I've been busy and away from Open Salon a long time, but I just had to find a place to get this off my chest and this is the place, so here goes.

There is an easy way to begin to balance our national budget.  Would someone please explain to me… Read full post »

Before I talk about my Julia Child adventure, let me say, I've been busy and away from OS, for (I hesitate to say it) months on end.  Popped back recently to read a friend's blog and poked around a bit and realized I miss this.  I guess I'd been avoiding OS in my struggle… Read full post »

Okay, I can't resist.  Here's  the link to ghost writer's open call in case you can't resist either! 

What do I dream about??  Honest answer?  OK.  I dream in color and more often than I like to admit I dream that I am somewhere that should be completely familiar...a ro… Read full post »

Buddhism...making itself known more and more in the West.  Nothing new there.  I know of it.  Rumors I hear about it.  News stories about the Dalai Lama.... 

I know the construct is ancient and I know that the language and culture of that construct is one of my weaknesses; o… Read full post »

This week is Read Across America Week and the focus this year is poetry.  I think it would be fun for us to gather some favorite poems or favorite quotes from really long poems. 

 I won't pressure anyone by calling for your one, most favorite bit of poetry.  I can… Read full post »

I heard on public radio (All Things Considered) during my evening drive time today that the Missouri Dept. of Transportation got right out in front of the anticipated Stimulus Package.  They had four (no doubt very well deserved) road projects in the queue before the bill was passed and signed i… Read full post »

In response to the now infamous "Chimp" cartoon, I emailed a letter to the NY Post.  I decided to publish my comment here because there is no guarantee they will publish my comment or that they won't edit it down to diminish my point.  I just want to call as much attention to… Read full post »

This will satisfy my  need to be playful tonight:

1. I despise liver: the look, the smell, the texture, the taste of it.  There are never any giblets in my turkey's dressing or gravy.
2. I loved a cellist once, for four intense summer weeks.  The glory of first love, young love!
… Read full post »

I wrote a recession prompted post before the open call went out.  It just occurred to me to include it in this grouping.  Please read the post here with this link.  Thank you! Read full post »

I find all the debate about Obama inviting Warren to speak to be most interesting.  While I have the same objection to Warren's support of Proposition 8 as many who are criticizing Obama now, I find myself viewing all this from a somewhat different angle. 

What is a thoughtful person… Read full post »

I think I have discovered my favorite way of reading here on OS is to literally wander, rather than methodically checking out most read or most rated or most recent.  I may start with a post from one of those categories, or a new post from one of the 'friends' whose writing… Read full post »

Verbal dared us to share a high school picture.  Being new here I wasn't sure if that was a good idea or if it would invite derision and abuse!  I relaxed when I had a chance to see how good natured everyone is with it.  And I realize we were all… Read full post »

Updating and submitting this as my response to open call for recession stories.  Everyone of the maybes' listed applies to my family. 

Hard times are upon us and may be here longer than we expected.  Each of us reacts to the anxiety differently, sometimes in ways that take us by s… Read full post »