The Ides of March

In William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, Caesar is warned to "beware the Ides of March."

Some people think this is an ominous day both now and in history. It first became famous when Julius Ceasar was murdered on this date in history, in 44 BC.

Today the Ides of March is remembered by the Rome Hash House Harriers with a toga run in the streets of Rome, in the same place where Julius Caesar was killed.

The ides of March used to be a festive day. People used to celebrate this date by honoring the god Mars.

Today, some people believe it is a date for radical change.

What do you think? Do you celebrate the Ides of March or fear it?

Soroptimist

I went to an auction this weekend to help support the Soroptimists of Portland. They are committed to providing service to their community and have raised thousands of dollars to fund projects that "Make a Difference for Women" through volunteer service.

The first Soroptimist club was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, California. The name comes from two Latin words that mean "best for women".

If you're interested in volunteering in your community, you should check and see if there is a Soroptimist group in your community.

From MEME to You

Wonderful writer Rena Jones has awarded me the From Me To You award. Click on her name to visit her blog because she's an amazing artist in more ways than one. Check out some of her books for children or her art. She's an amazing photographer. To accept this award, I'm supposed to list seven truths about myself.

1) I love to write - duh...
2) I love to eat - really BIG duh...
3) I love to sleep - who doesn't?
4) And paint my feet - okay, just my toes - ah, nails...
5) I love to talk - everyone who knows me - knows that.
6) I love to walk - with my dogs, and cat who tags along
7) I love to mock - my kids will tell you that's true too.

So, there are seven obscure things about me...kinda boring but now we're on to better things

I would like to nominate the following bloggers for this award ...

Shelli - 'cuz she's way more interesting than me
Brenda - cuz she's a better cook than me
Lisa Schroeder - 'cuz she's a better prose writer than me
Speaking from the Crib - 'cuz she's funnier than me

Now hurry out there and check out these funny, talented, interesting women but y'all come back now, y'hear

Earth-Friendly Friday

Compost made EZ

Why fill up the landfills and then have to go buy garden soil--when you can use your leftover table scraps and grass clippings to make your own soil.

"Gardeners know the best dirt", at least that's what people say, but I'd say "Gardeners soil themselves".

I hate to call rich organic materials mere "dirt". It sounds so much better as "soil". And, if you want to make some of your own, all you need is some garbage or leftover fruit and vegetable trimmings. Don't use meat or dairy products - they attract rodents. All living things will decompose and to help it along its way to becoming that rick, dark, crumbly mixture of organic material gardeners are always searching for, you simply need to mix one to two parts carbon-rich materials ("browns") or fall leaves with ("greens") grass clippings or left over fruit and vegetables.

You can start by keeping a jar by the sink, with a nice lid to keep the "aroma" inside the jar. Toss your coffee grinds, peels and other "waste" into the jar. When the jar is full take it outside to a bin and dump the organic material inside. If you can turn the materials, with a pitchfork, that will help accelerate the process. And keep the mixture damp, by simply adding a little water - think of it as "watering your garden" in process.

It takes a while for the materials to turn into soil but it's worth it. You'll be creating great garden material and saving the planet at the same time.

And, if you're looking for someplace to put all that wonderful, rich, soil - check out ECOwomen.net to see how to B.Y.O.B. Build-Your-Own-Bed, your own Garden Bed.

There's Something in the Air

I've got that twitchy, antsy feeling coming over me again. The flowers are in bloom, the trees are blossoming with foliage and there's the sweet scent of . . . something on the horizon. It's the aroma of art and crafty people gathering for that special season of . . . writer's conferences.

Yep, it's that conference time of year again.

If you live in Portland it's time to sign up for the SCBWI spring conference. Check this out and get in gear before it's too late.

And if you know of more conferences in our area, please share. If not, tell me what conferences you like to attend and why.

Maybe we can all learn a little something before the big event(s).

ANSWER TO WORD FOR WEDNESDAY

Answer: A wine lover usually a connoisseur

If you want to read more, check it out here.

Word for Wednesday - a Writer's Game

Word: Oenophile

Take a guess what could it be
come back at three and you will see

Post your guess in comments Please

Come and play . . .