Surprise Surprise

I was checking old links on my favorite places and old email accounts and found this old relic. Well I also discovered there are wonderful readers who are still checking on this blog from time to time! Wow, well I am going to start it back up just give me approximately a week. It may be sooner with this snow storm we have coming! So come along with me for the ride while I try to flesh out this old blog and start it anew!

An Update on me

I know it has been a while since I have written on my blog. I unfortunately have been sidetracked. Life is unpredictable and often gets in the way and I tend to focus on other things. However I need to discipline myself to focus on my writing. For I strongly believe that it is through my writing I will find my bliss.

So I am going to make a commitment to write something at least once a week, so we will see how it goes. However this is going to be a short blog entry. I’m aiming for meatier and intriguing posts. So hope along for the ride!

Until next time,

Karen.

Moving Forward

Sometimes to move forward, you have to step back to revaluate your life. It’s back to the struggling job hunt again. I shrug my shoulders as the job I was hopeful about did not pan out. Thankfully I didn’t burn any bridges at my retail job. I called my manager on a Monday and asked if I can come back, by Friday I was working.

It is funny how I was dreading working retail, wanting better, yet now I am so grateful to have a job. I talked to a career counselor, upset that I have been looking for a good job for almost two years. I did not want to go back to that retail job. However she brought up a good point, why add the stress of finding any job and not able to pay necessary bills onto my job search? It’s funny how true that is! So I went back, but on my terms.

Also I am realizing I have been applying to the wrong jobs, I definitely accepted the wrong job. I was so ready to jump to a better job, that I did not analyze my job offer. If I had stopped to think about it, I would not have accepted the position. One thing it did not meet my salary retirements. During the interview, the description of the job held no interest for me.

So I am taking a more proactive hunt for the right job. I’m not going to send resume to any job. It’s going to be a qualitative, not quantitative search. I’m beginning to study for the GRE, so if I don’t find a job, I’ll be working on my masters. I may continue to do this even after I do find the right job. I heard Anderson Cooper of CNN state that his mother told him to find his bliss, and look where he is now! So I am off to find my bliss.

The Change Of Seasons

The change of the seasons

I love it when the seasons change. It brings change and freshness. Wearing clothes you have packed away. You are reacquainted with those shoes you love, but you can only wear them for one season. It’s more than that though; It’s awakening new hope, the start of new beginnings. It allows for a new energy, breaks the monotony of life. If it’s been cold, the warm sun now allows you to enjoy being outside. If it has been hot outside, it is now cold, so you now can light a fire and drink hot chocolate.

It brings the anticipation of favorite holidays, like Christmas, Easter, and Spring Break. It gives you the opportunity to change directions in your life, to reevaluate what it is important to you. It is a time to reflect and ask yourself if you are truly happy with the way your life is going.

I love the change of colors that come with a new season. One day colors are oranges, browns, and yellows. Then comes the pure white, so bright that you have to wear sunglasses, as if the sun were out. After the dreary grays of winter, you have the bright, vibrant colors that liven your day.

When someone asks me what my favorite season is, I never can decide. I love all of them Most of all I love the changes in between the seasons. Even though newness and change brings more challenges, and uncertainties; these changes brings wonderful and new experiences that makes life more exciting.

Have Your Ice Cream and Eat it Too!

I have learned of a fun little trick to make a ice cream treat and without the loads of calories. It's a Weight Watcher's tip, and pretty good! Sandwich Cool Whip in between two graham crackers, put in the freezer for 15-30 minutes, (depending on how long your cold your freezer is.) Then WA LA Ice Cream sandwiches! For more yummy fun add Hershey Syrup to the whip cream and/or get chocolate graham crackers. Double Yum!

JonBenet and and all other nameless lost kids

It’s a shame that so much media attention is being focused on “that guy.” The guy I’m referring to is the guy getting so much media attention by claiming he was with JonBenet Ramsey the night she died. Through this article I am going to refer to him as “that guy,” for we all know who he is. I don’t think he needs anymore media attention.  Nor do I want to utter his name in the same sentence with JonBenet.

It is disgusting that he is being treated like celebrity. I mean what is up with the Champaign flight? Huh? Are they crazy? He is one of two things, a child killer glorifying in his crime, or he is a pathetic pedophile, child stalker, who has forever tied himself to this precious child. We all know whether he is found to be guilty or not, his name will for ever be tied to JonBenet. I literally turned off my TV when a news station was actually showing the jail cell “that guy” would be staying in!” I mean really!  He is getting so caught up in his own self proclaimed pseudo claim to fame, that he actually requested to wear regular clothes in jail!

What really saddens me is the media's obsession with this crime. They are focusing solely on this one case. Do they not realize that thousands of little girls and boys disappear every year? Do they even care that if they focused a fraction of what they focus on “that man.” We might be able to find other missing children and other child killers? It’s all about sensationalism. Our hearts should shudder anytime a child is taken from us. The media needs to focus on all cases of missing and exploited children, not just the ones that the media think will bring more viewers.

Goodbye Friend

Over the weekend I learned a guy I knew in college had passed away. He was only thirty years old! I could not believe someone my age could die of natural causes. It brought me to a state of realization of how precious life is. How you can be going about your life then snap, it’s over. Although I relish in the fact that he is home with our Savior, it hits me how unfair it seems. He was starting life, did not have a chance to start a family.

It also brought memories of the first time the death of a young friend happened in my life. I only have a couple of memories of her. I remember when I first met her. We were in grade school. She was a new girl; I was playing with a group of my friends and noticed her standing by her self seeming totally lost. I walked over to her and asked if she wanted to come and play with me and my friends. She shyly said no, she would rather play where she was. I asked her if she wanted to jump rope with me. She smiled and eagerly said yes. So we played jump rope and tether ball.

I remember she was a sweet and shy girl. She would not initiate conversations, but once you started talking to her she opened up. I also remember inviting her to a slumber birthday party of mine. I remember making sure she felt included, I liked my new friend.

One day I remember my mom explaining to me that she had gone to the hospital for she had an asthma attack. Mom also told me her heart had stopped and she went to Heaven. I did not know how to react, kids my age don’t die! Some time later I remember my mom and I driving up to this little girl’s house. Her mom was having a garage sell. She was selling all of the little girl’s stuff. I could not believe it. I kept asking myself why was her mom was getting rid of my friend’s stuff? I felt it was so wrong, that stuff belonged to my friend. I remember the mother coming up to the car holding a tissue for she had been crying. The mother gave me the little girl’s coat, saying my friend would want me to have it, that I was a good friend to her daughter.

After my mom and I drove off, I told my mom I didn’t want the coat that we needed to take it back because my friend was going to need her coat. My mom explained to me that the little girl was no longer here that she was with our Savior. I remember feeling so sad wondering why God would take my friend. As years went by I didn’t think of this little girl too often, until one day I found the coat. I couldn’t remember were it came from. My mom reminded me that it came from my little friend that died. Of course as an adult I realized that the coat was a reminder of my friend. My refusal to wear it, yet not letting my mom get rid of it, was my way of dealing with the pain.

It’s funny how I relate these deaths to one and another. They both were people who were in different phases of my life. They were friends who I mourned their deaths. Wondering why they were taken so young. Now that I am older I know that God has a plan, and for some unknown reason their deaths are part of His plan. My two precious friedns are happy for they are home with Him. It those of us left behind who grieve, for we miss them so much.

I think this has reminded me to stop focusing on the negative aspects of my life and start “Counting my Blessings.” We need to use our God given talents to achieve our dreams and goals that He has laid out for us. For God gave us these talents to serve His purpose. We need to act now, for as with my two friends, it can be over tomorrow. Whether it is death or the Rapture, we need to act today, for tomorrow may be to late.

In His name,

Karen.

This blog entry is dedicated to the loving memories of Shane and Christie.

Gabriella and Eugene

Well for my first story I’m going to post an old creative writing assignment, I found it, and thought of it as kind of a silly story. So for the heck of it I’ll post it. The assignment was to write an incredibly BAD story. I thought it might be good for a laugh. So here it goes…..


Gabriella and Eugene

Once upon a time there was a beautifully beautiful, elegant, and graceful woman who fell in love with the most unfitting fellow, by the name of Eugene. For he was clumsy, awkward, and just a good old fashion nerd. Everyone wondered what she saw in him. For she was a Monet and he was a three year old’s painting of a horse.
     
Yet Gabriella loved Eugene with all of her heart. On one moonlit night Eugene planned to ask for her hand in marriage. He wanted the proposal to be perfect, but he feared he was incapable of giving her the proper proposal she obviously deserved. His greatest fear was he would mess things up and lose his true love forever.

Therefore Eugene asked a good friend of his, Antonio to help him with the preparations. The only problem was, Antonio was not a good friend after all, for he desired Gabriella for himself. So the sinister Antonio agreed to help, all the while plotting a scheme to win Gabriella’s heart.

Antonio had Eugene buy the most expensive, highly detailed, and decorative candles. The most gorgeous long stem roses and the most expensive and biggest diamond ring from the most elite jewelry store in town. All the things fit for a queen. Then after having Eugene pay for all this, he would steal Gabriella away. He had a plan to get rid of the annoying and useless Eugene.

After all the preparations were made, and everything was set into place, that is when Antonio’s evil and sinister plot came into action. For his plan was to drown Eugene, and tell Gabriella that he had run off with another woman and he wanted her to move on with her life. Then he would propose, and she would be so grateful and gladly accept his offer.

As Eugene was lighting the candles, Antonio slowly crept behind him and hit him over the head with a candle stick. Antonio gathered Eugene’s body and threw it into an old trunk of his. Then he threw the trunk into the ocean, and waved as he watched it settle down to the bottom of the sea. He was satisfied no one would ever find the body. What Antonio did not know was that Eugene was champion swimmer and a famed escape artist. So he was able to free himself from the trunk and swim back to safety.

Meanwhile Antonio told Gabriella that Eugene ran of with a woman more suited for him, that he would never measure up to her greatness. She stood there stunned and disbelieving. She became hysterical and crazy, for she began to sob uncontrollably. She began to scream his name yelling that she could not and would not live without her beloved Eugene. Distraught, Gabriella ran into the ocean, to become one with the sea. For she could not bear a life without her sweet Eugene.

Antonio promptly dove in after her. He searched frantically for her, after a few moments he finally found her floating on the water. He reached for her and carried her lifeless body back to the shore. He began to administer CPR, but she never regained consciousness.

In the distance Eugene came onto the scene. He was shocked and dismayed to see the one he thought was a friend kissing the love of his life. In a jealous rage, he pulled Antonio off of Gabriella and beat him until he was dead.

The poor hapless Eugene noticed Gabriella unconscious on the ground, He called her name, but she did not stir. He knelt down beside her and softly kissed her. She instantly opened her eyes as if nothing ever happened.

Both Eugene and Gabriella lived ever happily after, and became very wealthy. For Antonio had foolishly buried Eugene in the same trunk that he kept his millions, for he never trusted banks. There was never an inquiry into Antonio’s death, for no one in the town really liked him, or cared that he was dead.

As for Gabriella and Eugene, They married, bought a huge mansion and had seven kids who thankfully took after their mother.


Well I had to post this for a laugh! My teacher had a point, stating that all stories have some good points. Funny thing to me it kinda resembles a plot I am watching on a soap opera. I wrote this story several years ago. One of the things that makes you go hmmm.

No Rejection Letter Today

The most anxious, mind numbing aspect of any job hunt is the anticipation of the mail arrival, looking for that infamous arrival of the rejection letter. You want the job; you make sure you are dressed perfectly for the interview. You measure every word you say with caution, the thank you notes, and the follow-ups. After all the hard work, you cringe when you see that “form letter." The one that states, “although we were very impressed with your qualifications, blah, blah, blah.” It is kind of refreshing to finally get a letter so you can stop worrying about the job and move on to the next one. I have driven myself and those around me totally insane by obsessing over every little word uttered in the interview, asking if they thought I had a shot!

I read in an article that one of the best solutions to this crazy and totally natural job hunting obsession is to find something to take your mind off the hunt. In the article the author talks of how she enrolled in a spinning class, by the end she was too tired to worry about anything let alone whether she got the job or not.

I think that is an ingenious idea! I can’t control whether someone will hire me, but I can control losing weight. So I decided to head back to the gym, so far I have lost 20 lbs. At the slow rate my job search is going, I’ll be at my ideal weight by the time I find my new job! Is there a better way to spend a first paycheck than buying a new wardrobe? Talk about sweet rewards! I already have friends lined up to go shopping with me, so if you all are reading this (and you know who you are) get ready, as soon as I get that job offer, we are going shopping!

Karen

The Meeting

No more to me than an old friend.
No more to me than a distant memory.
I thought my heart would break when I saw you.
For all that could have been, for all that never was.
But as I look into your eyes,
I realized our love was never meant to be.
I walk away confidant I will love again.

The Race

There was a race I wanted to run;

I was told that this was impossible.

They told me they would run the race for me;

But I knew I could run the race.

I asked them to teach me how to run;

They shook their heads, wondering if it was possible.

I wasn’t asking to win, for I knew that may never happen.

All I wanted was the opportunity to run the race.

They came together to develop ways to prepare me for the run.

I became excited as the day approached, dreaming of the possibilities.

There was so much to do, but I gathered my strength and determination;

For my goal was to run the race.

I never saw a more beautiful sun than on the day of my run.

The race began, I ran, I stumbled, fearing it was an impossibility.

When my hope vanished, they held out their hands;

And helped me to run the race.

They gave me the encouragement and confidence to run.

I struggled and strived to improve my possibilities.

With their support I crossed the finish line.

Something inside of me won that day;

For I knew I could always run the race.



Karen S. 11/10/01

Moment in Time Friends

Moment in Time Friends

As I was talking to a friend from work the other day I realized how I value this growing friendship. We are going through many of the same struggles. We both graduated from college the same year, yet we are working in retail, not the most profit making job around.  We share our frustrations about not being able to find a better job. We trade stories of interviews where we swear we nabbed the job, only to get that lovely letter job hunters “love” to receive. I also became sadden to realize that once one of use move on, we more than likely will lose touch with each other.

As I talk to this new friend, and realize my day at work is better because this person is there, I cherish it. I call these types of friends “moment in time friends.” I believe they are sent to us during different stages of our lives. We have all had them. The friend in sixth grade we walk home from school with. The friends in high school with whom we share new life experiences together. The friends in different college classes that we study with, hang out with, and party with. The friend at work that helps you understands a difficult boss, and gives you pointers how to survive on the job.

These are the friends you cherish, you rely on them, and they make your day better. It’s just weird that how when you move to another stage in life, you lose touch with some of them. Yet they leave a mark in your life. You remember them fondly, you cherish the moments you had with them. It is sort of like they serve a purpose in your life during a particular stage. Once that purpose is played out you both move on. They are just as important as the friends who do stay in your life.

I don’t know what separates between the two types of friendships, how one friend you stay in touch with, or if you do lose touch, when you meet again you pick up where you left off. Others you lose touch, if you meet up again things are different, you don’t click the way you once did. I don’t like the idea of thinking that they really weren’t friends. I prefer to think that friendship in that particular time had a purpose. Which is why I think “moment in time friends” is a perfect term.

I guess God feels we have a need for both life long friends and moment in time friends. When I was a little girl I use to sing a simple song that has a stronger meaning for me today. It went like this “make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold.” So I take this children’s song to mean all friends are precious, no matter how long their appearance in our lives. So the morale of this story is, cherish all your friends, no matter how long they are in your life. Once a friend always a friend.

Thankful

For a Mother that serves as a spiritual guide, confidant, and friend

That my Dad accepted Jesus as his personal Savior weeks before passing away

Friends who no matter how many miles become between us, our friendship only grows stronger

Friends who I reconnect with, and become even better friends than before

Dogs that are always happy to see you, and want nothing more than your love

Little kids at church who almost knock you down with their hugs

Babies who smile and laugh when you talk to them

The Casanova that smiles, winks, and says “hey baby, how’s it going? Does the ego good, you know!

Friends at work who make the day bearable

That my nephews thank my mom for taking them to church

Nieces that are growing into beautiful and smart women

Brothers to whom you will always be “little baby sister.” No matter how old you are

Friends you can call on the cell phone after a hard day and say “Baskin Robbins NOW!” And they will beat you to the ice cream parlor.

Friends to plan girls’ night out after we get new jobs.

Interesting conversations with total strangers

Great bosses to whom you can still after many years, look back and reflect on their wisdom

A loving church family

That I do have a job, no matter what the job it is

That I know the difference between quality and just plain cheap

Soft rain on a hot summer day

That God has a sense of humor, which he gives to us. Makes life more bearable

That someone invented chocolate mint ice cream, cappuccino cheesecake, and Frappachinos

People who are able to hold on to their faith and God’s love during times of incredible loss

People with giving hearts

The guy that always makes me laughs

That God sends “moment-in-time” friends to get you through a certain life situations

That I had a happy childhood, where I had two parents that were safe havens

For the future children that I know I will have, just got to find the perfect guy

Most of all I’m thankful God Sent His only Son to save us all

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The Purse

The Purse

Yesterday a friend told me this wonderful tale she calls her “purse story.” I was immediately intrigued by the title, what kind of interesting story can you tell about a purse? True it is an object most women cannot function without, and at a total loss if the purse is missing or worse stolen. A woman’s whole life is carried in her purse.

This was during a hard time in her life; she was divorced and raising two young daughters. Money was tight, and life was hard. To relax she would go to a church retreat in New Mexico. She describes it as a great place to go, take different classes on many aspects of a Christian’s life. They also had activities for her daughters, while she attended classes.

While she had some free time in between classes, she decided to sit in on a class about praying. The speaker spoke of how to pray, and the importance of praying for yourself, as much as you pray for others. Pray in times of crises, and in good times. For if you only pray in times of crises, and forget to talk to God during good times, crises will increase to ensure you talk to God. Now this does not mean you will never go through crises again, however you will have a better handle on the situation. He also suggested that as your list of people to pray for grows; designate particular days for groups of people. For example, on Sundays pray for family, Tuesdays, pray for friends, Wednesdays for your church, etc.

Well this class really affected her, so for two months she seriously prayed every night for herself and for others. Then one day in her prayers she asked God if praying for others was really helping? Was she really making a difference in anyone’s life? Some time after that she and her two girls was driving down a major street when she noticed a woman’s purse was sitting upright in the road. So she pulled over, got out of her car, dodged traffic to retrieve the lost item. She knew there was a woman somewhere in a total panic.

When she got back into her car she looked into the purse and pulled out the wallet so she could find contact information of the owner. As she looked in, she saw two hundred dollars, which at the time she could have really used the money. She fought the temptation, and contacted the woman once she returned home.

The woman was so grateful, that my friend had found her purse. She explained that she had placed her it on top of her car while she puting her son into his carseat. She then drove off, leaving her purse to fall off the car. She said that her husband will come by after work to retreive the purse.

After a few hours the woman’s husband stopped by my friend's house. He was very grateful that my friend had found his wife’s purse, he handed my friend fifty dollars. For some reason, that at the time she could not understand, she handed the money back to the him. She him he could pay her back by taking his family to church. After the man left she shook her head, she couldn’t believe what she had told him. She must have sounded like one of those crazy, bible beating church goers.

A few hours later the woman who lost her purse, called my friend crying. She thanked her for telling her husband to take his family to church. She went onto explain that a few years ago they had adopted their son. In the adoption agreement, they had both agreed to take their new son to church so he would grow up in a Christian home. She took her son to church every week. Her husband refused to go to church with them, even though he had agreed to take the son to church. When her husband came home, he told his wife that he believed God gave him a sign telling him he needed to start going to church with his family. So he promised that he would go with them from now on.

After my friend hung up with the lady, she realized that her praying for others did have an impact. Her prayers started things in motion for God’s work and plan to take action. So the morale of this story is we may not visibly see the affect our prayers have on others, but they do make a difference. For our actions and prayers play a viable role in God’s plan.

Just Pray.

Dancing on the Beach

I was dancing on the beach, more graceful than ever before. The wind was softly blowing through my hair, as I ran down the beautiful shore. I felt as if I were a graceful dove, gliding as I went. My long flowing dress was softly blowing in the cool breeze. The sea gulls were spreading their wings to take flight. The waves of the ocean and the sounds of nature were singing a love song to me.

I was dancing on the beach, happier than I had been in a long time. The sea's words were carrying me to a place in which I prayed I could live forever. I was filled with content and joy. Until guilt and pain took prisoner of my heart once again. How dare I be dancing in a state of pure bliss, with him gone forever? Never again to see him smile, laugh, or turn my world into sunshine again.

I was dancing on the beach, lost in my own despair. When all at once, the one I knew better than my own soul appeared before me. As he approached closer, my heart screamed for joy. I ran to him, barely feeling the sand beneath my feet. I jumped into his arms and he twirled me around. We began to dance so gloriously.

We were dancing on the beach, my love and I. My heart was filled with the greatest delight, everything was perfect. I was free to be happy once again. He was so handsome with a radiant smile that warmed my heart. He lifted me high into the air. I felt as if I were flying. Then he gently placed me back on my feet. When I looked into his eyes he smiled, so lovingly. Then he whispered, "be happy my love, for I am always with you." Then he turned and walked away fading into the coming sunset, leaving me alone once again.

I was dancing on the beach. My heart full of joy, without feeling the guilt that enveloped me for so long. For I realized that it was okay to be happy, to love again. That is what he wanted the most. So I continued to dance on the beach knowing my angel would always be by my side.

Underemployed with a College Degree!

It is so frustrating looking for a job! I went to college, studied, and functioned on very little sleep! I worked hard for that degree, thought I’d be handed this wonderful job that I would just love after graduation. Well it took a while but eventually I jot a job. I enjoyed it at first, however it was a stressful job that did not pay enough for what I did. To top it off, I had a horrible, crazy boss. I had read about bad bosses, and she pretty much fit the description of a bully in the workplace.

A job is not good, when you absolutely dread going to work every day, except for the days she wasn’t there! It got to where I was literally making myself sick. I feared all my worries and upsets would give me an ulcer. I also wanted to go home and leave work at work and to find a better boss. For my health and state of mind, I decided to leave the job. I thought It would be easy to find a new job, for I have a degree!

Boy was I wrong! It’s been over a year and I still have not found a job. I am currently working a job just barely over minimum wage! I’m fighting egotistical thoughts such as, I’m too good for this place. It is reminding me of what it feels like to be at the bottom of the food chain. The sad part is I’m not the only collage grad in this position. I have a co-worker who is in the same boat as I am. It’s refreshing to talk to him and to know he has the same feelings of drowning with no way out, as I do.

People do not understand why I left that other job, however none of them had walked in my shoes. They have told me “you can’t leave a good job just because you’re not happy!” I was like "why not?" Is it so wrong to have a job that you love, can’t wait to get up and go to work everyday? I still feel like that’s possible, even in the hard situation I am in today. After some soul searching and remembering the college classes I really enjoyed; I realized I am more of a creative person. I have always wanted to write a book. I’m getting more of a clear picture of what I want to do with my life. So maybe that will help in me finding the right job.

What really bothers me is how hard it is to find a good paying job, especially if you have a degree. You fall into the catch twenty-two of being over-qualified or under-qualified. I live in a college town, it has several colleges and universities, yet it does not create jobs to keep many of the college graduates it teaches. How sad is that?

I read an article about the “Underemployed,” in my local newspaper paper. I got excited because it described me! Underemployed was defined as someone with a college degree, working way below their worth. It is comforting and yet sad to know there are others in this situation. There also needs to be more help for the underemployed. Everything is geared towards helping people find any job, well not just any job will do! People cannot survive on a few bucks an hour!

Deep down I know that God has a plan for me, and that He is having me go through this for reasons I may never be fully aware of. So I know I’ll get through this, even though there are times I have doubts.

Karen

State of Veteran Actors on Soap Operas

State of Veteran Actors on Soap Operas

Over recent years there has been a sad trend of losing long established and beloved characters on our favorite soaps. Whether they are being backburned, put on recurring, vanish, or killed off. These veteran actors/characters are being replaced by new characters that are given so much airtime, they almost invade the viewer’s space.

We are not given a chance to get to know them. Then they are gone as quickly as they come. Replaced by a clone like copy of the previous character.

Soaps are a generational, often we watch what our mothers and in some cases fathers watched. There are characters we grew up with, there are characters we grew to love, and then there are characters we love to hate.

There are some soaps that within six months, the cast is almost unrecognizable. Yet two of highest rated soaps, you can tune into years later, and see the same characters, along with new characters. For instance Kay on “Young and the Restless,” and Marlena on “Days of our Lives.”

I tuned into General Hospital one day, and didn’t recognize anyone. Where was Bobbie, Monica, Alan, Edward? The Quartmains were replaced by mobsters being glorified as the "good guys." The one strong female character, is viewed as a shrew, while the other female characters, are belitted by the men in their lives.

The Soap Opera I have been watching is One Life to Live. Granted not many of my friends watch it, they watch Y&R or Days, which still showcase vet characters in viable story lines. Yet I stay faithful to OLTL. The reason I started watching was the character of Nora Buchanan. True she was an older character, not your conventional character. This is one of the reasons I like OLTL they have real characters that the viewer can relate to. We all know people like Vicki, Bo, Nora, Marcie, Natalie, etc.

What I first noticed about her was she had a hot younger doctor madly in love with her. Now that’s romance! Of course my view of that changed when in true soap opera fashion they turned him into a psycho. Now I believe her true soulmate is Bo.

I liked her interaction with all the Lanview characters, especially Lindsay (another character you love to hate, who sadly has been put on recurring status.) Most of all I love her interactions with Bo, another nontypical soap character.

There are rumors going around that we may lose this character, and for some reason this has been the one move that has made me want to stand up and yell no more. We as viewers need to take a stand about this disturbing trend of losing our older characters. What has been so great about soaps is their rich history, and vast array of different characters, there is something for everyone, not just for an isolated set of demographics.

Characters of all ages are valuable to storylines. I just wish soap executives would realize what others already know. Older Characters can create good storylines and increase ratings. Look at “Desperate Housewives” this award winning show consist of characters over forty! The creator Marc Cherry knows the value of older characters, for he also created another award winning TV show about older characters, “The Golden Girls.”

I hope this is just a crazy internet rumor, and Nora will have a long and happy “One Life to Live”, with strong storylines, that I know her portrayer Hillary B. Smith is well qualified to handle.

*Added note* 1/11/2006

HBS has signed a year contract, and the viewer is promised a meaty Nora story line. The verdict is still out as to whether I believe that or not!

HSN

Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Karen. This is my first endeavor into the blogging world. The goal of this site is to improve my writing skills, to publish stories, and articles on topics of interest. I am hoping to become a professional writer. So I see this as a way to gain valuable experience.

I want to write on varying topics, kind of like journalism articles. I also will publish reflections of situations that occur in my life, the news or entertainment. I tend to be the person that gets on a soapbox, so I'd figure I will give my friends and family a break from my ongoing debates and discussions.

Entries may range from political issues, Religious views, rights of others, to my favorite TV shows or movies. So as you can see, this will be a web page about almost anything! I have always believed variety is the spice of life, so that is how my page will look.

So I hope you enjoy and come back! Karen