~What i want for Christmas.....a sable... :-)

~What i want for Christmas.....a Hippopotamus :-)

Boy of Vietnam

"I was ambivalent about going to Vietnam. Henry, my childhood buddy down the street was drafted six months ago, to his parents' surprise. I wanted to go to join the buddies I knew as a child. It was my first time to ride an airplane, so the excitement was building up. We finally arrived in Hanoi and the weather was warm and humid...but the men did not complain. Thankfully the noisy fan at the barracks provided some relief. And yes... I am proud of my barracks-made PEACE poster. Postcript: I learned that Henry was killed in an ambush. He was just 18."

***HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY***

....To my mom and all mothers of the world now, then, and tomorrow,...thank you!...

Kitty Cat meow meow...

".......purrrrrr......meow..meoww...white as snow is my Kitty Kat. white as the Lily of the Valley that blossoms on the early spring..purrrrr..meow..meowww."

Bad Boy, Bad Boy, Wat u gonna' do?

"...bad boy, bad boy,...wat u gonna do when they come for you..bad boy..bad boy..."

My Little Japanese Doll...

"It was a cool spring day and the cherry blossoms were at their most intense pink flowers that I took little Miku for a stroll at the park. He wore his new silk kimono that mother made and he looked simply adorable. How I wished his Papa can see him. But he has left home for war. Miku and I do miss him a lot."

Ladies of the Gilded Age

"The rustling of her billowing silk taffeta dress sweeping along the marbled floor of the foyer, gave me a sense of initial warning that I should keep my stoic composure. I saw her last when we were children, playing in her garden chasing her lovely spaniel Lucy. I was enamoured with her then, and I know that my passion for her now has grown to a more mature gentility".

Brave Boys of Vietnam

"It was the summer of my youth when I arrived in Vietnam. I already heard of the many boys who have lost their lives fighting in the humid jungles that smelled of decay and devastation. Phil and Scotty who came earlier have told me of the horrors of war that they have witnessed and that remain as nightmares in their sleep. We discussed whether this was a war worth fighting for or just a just a waste of human lives. All that I was certain of is that we were no longer boys but men making sense of our destiny."

Charlotte, Emily, and Anne

"Finally sister Charlotte finished writing her novel of Jane and Mr. Rochester's love affair. Emily and I read page after page with much exitement and anticipation. Emily was much absorbed with the character of Mr. Rochester, but I cannot help but think how much sacrifices Jane endured in her life. We finished reading the manuscript late in the evening, and while lying in bed to sleep I kept on thinking whether Jane had really made the right decision. Love, indeed, is so mysterious".

Reflections on War

"A pure love is that among men in the midst of war. They gain nothing except for the hope that if they die, let it be in the company of their friends".

...One Spring Day...

"I was playing in the yard with my cousin Sebastian one bright spring morning when Papa called me to come inside the house to get dressed. I asked why, and he said that I should have a photograph taken wearing my new knickerbocker suit. I hate getting dressed up! But Mama insisted that I go and we will stop at the carnival after visiting the studio. Sigh...I wanted so much to see the new elephant they brought to the carnival so I agreed. I have a new boater hat, too, and I am excited wearing that".

Fish, Fish..My Favorite Dish...

"I was so thrilled when Brian came and visit us at the farm after three years of work in the city. Of course he was equally excited to see us too, taking photos of all of our activities. He certainly can't deny taking this peculiar photo of me carrying two large fish that we caught at the pond, since his shadow is seen in the photo! Poor Brian, he better know how to take better pictures next time. At least Goldie looks perfectly posed looking at the fish".

A Kiss to Build a Dream On...

"The war is brewing in the Pacific and our battleship is raging the open seas. Chuck, my buddy, is nervously excited at the prospect of meeting the enemy. As boys, we used to play war games...crazy fantasies of youth. But I thought to myself that this maybe the last time the gang will be together. Perhaps this is the last time that Chuck and I will share some funny juvenile crazy times".

Victorian Lady

"Vicomptess de Coopersburgh all dressed up for the tea after the hunt. I watched her from a distance on my horse as I approached her and Lady Chagny. She looks so radiant with the cool spring wind blowing softly on her face. I can only hide my unrequited admiration. For she can never be mine."