Michele

My dad played Uncle Leo on Seinfeld. He is most recognized for that - world wide. But he has a history of 55-60 years of acting, in supporting roles to such people as Clint Eastwood, Dustin Hoffman, and that cadre. He is currently in a repertory theatre, and right now is performing in an Ibsen play...and has done things from Shakespeare to Pinter, all the time making me believe he is not my dad, but the character. So see? While he may not be the best living actor, he's my Dad, and he's my "best" choice. We celebrated his 83rd birthday last night; he danced and ate and drank, and had a marvelous time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My Dad. Of course, I'm rather biased...but still. Pops takes the cake. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I appreciate the comments, even the one about Mills and Boon. I got to look something up and learn that they are romance publishers....which is a little factoid I shall file away in the dust bin. I don't write for them, but I do write...LOL! Errol, thanks for the comment...I do appreciate it greatly. Made me blush, but I appreciate it. (NacMac, how's the not-so-little bugger?? New pictures?) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As I am leaving the supermarket tonight with a friend, I overhear some checkers and the store manager talking about some bikes which had been stolen from right outside the door; apparently, a child's bike and a larger child's bike, not locked up, had been lifted and the children to whom these bikes belonged were heartbroken. I chat with the employees for a moment, and then walk on to the car, and get the groceries into the back. We pull out, easing gently into 5 o'clock parking lot traffic. My friend blurts out "hey, aren't those the bikes that were stolen?" I look over, and sure enough, the boys riding the bikes are acting a little strange - ducking low on the bikes, and riding behind the parked cars, as if hoping they wouldn't be seen. I pull up next to them, and call out "hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" I get my first glimpse of these boys. The youngest, in a dirty red shirt and dirty face, is only about 7 years old, and he's the one who comes over. The older one, maybe 10, hangs back a bit and just watches. He's looking a bit more nervous than the little guy, but I urge him closer to the car. "Those are pretty cool bikes," says I. "Yeah, we just bought them," says the little guy. I look over these bikes, and they are not new. Not nearly new. The seat on the bigger bike is torn and foam is falling out, and the little bike is banged and pretty well ridden. I note a bit of painting on the side of the little bike, saying "Matthew loves you!" on the bar, in purple paint. "So, who's Matthew?" I ask, and the little guy looks away, confused. He doesn't know Matthew, and doesn't realize that the name is painted on the side. Someone who owned that bike would've known who Matthew was, I figure. "You know what, you two? I'm not sure these bikes belong to you after all," I say, making my voice cheerful and friendly as I can. I'm leaning out of the truck's window, so I'm already bigger then they, and now I'm towering. "Well, no," says the older one, "we found them over at the store." "Yeah" echoes little guy, eyes big with fear. "We found them." "Really?" says me. "I'm not going to call the police, because that would make your Mom mad, you know? But don't you think that maybe you should put the bikes back from where you found them, so the people who own them can have them back?" "No. We found them." says the older one. I look at him. He can read my face, and it doesn't say nice things. "We really did," he assures me. I step out of the car, and lean against the door. "Look, you guys. I know what happened to those bikes, and they're not yours. Let's walk back to the store together and give them back, all right? That way, I won't have to call the police and ruin your Mom's Christmas. Sound like a plan?" And the little guy says yes. His older brother agrees, this time more enthusiastically. We trade names, and I start walking with them towards the store, where a whole group of employees are standing, watching me. I look at this little boy, small but bright, eyes alert and completely aware that I'm not the bad guy, and trusting me, talking and walking and chatting about names. His older brother is more wary; my friend has followed in the truck, and he keeps looking back. He's thinking about running, but won't...because it would do no good. Between his brother and the truck, he's sort of out of luck, and he realizes is. We approach the employees, and I annouce "these boys found the bikes, and we brought them back." With a wink and a nod, the checkers and managers play along. I look at the little guy, and tell him "you know that adults will always know something's wrong, don't you?" He nods..."and you know that if I had called the police, your Mom would be really mad, right?" and he nods again. I look up at the older boy, directing my comments at him now "and you know, don't you, that taking things which don't belong to you, no matter how much you want them, isn't right." He nods, starting to realize that I won't be calling the police, and that they are not in as much trouble as he thought they were in at first. I have them apologize to the store people, and I reach out, rub the little guy's head, tell him to get his face washed before dinner, and tell the older one to look out for him; he's his little brother and he needs watching and teaching to do the right thing, and then shoo them on home. I chat for a minute with the store employees, and they thank me for getting the bikes back. One of them said "they're really lucky you found them...if I had found them, they'd be with the cops. Good for nothing, starting at that age. Just good for nothing." I look at him, and understand where he's coming from. But I couldn't call the cops on them; had they been teenagers, or been nasty to me, yes, perhaps. But no, I think I made the correct call. The little one was just doing what his brother told him, and the older one recognized that I had cut him a break. There are two other boys, who I had not seen, whose bikes were returned to them. And there are two other little boys who stole the bikes and had to give them back, with a little humiliation along the way. Man. 7 and 10 years old. Hopefully, a lesson was learned; if not, then may the next person call the cops. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, shit, Valcore. Just shit. Again, I don't have answers, but I have an ear. If you need to talk, don't hesitate to PM me, all right? Hugs. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Luv ya, Sinker. Just oodles. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sudsy always hugs me. Does that mean I'm good therapy for him? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good lord, child, when did I call you an asshole? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yep, although my yodeling probably wouldn't be considered speech at all. More like wounded animal screeching, but hey, I haven't quit my day job. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If they were in my neighborhood, I'd go along just to help the bikers hold the flag higher to cover the signs. And I'd yodel to help drown out the things they say. And I'd punch them in the schnozz if they dared bump me. Fucktards. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Tom Cruise. Besides his utterly terrible acting (he only plays Tom Cruise, and even that isn't consistently good), he's just weird. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You have all the strength and love you need, my friend...and here's some more: HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE VIBESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS PRAYERSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS HOPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HEALTHHHHHHHHHHHHH HEALINGGGGGGGGGGGG Me adores you muchly, darlin. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I think it's time I go make dinner....have a great evening (or day, seeing as you're in NZ). Sleep well.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Erm, well, I think your comment about the women's only forum might be a tad off, but hey, whatever. Your point is that there are some who attention seek...and sure, I'll give you that. It's not as meanspirited and vicious as some others, and perhaps that is what is being discussed? And perhaps that is why it's tolerated from some and not others - it's the manner in which the attention is being sought which is different. Irrespective of all that, I hope you have a pleasant evening...and not let this get to you too badly. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, I don't have hate for him...more like apathy. I care about several posters on this thread, however. Thus my opinion. Actually, no, I don't have anyone in my family I don't like. Sorry. There are many people here who I don't care for at all, but most often it's not based on a web-only interaction, but rather face to face stuff, and actions taken by them which are hurtful and mean. But again, not in my family. As for us here at DZ.com being a big family, I don't think so at all. I think this is a great place, but it most certainly doesn't come before my family. Will I go out of my way to make sure someone is all right who posts here? Yes, of course, and I have in the past many times (and will do so again and again, as long as I'm asked or see the need). But it really isn't a family...it's a group of very diverse people who post on a website who share a common activity and/or background and/or living, no more or less. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Tigra, I swear, I opened this thread and had to check the date; I thought this was the old incident. Almost exactly the same pattern, it would seem...with nearly identical results. Oh well. At least there's consistency, you know? And as RL stated, you can lead a rough/interesting/challenging life, and that still is no excuse for meanness and belligerence. When one encounters difficulty, one can choose their response for the long term. Choose to grow from that experience, or choose to allow it to close you down. The choice made will affect the rest of your life, all the rest of your relationships, all the rest of your interactions with the world at large and on a personal level. If bad experiences were a good enough excuse for being deliberately harmful, I'd be the meanest bitch on this planet. It's just not a good excuse...slanted perspectives being what they are, some allowances can be made for some experiences, but deliberate provocation and meanness has no excuse nor explanation valid enough for me. But hey, we're all allowed our own opinion... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

First, let me extend my heartfelt condolences for the suicide of your cousin's wife. How horrible for everyone involved, including her. As someone who has controlled their depression prior to being successful at it (thank God), I know how hard that fight is, and how long that road seems to be...especially if there is no outside help. If you need to talk to someone who's been there and managed to come back, let me know. Don't hesitate to pm me, all right? I may not have answers, but I have experience, and I know how to listen. As to whether suicides go to heaven or not, I most emphatically believe that they do. I have no specific religion I follow, but I do have a deep and intense faith. What I believe is when someone can't hang on any more and kills themselves, it is neither selfish nor condemnable. Depression is not a failing; rather, it is a brain chemistry imbalance. Because the chemistry imbalance deals with the way we see reality, thought becomes distorted and convoluted, and one is unable to see what the rest of the world sees. If you've ever looked through old, wavy glass, that's a lot what depression is like. As to the question do they go to heaven, one of my absolutely, all-time favorite movies is "What Dreams May Come." It is a love story that deals with death, the afterlife, suicide, and heaven/hell in an all-inclusive way. One of the best lines in it reflects my own opinion on suicide and heaven/hell: "hell is for those who can't forgive themselves, even after death." I don't believe in the classic "hell." What I do believe is that we all get to go to heaven, regardless of the manner of death. As someone above stated, those who die of cancer go to heaven, all things considered. Depression is just another illness, which can kill (and often does) when left untreated. God is all about love. The sort of love that you and I can only imagine, can only dream about, God is. The love of a mother with her child is nothing compared to the love which God shows us daily. I think there is nothing more important to God than to bring us home to Him, to be with Him like family. God's grace and love are given to us freely; sometimes we can get it while we are here on earth, and sometimes we will get it after we die. It matters not the method of death, I don't think. What I believe is that all God wants to do is to allow us the happy, complete joy we receive, and nothing will stop Him from giving it to us. If we reject it now, it will again be offered after death. There is nothing on this planet which can equal love truly given and received. Nothing. No materialistic item will ever bring you that depth of satisfaction, that completion. No money can buy it. No food can dispense it. No project can create it. Love simply is. Your cousin's wife is in heaven, of that I have no doubt. Your cousin's wife is now experiencing the love she had been lacking, and is now no longer ill. She is able to see the Truth that is...and that is Love. In your pain, you are wondering what happened, how it happened, and why it happened to her. The same questions everyone else has when a death occurs suddenly. All I can say is I am so very sorry and so very willing to listen and try to explain more if you should need it. And may you and your cousin experience the Love that is. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I completely disagree with this, but that's all right. You're allowed your opinion, as am I. But I see it (and have experienced it) completely differently. . . (since we're not in SC, I don't believe I should expand on it too much more, sorry). I don't live in fear, and whenever I doubt myself, it's not because of God. Again, the codicil stands about SC. (Pm me if you want more of an explanation...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am thankful for all the challenges that this year presented, and still presents. I have grown so much this year, been stretched beyond where I thought I could go; I have seen much, tasted both precious and the terrible this year, and know that I am the better for all that didn't go my way; for all that was hard, all that was asked of me, and all that life took: I am better for it. I am thankful for the pain this year has brought, because to know pain means I also know joy; to know darkness means I also know light; to know dispair means I also know hope. And in the end, that I have at least this day to be thankful for, means the world to me. I am, indeed, thankful. (and for pecan pie with ice cream. But that's for tomorrow). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ara, I am so terribly sorry to hear of your cousin's dispair. To get to the edge where it's more acceptable to be dead than it is to be alive is so desperate. I wish that somehow he could've seen that there is a value to living life, and that our value is not instrinsically tied to who we sleep with, what we do for a living (indeed, even making a living), or anything that is a temporary measure as to one's worth. Value - what matters in the end - is never counted by what we do; it is only counted by who we are. And he sounds as if he was a wondrous person. I have been where your cousin and grandmother were. I have reached out to others and pulled them off the edge. I have, on occasion, helped families grieve and understand why someone chose to die rather than continue fighting. I can offer you my hand (ear, eye, shoulder) to listen and talk when you're ready. Know that even though you hadn't seen him in 10 years, he and you are not seperate. You need only look as far as your memory; look inwards, hear his laugh, see his smile. Know that he now knows peace, the peace he wanted and searched for, and that he thought was not find-able here on this earth. I know, also, that you're hurting right now. And all I can say is a heartfelt "I am so sorry" and again, reiterate that if you (or anyone else) needs an ear, I'm never farther than a pm. Feel Peace. Know Love. Blessed be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bush: "Now, when avoiding the press, make sure you use the UNlocked door..." I like the story, too. Too funny. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lurch, I haven't an answer. I agree with your entire post, and I haven't an answer. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

How is the Palestinians' claim any stronger? And Rehmwa, I know what D was pointing out. I was pointing out that when one takes responsibility to make the change, the change can be made...but if one waits until someone else makes the change, the change will never be made. For example, the Israelis opened up the Gaza strip - evicted it's own citizens and transplanted them earlier this year...but that hasn't done anything at all for peace in the region...there are still bombings, still massive unrest...and it's sad. But the opportunity is there. I'd like to see it taken advantage of, in the proper way. But I don't know that it will. I can only hope. I agree - if they can't do it themselves, then the world will do it for them. And what a pity that will be. Again, I find it sad, horrific, and fascinating that there are some on these boards agreeing with the Imam the OP linked. I wonder why. If the nouns were changed, would they still agree? Or is it such a cultural hatred of the jews that no matter what the jews will be hated, feared, resented, and persecuted...as it's been for at least the last 3,000 years. I'd also say that according to what I've read and heard, not just here but all over the 'net and in speaking with folks from all backgrounds, the Holocaust can indeed happen again. Sad and sad and sad. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, Darius, I see those posts, and don't discount them. I just have a different opinion and far different life experiences than some, it would seem. That's all right, isn't it? To have a different opinion? Or should I not think for myself? Research for myself? Learn about things, process that information and come to my own conclusions for myself? Why is that a bad thing? Because I don't agree with you? Reminds me of my father. He's a liberal Democrat (similar to BV but older). Smart as a whip. Brilliant person, very much loved and respected by me. But my brother and I turned out to be reublican - me more liberal than my brother. My father was bemoaning that fact one day a few years ago...as in "where did I go wrong? Where, someone tell me where..." when I reminded him that he taught my brother and I to think for ourselves, to do our homework; to not follow the crowd simply because it was in motion; to consider all aspects of things, and make up our own minds about things. And so we did...and came to different conclusions than Dad. It didn't mean he was wrong; it simply meant he did a damned fine job as a father. It's the same here. I can come to a different conclusion without someone thinking that I'm stupid or misled or... whatever other term you want to use for it. Could it be that I've seen everything that people have pointed out and still have a different, and just as valid, opinion than someone? If not, why not? I have...and it hurts me to read that. The same way it hurts me to read about the bombings in Israel. The same way it hurts me to read of a 9 year old being a suicide bomber. It saddens me to read the injustice man perpetrates on man, in any circumstance. I've also seen the heads of people who were blown up in suicide bombings. I've seen the bits of flesh being picked up off the sidewalks and wiped off the walls of cafes. I've seen the carnage...and it hurts me to see that. Just wondering why you think it's only the Israelis who should "change their ways" before the other will stop? In my life, if I want a change, I am the instigator of that change. It would do me no good to sit down and whine about how thus-and-such should be changed, and let a government/family/neighbor/stranger make that change. To make the statement "I'll change when circumstances change" prevents circumstances from ever changing. Ghandi said it best. "Be the change you want to see in the world." When more people really, internally, inherently, emotionally understand that, there will be the opportunity for change in so many ways...but until people realize that the change needs to start with them, they will continue to follow the crowd - simply because it is already in motion, whether or not it is true for them. How fascinating for me to read through this thread and hear the Imam's positions articulated here...how sad, and how fascinating. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well. See, now. You're welcome to call bullshit as much as you'd like on my education and opinion. Where you're incorrect is that I am not as well read as you'd like me to be. I have done my homework, I understand the concepts of Zion and the Diaspora, I've known the history of the jews. I am pretty clear about the last century's actions and promises made; I am also clear that there are far more interpolitical aspects to this story than the simple "the Palestinians were there first so it's theirs" argument. I am equally clear that there are many people on this board who believe that the jews, as a whole, are people who should be anihilated and wiped from the face of the earth (as in let the state of Israel disappear). I am also clear that there is precious little I can say, sitting behind my keyboard, to educate and to inform those that their hatred for jews is something which is not new; not original to them; and is clearly reflected in the Imam's statement at the beginning of the thread (at least he has a bit of history under his belt, torqued as it may be...). And it's fascinating and sad for me to sit here and see the same things the Imam said come from the mouths (er, keyboards) of some posters here. What is interesting, in a clinical sort of way, is that the Imam is being agreed with...and how sad that is. How terribly sad and horrific. So no, Beowulf, I disagree with your opinion of bullshit. I know whereof I speak; I know of pogroms, of exiles, of murders uncountable. I know of Diaspora, of hatred, of more (far more) than 6,000,000 people (men, women and children killed in a matter of 6ish years). I've done the reading; I've done the research. I've done the thinking... If we have a different opinion, so be it. Life will, at least for you and I, continue. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~