Proud, Prouder and Proudest!

So . . . . pride is often looked upon as a way to catch a first class ticket to the land down under (not Australia:), but I think that I can get away with being proud of . . .

 . . . my baby brother Mario and his amazingly creative and wonderful poetry that is featured in-

"Time You Let Me In: 25 poets under 25" selected by Naomi Shihab Nye!  I am so happy and excited that the world will get to read a part of Mario's poetry, which I have loved and admired for ages.  Naomi Shihab Nye is a well known and liked contemporary poet.  She has collected 25 aspiring poets who she thinks have promise for the rising generation!  How cool is it that Mario is one of those!  Congrats Mario!  I love you and I love your work!  

Go and get yourself a copy today on Amazon or Borders or Barnes and Noble - you will not be disappointed! 

Is it really that day AGAIN?

Every year I cannot wait until February to celebrate one of the greatest days ever . . . . . . PRESIDENT"S DAY!!  And you all thought I was going to say Valentine's Day - silly folks!  What can be greater than recognizing all the many president's that have made our country what it is - 

First . . . .

Old Kinderhook himself . . . . Martin Van Buren!  How can you not appreciate the man that gave us the saying - O.K.!!

Next, we have - Demacratic "doughface" - - -  Franklin Pierce!  I live on Pierce, what more needs to be said!

And last but definetly not least - - - - - -

Chester A. Arthur - the first President to have his citizenship challenged, the 'ol canadian!  He also didn't like pets - a man after my own heart!

Ahhh, President's Day.  How can you come so fast and not last longer!!!  

PS - - Samuel was my Valentine today!  There isn't a sweeter kid - when he left and was going out the door, already having said goodbye and given me a kiss, he called out, "See ya Valentine!!!"