Unspoken discrimination

There is a prejudice

that no one talks about,

yet it is real.

It is the act of television viewing.

I am a TV person.

I like TV, and I get judgment, A LOT.

I like to read, I like to look at magazines,

but I love to watch TV.

I get the raised eyebrows, 

or the even more common remark,

"I don't watch much TV."

It's said snarky-like as though 

those who do, are less intelligent,

or somewhat less motivated.

It is often said with an uppity attitude,

as if television watching is inferior.

I ask, why?

Both are stories.

In either scenario,

you aren't the creator of the story.

The viewer and the reader are just

enjoying someone else's work.

What's with readers thinking 

a book is superior?

One believing a reader 

is more worthy than a viewer.

There is trash in both mediums.

I don't watch bad television.

It has been a process,

but if I can't watch it with mom or Jesus...

I ain't watching it.

I miss some shows.

I wonder what the Walkers are doing...

but garbage in, garbage out.

I want to live a intentional life.

I don't want to watch shows

that teach values and morals

I don't believe.

I could get sucked back in easily.

I see a commercial, and I want to

but... I try to refrain.

Sometimes, I fail.

I am not perfect, but I am trying.

The Oscars, were not worth watching.

The f -bomb is stupid in an acceptance speech.

Disrespectful, and I think, it was planned.

But I digress.

However, there are plenty of decent shows.

Why is a morally sound, 

family friendly show 

of less value than a book?

So, I ask you book snobs... 

lay off the TV people.

We are not stupid, we are not lazy.

We like our entertainment 

in a different form.

Not better, not worse, just different.

On that note, I am off to read a bit 

and then 

watch my Harry's Law at 9.

Judge Judy Reader,

can't we all just get along? :)
P.S. I am not upset, just saying.

Sunday.

This is pure blathering at it's finest.

Be warned, nothing entertaining here.

It was a good Sunday.

Church, then lunch out 

followed by a quick stop 

at Walmart.

We attend church about 

30 minutes from home.

There is lots better eating places

and much more shopping spots

in church town.

I wore my new golden slippers

and they are awesome.

Thank you God

for glitter!

I felt like a genie.

"Genie in a bottle" kept running 

through my mind...

and that ain't no church song!

After getting home

Stu moved an auger,

I started laundry, then

we paid a visit to my folks.

When we got home to stay,

Stu went to feed 

and I decided to roast some coffee.

It is a smelly job.

It is a chore I do in the garage.

It smells like burnt microwave popcorn

during the process and 

like heaven afterward.

You reek from the smoke.

Clothes, and especially your hair smell.

We were having friends over later 

and I didn't want to have to re-wash  my hair.

I had a genius plan.

I covered my hair 

with a Walmart bag

twisted it in front then,

clipped it tight with a clothes pin.

I was deep in the roast when Stu came in. 

He did not even comment 

on my resourcefulness.

"Oh Miss Scarlet, you come on

and eat jess a little, honey!"

( a little "Gone With the Wind" Mammy talk)

He still hasn't mentioned it. 

O.b.l.i.v.i.o.u.s.

We had friends come for an easy meal.

Maggie, Kylie, and Caroline too.

We cooked hot dogs in the fireplace,

and we girls settled down to watch the Oscars.

The men perused Maggie and Kylie's house plans

with Maggie and Kylie.

I put together an Oscar gift bag

for my friend Jamie.

Not as good as the stars get

but in a farm-wifely budget, not bad.

We watched gabbed until 

they decided to head home.

I gave up on the show and hit the shower.

We were having a major thunderstorm.

 The power flashed on and off several times

so I decided to shower before 

 the next round hit and we lost power.

Water from a well and no power, 

means no water.

After my shower,

I went to hang up my towel and

I was wounded.

Critically!

This fell and hit me in the mouth.

It is a piece of old woodwork

that we use as a towel bar.

It is heavy.

It hit right on my lip.

 nice pic... don't be jealous of my awesome old and the chinny chin hairs...

It split and I bled like a hog.

They bleed easily I guess.

I didn't make up the saying,

I just sling them as I see fit.

Anyway, it hurt.

I about took a knee.

Another fave saying around here.

Seriously, if I were a man,

we would be at the hospital.

It is swollen and sore.

It is cut all the way through.

I am hoping I have trouble eating.

A loss of poundage resulting from this wound.

I am committed to making it a positive thing.

You know, if life gives you lemons,

make lemon bars..

Although, if I can't drink coffee I may cry.

After all, I have fresh beans to grind.
That's Sunday drivel.

Peace out.

Interview with a Superstar

Earlier I led with the story of a name scandal. You can read the story here.
Today I am back with this infamous celebrity who has been the topic of discussion here at Janie Fox talks. She would like the opportunity to tell her story.  Let us begin.


Although it has been documented in legal papers that your actual name is Rita, you still continue to use the name Reta. Can you tell our readers what is behind your motivation for this?

Is it because you are famous, or is the accusation true that you are in fact, highfallutin? Could it be that you feel the need for a stage name? Or are you in actuality a victim of mistaken identity?

Let's move on. Recent reports have labeled you obese and possibly morbidly obese. How do you respond to the allegations?

By refusing to comment on this subject, critics will say you are hiding something. Is it accurate to say you are naturally heavy, or are you a victim of bingeing and bingeing?

Okay, clearly you are not comfortable with this subject matter. In relationship news, are you dating anyone?

Isn't it true that you have been spotted with Stella on a regular basis? 

What is the status of this alliance?
Is it just friendship, or something much more serious?

It has been reported that you are indeed sleeping with Stella. How do you respond to these declarations?

Well, unfortunately you have not been very forthright with your answers today. I fear you will leave our readers with even more questions.
For now, I would like to thank you for your time. I wish you well. 

I hope you harbor no ill feelings towards this journalist at this time.

This is Janie Fox, over and out. 
God save the queen.

What I Know For Sure - 5th Edition

1. Things aren't always what they seem.

2. Some kinds of crazy cannot be fixed by a pill.

3. Blogging is cathartic.

4. I need HIS grace daily.

5. Excessive consumption of fat free is no longer fat free.

6. What the world calls smart, God calls stupid.

7. The top of the muffin is best, but not when it concerns my jeans.

8. The Oscars should be more about the films and less about the clothes.

9. God isn't looking for talented, he is looking for obedient.

10. I have never seen Jersey Shore, yet I know most of the cast :( 

11. Faith rests on God's power.

12. Count your blessings, then share them.

13. You can't change the past, but you can dwell on it and ruin the present.

14. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. 

15. If you want the world to change, start with yourself.

16. Be true to yourself, you are the only you.

17. I love you like a fat girl loves cake.

18. I love cake.

19. Cellulite should be a four letter word.

20. Blathering is in my blood.

And baby makes three...

   

 Stuart and I were high school sweethearts.

We dated while I did the college thing.

He rented ground and started farming. 

We got married, I graduated,

and we wanted a baby.

We had been together a long time, 6 years.

We were ready to be parents.

Our first born came along

1 1/2 years after we said "I DO."

We were a family and beyond happy.

She was a whopping 9lbs. 15oz.

with tons of crazy hair.

I thought she was beautiful.

In truth, she looked like John Belushi.

Her swelling went down.

Then, she really was beautiful.

One week with her and I knew.

I didn't want to leave her

to go back to work.

I was a Family Services major.

It was 1982.

There were no jobs in that field.

I was working as an aide 

for a mainstreamed DS boy

in the first grade.

(God moment, right?)

I was fretting and sad.

Stuart came in one day

and outta the blue said to me

"If you don't want to go back to work,

we will make it work."

I LOVE that man.

So I became a stay at home.

It was the best decision.

I had twin sons 20 mos.later, 

( we lost our twins after they were born, that's another post)

Abbie in the next 12 months,

and Maggie 18 months following Abbie.

5 babies , 4 pregnancies in 4 1/2 years,

is not a boss's dream.

To say she is pretty is an understatement. 

Skin, hair, teeth, and figure.

The kind of girl who makes it look easy.

However, she is also low maintenance.

She is shy, almost to the point 

as being perceived as stand-offish.

She so isn't.

If you get to know her,

she is as nutty as the rest of the clan.

She has always been an over-achiever.

Like her sisters, she was a good student.

Actually,the best of the bunch.

She was sixth in her HS graduating class,

 Summa cum laude at SIU.

She is organized,

very organized.

She is the most type -A 

of all three daughters.

She works hard.

She takes her job as wife, mother,and 

homemaker seriously.

Although, she is a goof.

She is silly too.

She laughs easily

and frequently.

  Most of the time,

she cries from laughing so hard.

Annie dated Jade for a long time. 

They truly grew up together.

High school, then college.

.

They have been married

7 years next month.

Jade is sweet, kind, witty and hard-working.

It feels like he has been around

more, than not.

We call him man-pretty.

He adores it, secretly.

He is a son.

We are blessed to have men who are sons, 
even though we didn't raise them.

Yay, son -in -laws.

The other first Annie gave me,

was being a grandma.

I cannot express how great it is.

It is the best feeling ever, 

to hold your baby's baby.

They are a gift from God.

Aubrie Grace was the first. 

I kept her every day

when Annie returned to work.

She is a mini me.

I am sure her parents are thrilled.

Annie was a buyer for a farm store.

After Aubrie, she went to work doing 

ag accounting software support at

local agriculture software business.

It was a better location, and better hours.

Ev came along just 20 mos. later.

 He is all boy.

He never stops moving.

Seriously, movement constantly.

He is all eyelashes and feet.

 

It was an adjustment 

after having Aubrie 

who is a reader and a crafter.

I had been there before though
with a kid named, Abbie.

And another named, Maggie.

He didn't faze me.

It was old hat.

I just had to get my bearings.

Ru-ru, the other grandma

(Jade's mom), retired when

Ev was 5 months old.

Then we started sitting 3 days/week

and 2 days/week the next.

It is the best job ever.

Helping them grow and sharing the days, 
is a blessing.

The kids built their own home

by themselves with help from

Stuart and family.

It took longer than a contractor would have,

over a year.

It was affordable though, 

and they are young.

They moved into their dream home

when Everett was 1 month old.

Annie is decoratey like me 

and her sisters.

Her house is super cute.

(check out her blog for a tour on her sidebar) 

When Everett was almost 3,

we learned we were getting another

Reid grand baby to love.

Most of you know Miss Ollie.

(click here for Ollie's story) 

She has been a blessing.

Her mommy and daddy

have grown so much 

in their spiritual lives.

Their prayer lives are enriched.

I am so excited to see such growth.

They are a team.

I am delighted to see 

they have a marriage, 

so close and tight.

They have a bright future ahead.

Struggles, strife, joy, and blessings.

I am thrilled to be up close and personal

to behold it all.

That is last post of my daughters.

They are pretty great.
With God's grace and a great husband,

I didn't do too shabby for an amateur.
Annie, Abbie, and Maggie,

this song is for you.

You are my greatest work

and the light of my life.

I love you all.

xoxo

Only her hairdresser knows for sure...

My last post was about

Abbie, my middle daughter.

Maggie said today 

while I was getting my hair done,

"When you doing me??"

I said "tomorrow."

HA.

I took a picture 

of Abbie at Annie's. 

Abbie cringed... Mag said

"Oh, she is going to blog about you."

I really wasn't but 

Mag gave me the idea 

and I can use all the help I can get.

Maggie is the youngest of my 3 daughters.

She is a cutie.

Stinking adorable.

She is a little shy until she knows you.

She is quick to laugh.

She has a heart of gold.

Maggie is the most laid back of the three.

She has fun and she is fun.

Maggie is my hairstylist.

She owns her own hair salon,

Hair m.d.,

and has 2 great friends

working for her.

They have fun,

and really love each other.

Maggie is creative,

 that's a plus for her career.

She loves to craft too.

Like her sister

Mag took some college courses

while in high school.

While, Maggie knew she wanted

to go to cosmetologist's school

for a long time,

I wasn't sure it was wise.

I convinced her 

to go to 

 a university.

She went a semester.  

She was miserable.

I got my head out of my rear, silly mom.

I told her you have to do what you love.

Doctors and lawyers need haircuts.

Follow your dream.

She did and she does love it.

Maggie married young, only 20.

I was never concerned 

she was too young.

She has always been mature.

She walked with God 

and never caused troubles.

She met the perfect Christian boy.

He had a band, she sold the merch.

Before long, they were smitten.

We say Kylie is

brooding, European- model pretty.

He secretly likes that.

He is sweet, kind,

a hard-worker.

He is quiet and funny.

He has a sweet rick.

That's bass guitar talk.

He loves and treats her like

any parents would wish.

They have been married 4 years next month.

They are parents to a sweet, wild

baby girl, Miss Caroline.

She has her daddy's eyes

and her mommy's smile.

She is a joy to everyone.

Come August,

they are welcoming

another little one

due just 2 days after 

 Caroline's 2nd birthday.

Maggie and Kylie

are starting 

their dream home in the spring.

It is going to be just across the timber

from Annie and Jade's.

Since the future holds

the possilbility of many doctor visits

and hospital stays for Ollie, 

they have moved into the basement

at Annie and Jade's.

They are the Nanny McFrees.

They can keep Annie and Jade's kids

in their home

and Caroline too.

 No one will be uprooted

in the times of stress.

I am proud they all worked it out.

Maggie and Annie call 

themselves sister wives.

Hmmm... not sure about that

but I do know every wife 

could use a good wife!

Be nice Annie, you're next.

the head bone connected to the neck bone

I have neck- jack.

I have a cricky neck a lot.

I blame it on failed tumbling feats.

Lots of falls and wipe outs on 

a young girl spindly neck.

But, I have a secret weapon

when it gets outta wack.

Enter Dr. Abbie.

Our middle daughter Abbie

is my chiropractor.

She is dang good.

Gentle, yet effective.

She can put that ol' spine

back into position

lickety-split.

She practices in a little town 

about 30 min. away.

She lives in our hometown,

so I rarely go to her office.

She has an adjustiment bed

in her house 

and I get doctored there.

Abbie is an ambitious girl.

She is extremely goal driven.

She took college courses in high school

and graduated in 3 years, 

then graduated college in three, 

and chiro school in just over three more.

She knew what she wanted

and worked hard.

Abbie has gorgeous hair,

lovely skin, 

and a beautiful soul.

She loves fiercely.

Seriously,  mess with her loved ones

and she might take you out.

Well, she wants to anyway.

She calls me momma johns

and her dad, daddio.

She is one of our biggest fans.

She has a razor wit.

She is wicked funny.

She makes Maggie howl with laughter

and Annie cry tears from her humor.

Abbie is generous,

sometimes to a fault.

She will help anyone with anything.

Abbie would give you her last dollar.

Please don't ask her for it,

she has school loans to re-pay.

She has been married to Zac

for almost 2 years.

Ab is tall...5'10"

Zac is a giant at 6'5".

The Fox men are big guys

but Zac is tall even by those standards.

They suit each other well.

He has a sacastic sense of humor

and is funny too.

He loves her family.

We love him.

He hangs with her sisters' families

and enjoys it.

He works hard at his job,

and is supportive of hers. 

Abbie and Zac share life goals.

They have a great life ahead.

I am anxious to see what God has planned.

If you have a spinal issue,

headaches,

sinus troubles, 

gastric problems,

call her up and let her work.

Two words... school loan.

Seriously, she is good at 

what she does.

You'll feel a whole lot better.

She is not a bone cracker.

She is gentle.

You will thank me

for hooking you up.

When Ollie couldn't poop

Abbie told us over the phone

how to look at her bottom 

to see if she was out of alignment.

Annie did the pressure that

Abbie explained to fix it

and volia'... dirty diaper.

But, don't worry

not every adjustment gets those results.

Beyers Chiropractic Pana IL

217-562-3333

Dr. Abbie Ballard

If you see her tickle her under the chin.

It makes her crazy.

I get free treatments

because I am good advertisement.

You're welcome Abbie ;)

5 of my favorites

1. Werther's Originals 
sugar-free caramel coffee candy.
These are beyond great.
But, remember the rule for sugar-free...
in excess= gastric distress

 2. Amazing Grace

I get it from QVC... it is my signature scent.

It smells clean, like soap and water.

I get lots of compliments.

Although my youngest, Maggie

insists it smells like an old woman.

I've got news for her... perfect.

I am an old woman.

3. Pink tote.

I love the color and the size.

It is super cute.

(Thanks Suzette for hooking me up!)

Annie carried it around the hospital

with all her breast feeding supplies.

She did return it, reluctantly I am sure.  

4.Tom's gold glitter shoes

Mine are ordered, and I am anxiously

awaiting their arrival.

Won't they be cute for Spring?

Plus the bonus is...

with every pair purchased

Tom's donates a pair to a child in need.

5. Bath and Body Shea cashmere lotion.

Absolutely best scent evah.

The awesome part is my husband,

Stuart loves the scent.

If I have this on hand...I get a foot rub nightly.

Boom!

That's some of what I am crushing on right now.

What are you hooked on???