case you have been wondering how tall he is... Posted by Hello

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

An open Letter to My Parents

My amazing parents helped on the phones, and at the polls tonight. Regardless of the outcome, victory is theirs.

To my Wonderful Parents:

I just want you to know how proud I am of you, and of what you have helped to accomplish today. Regardless of the outcome in this awful contest, the two of you were successful in your mission. You were there to help the democratic process, and to have your voices be heard. Thank you. Thank you for standing up for yourselves, and for the people around you. Thank you for standing up for me, and for Wendall, and for those who are too far from home to be heard.

Thank you.
Your proud daughter
Quijana

Letters to the Editor, Pocono Record 10/28/2004

Bush's claims have misled people

I fear that many in our nation have been rocked to sleep by a terrible lullaby.
How else could someone who did not fulfill a plum National Guard assignment and someone (Cheney) who "had other priorities" during Vietnam be hailed as our warrior leaders?
How else could Kerry be accused of being a big spender by a president who has taken us from a hard earned bipartisan surplus to a deficit of $20,000 for each of us?
How else could Bush claim he is "a good steward of the land" when he has industriously overturned generations of bipartisan legislation designed to protect our greatest bounty — our pristine and glorious wilderness?
The present administration has squandered our reputation, our money, our land and our most valuable asset — our children.
I hope to awaken on Election Day to the strains of a new lulla bye-bye and the reclamation of our incredible heritage..


Fear should not drive people's votes

I am a registered Republican who cannot and will not vote for George Bush. Fear should not be the driving force behind foreign and domestic policy. Patriotism is not obedience or submission to incompetent leadership.
Competent leadership does not put a nation in harm's way without proper preparation or equipment. Competent leadership does not squander the national treasury. Competent leadership does not curtail personal freedom or sponsor favored corporations to the detriment of public well being.
Fellow Republicans, please vote for anyone other than Bush. If you can't vote for Kerry, write in the name of a candidate whose views you do support.
During the primary I wrote in John McCain.
Please check the website (http://www.republicansforkerry.com/) to see how others view the upcoming election.

Tuesday, November 02, 2004

My eyes are closed, my fingers are crossed....

And I'm wishing on every star I can imagine.

Please please please.

It's November 2, go vote for the candidate that seems best to you. I really hope that the candidate you choose is the one I voted for, but I want you to vote regardless.

I have my loved one home. 1100 families are not so lucky. I will spend the day thinking of the men and women who have lost their lives because of George W Bush. My stomache is in knots, my spirit is tormented, and my head is pounding.

No matter what the outcome of the election, this country will go on. America is stronger than any one man, be he Bush, Kerry or Bin Laden. This is just the end of this election cycle. No matter what happens, it is also the beginning of the next.

Monday, November 01, 2004


With the mask Posted by Hello

The Silly Dancing Kitty


The silly Dancing Kitty. His tail is behind him. He is holding his light wand. Posted by Hello

Thw Wendalls went Trick or Treating while I stayed home and handed out goodies. They were gone for two hours! Thw boy did very little dancing, but did remember to say "trick-or-treat" and "thenk you" at most houses. He came home with a good amount of candy. Most impottantly, he had a good time.

His costume was made by Aunt Heather. It is a nice warm felt, and will now be retired to the pj drawer for those cold nights. Yes, we do have them occasionally!

First wild catch of November

This puts me at 31 wild catches. AF isn't too sure how popular Bookcrossing will become (more than 300,000 members at this moment), but seems interested.

http://bookcrossing.com/---/1405253

Halloween

I released 50 books this year. I still have a few on my front stoop, but they will go to the free book bin in the library tomorrow. I released them all ahead of time because I knew there would be no way to keep track. This year we had more older kids than younger kids, so the end was a bit of a stretch, but everyone seemed happy. Whew.

Each book was put in it's own seperate Bookcrossing bag, with at least two pieces of candy and a postcard that says:

Ooooooooooh, lucky you!You get two treats, and no trick!A book and a tasty treat are yours, Just for knocking on the right door!

There is a picture of the postcard in the release note for each book. I won't hear back from any of the books, I'm sure, but I talked to some of the adults, who might join. I'm happy, and the
kids were happy, so the night was a success.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/hunt/1/12/4789/126498/travel_USA-Hawaii-Wahiawa-On-My-Doorstep

Pictures of the Silly Dancing Kitty will be posted soon.

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Not that I'm complaining...

But the wild catches are coming fast!
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2171594/allysther/
Wendall placed this one for me while I met with the Hawaii Bookcrossers. Thanks, Love.


In other news, I finally have a new keyboard. Last week, the old one stopped producing capital letters. It was difficult to write more than a few lines before becoming truly frusturated. So I didn't. This is much better. Now I just have to get used to the new key configuration.


Thursday, October 28, 2004

wild catch!

http://bookcrossing.com/journal/1549634

Oh boy did I need this today. Thank you, karma, for giving this day a bright lining.
There was this, too:

http://www.filmbuffs.net/bananana/
It ain't a pony!

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

1000

I thought it needed to stand alone.

http://www.bushflash.com/1000.html

Monday, October 25, 2004


got powdered donuts? Posted by Hello

Will They Ever Trust Us Again

I'm so happy Wendall is home. This book has allowed me to put my thoughts together. I am not yet ready to put them on paper, but I am getting close. For now, all I can do is hold my family close, and hope that other soldiers will come home soon.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2124232/

Some of the letters:

http://michaelmoore.com/books-films/willtheyevertrustusagain/

kikkoman

http://yoga.at.infoseek.co.jp/flash/kikkomaso.swf

I tried so hard not to post this here, but I just had to share. My deepest apologies. I am soooo sorry to stick this in your brain.

Friday, October 22, 2004

you know it's true....

http://www.democracymeansyou.com/fun-games/touchscreen/index.htm

"Firehouse" by David Halberstam, and a catch!

I finished the book "Firehouse" yesterday. Well done, but could have been better. I finished it yesterday while the memorial service for Spc. Fernandez was going on at the chapel.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/2084141/

Today I had my 28th wild catch. Happy happy me. I will smile all day because of this! The book was left at the Haleiwa Market Place not long ago. I think I will have to try that location again.

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1102602/

Wednesday, October 20, 2004


You know, for people who don't really like the beach, we sure do go there a lot! This is from Sunday Posted by Hello

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Bookcrossing (or No, I have not joined a cult.)

A quick look at my Bookcrossing shelf http://www.bookcrossing.com/referral/allysther will show you that I have found something I love, even if you can't quite figure out why. A look around this page will give you a hint that I might want you to check it out for yourself. Let me try to explain why.

I joined Bookcrossing in March of last year. Since that time I have actually spent less time reading, because I am busy with Bookcrossing activities. Bookcrossers trade books back and forth through the mail, forming a global book club. We also challenge one another to make releases in the wild in creative ways. A "wild release" is a book left in a public space, with hopes that a stranger will pick it up and enjoy. The ultimate wish is that the stranger will be as interested in Bookcrossing as we are, and will join the fun.

I have sent books to countries that I will never get the chance to visit. They will spend the rest of their existence traveling from place to place, stopping along the way to say "Hello!". Each book has it's own tracking number, so each stop with a Bookcrossing member is journalled. With this method, the book's journey is forever "owned" buy the people who have read it, even when the book is no longer in their possession. I can claim a part of almost 1200 books, even though 600 of them are no longer on my shelves.

I have also sent books to people who would otherwise have true difficulty getting them. I have left them on park benches near homeless camps. I have donated them to shelters. I give them out for Halloween. Books surround me, and allow me to spread my joy to others.

the bet part of Bookcrossing is getting an alert telling you that one of your books has been found and journalled. The thrill of knowing you have touched someone's life is amazing, and brightens my world every time. This is one of my favorite journal entries, because it truly shows what I hope happens for the books I send out to the world:

I found this book tucked in a busy McDonald's. I had never before seen a "book released into the wild." What fun! Before taking the item I asked around about ownership - just to be sure. I only received dumbfounded stares in return. No one even knew it was there. A hidden treasure! I enjoyed the book and found myself wanting to read more fiction books. Something that I hadn't taken pleasure in since my youth when life spared seemlingly more time for such. I plan to endulge myself in this more frequently now. Thanks so much!

The finder stayed anonymous, which is fine by me. The thought that I could have had something to do with someone rediscovering the joy of reading is all I need to keep going. Bookcrossing has brought the world into my home, and I am so happy to share it with all of you!

Monday, October 18, 2004

Existence is but an Illusion

Four soldiers from Hawaii have died this week. My neighbor called me yesterday to tell me the news of the second two. She did not know the men, or their families, but her husband is a helicopter pilot, so she is pretty well shaken. Wendall did not know these men either, but his office handled things for three of the four families, so it hit his office as well. My main emotion is anger, so I am having problems talking with her about this. Of course I support her, as I support all of the families around me, but my anger at Bush tends to get in the way, and I just want to yell at him in hopes that he can see what he is doing to regular people.

See, I really am mad at Bush and his administration. I'm upset that people are losing their lives for nothing more than political pissing contests. I'm upset that the religious right has been able to seize so much power in so short a time. I'm upset that I feel, on a daily basis, that I must watch what I say.

We live in the most amazing country in the world. I can honestly say that there was a time in my life when I did not appreciate all that this country had to offer. It was not until I was an adult, struggling with the day to day adult world that I could see the jewel that we possess. I believe that George Bush wants to pocket that jewel. I believe that he is robbing us of much of what it means to be "an American". I know that he does not consider the human cost of his plan.

So what do I say to my neighbor? What do I tell the person at the checkout counter, or the passerby on the street, or the man standing next to me at the gas pump? Hawaii is a small community of people. The connections here are far reaching. You always "know someone who knows". There is no way to have a discussion about these deaths without it becoming personal. No way to simply say "I'm sorry" without it meaning so much more.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=413&e=1&u=/ibsys/20041019/lo_kitv/2417370
Fernandez's father -- a former military man himself and the son of a Korean War veteran -- is struggling with a mixture of sorrow and anger.
"I think this president rushed our troops into battle," he said. "I am not endorsing any candidate, but I do think we should exercise our right to vote and we do need a change."

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Oct/18/br/br05p.html
Since the start of the war in Iraq in March 2003, 23 soldiers with notable Hawai'i ties have been killed in the Middle East, including 17 in Iraq. Of those killed, 15 were assigned to the 25th Infantry Division.



The boy golfing with a friend Posted by Hello

Brunch on the Beach

Yesterday was a perfect day. We headed to Honolulu for my favorite event, Brunch on the Beach. It is a monthly event, held right on the water. Live music and good food and the most beautiful beach on Earth. Who could ask for more? Jake Shimabukuro was the headliner, so Kurt finally got the chance to see him play. He is a twenty something year old ukulele superstar (yes, there is such a thing!), and played an amazing set.

After Brunch, we headed to the Ward Center for a bit of Bookcrossing. Ah, Jamba Juice and books, a great pairing. All together, I released five books yesterday, passing the 400 mark in my releases. Wendall released two, and I was happy. I try not to push Bookcrossing on him, but it really pleases me when he joins in.

After Ward we headed to the NEX for groceries. Five adults, one child, two carts, and a stroller make for an interesting shopping experience. We do this once a month or so, and have a great time. It has been an amazing experience to be so close to my brothers. Who would have guessed we would all have so much fun together?

Sunday, October 17, 2004

A good day


My men. Posted by Hello


This picture is from a week ago. I love my guys!
Today we had a busy, but wonderful day. Gymnastics in the morning, followed by breakfast at Zippy's and a bunch of shopping. It took a decade, but we finally have frames for Wendall's diplomas. Yea!

Saturday, October 16, 2004

allysther (in two acts)

Hello, and welcome to my little corner of the blog world. This is a picture of me with my son, commonly known as "the boy".
I will write more, once I discover how this blog thingy actually works.

Sunset


Sunset Posted by Hello

This was sunset last week. I did not have a blog then, so I'm sending it out there now...