Priorities Change!

[clayshaper.livejournal.com]

Hi. I'm David, and I have been here a few years- I LOVE this community. It's one of my favourites. (wavewavewave!)

I had a list all done up, (I'm always late posting mine, because really, I like sending stuff the most.) but then my Father died unexpectedly. I am composing this, from his desk in California- his funeral will be the 23rd. :(

One thing this did, was really really change my priorities in life. Going through all the stuff he kept, and helping Mom clean the house, I have really changed what I think would be important for this Holiday Season. I left my old list at home when I came down here, but somehow, that kind of stuff doesn't seem important anymore, anyway.

Here's a shot at something more personal and meaningful:

1) stuffwithastory users!
I started this community when I realized I was keeping a lot of stuff, just because it had some memory attached to it. Cleaning house here has only reminded me that sometimes, it's really not the STUFF we keep, but the stories behind them that are important. The community is for sharing pictures (or descriptions) of stuff we kept and the stories behind them. :)

2) Go get some s00j music!
You can go to www.skinnywhitechick.com and check out some of the most amazing independant music anywhere. SJ Tucker is a wonderful woman who has an amazing voice, talented hands, and an awesome skill for writing music. I own two of her CD's ("Blessings" and "Solace and Sorrow") and I would own them all if I could! I would like, even MORE, to see her get a rush of CD's sold! She makes her living playing music that delights and tickles and makes the world much more amazing and fun. I want her to be able to do that forever!!

3) Check out vixyish's music!
Vixy and Tony (www.vixyandtony.com) are a couple who write and perform some pretty amazing stuff. I love their CD "Thirteen", which includes an amazing song about a Parrot who was our only link to a lost civilization (based on a true story no less), a song about Persephone from her point of view, and the awesome Siren song... you think it's hard to be a musician? Try being a professional singer if you're a Siren! ;) Neat stuff!

4) Make a will.
Even if all you do is write a letter and put it into your safety deposite box or underwear drawer- TELL your family and friends, what they should do after your death. The worst thing in the world, is Losing someone you Love unexpectedly. The second worse thing is trying to figure out what they wanted you to do with the things they loved so much... or who they want to be told about the funeral... everything- it's not just about being buried. It's about the people who lose you. Write a note, or use the will-making software if you cannot afford a legal will- at least they will know what you wanted done.

5) A "Presto" thingamajig...
Mom never touched the computers- Dad, on the other hand, was a professional. He's got so much even *I* am intimidated by it all. Mom will really MISS getting emails and photographs, but there is no way we can convince her to use the computer. The "Presto" gadget is essentially a printer with a monthly service that would allow us to email/send pictures to her every day, and they would just be printed out on the Presto machine- no computer needed- it connects to a telephone. :) The website is at www.presto.com or you can see how they're sold at: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5934516 I really really really wanna do this for Mom. :) This is awesome.

6) Books for lending library:
I do volunteer work with people in crisis, and I could really use certain books- there are some we use, that would be far better if we could lend out a copy to the person to read- for example Jay Carter's books, including "Nasty People" and "Nasty bosses"- any of his books, as we use them often to teach folks how to deal with people who make them feel bad, instead of having to fight and be in conflict with them! Books like "The four agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz (or any of his other, companion books) are often accepted far better by the clients than the more traditional 'twelve step' or similar books. These are priceless to help folks get out of a crisis and back on their feet.

7) Imported Skeery Movies:
Okay, just for me- I am a huge fan of asian horror films. (You all know "The Ring"? It was based on "Ringu" and "Ju-On" from japan! Those two are awesome movies!) So any imported (subtitled!) horror/thriller from any country (but especially Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, etc) would be very very much appreciated! (copies are fine!) I am especially hoping to find the asian version of "Shutter", a movie called "The Maid" and one called "The Dorm" (or just "Dorm")... there are all kinds of them out there- I just love the ghost-story type skeery movies, and the imported ones are spectacular! It's my own personal weakness. (grins sheepishly)

8) Anthologies to read:
I adore Anthologies- especially gothic stories, horror/thrillers, or the unusual fiction stories- the 'twillight zone' type books, that include many different stories surrounding a theme (like vampires, werewolves, ghosts, etc...) I just finished "Outsiders" (I think that was the title) in which the theme was people that live on the fringe of society- a very creepy collection of stories I really liked. Anthologies allow me to read short bits and not 'lose my place' when I am interrupted! I am interrupted a lot right now, because of all this family-and-funeral stuff. :( So these would be appreciated muchly! Used is awesome!

9) A new home for our 1967 Plymouth Barracuda...
I know, you think I am kidding. I'm not trying to sell you a car, but I have a family heirloom here- Mom has hung onto it untill it is just beat by age- it's completely intact, it is a notchback with a slant 6 engine, and the awesome part is that it is ALL Origional!! ...the sad part is that I have let it sit for a couple years, because I simply cannot afford to fix it up. It has no major problems, it just needs backyard mechanic work- tune up, possibly a new belt or hose here or there, and a gentle hand with the interior, which is coming apart at the seams, literally, from old age. The paint job is still nice (even tho it too is origional!) and would be the last thing to update/restore. The Engine is amazingly clean and intact, and was rebuilt a decade or two ago. I have been asking 5,000 for it, but what I really WANT, is a home where it will be restored. Mom is petrified it will be parted out or otherwise abused- she loves this car SO much... but I am not restoring it either. :( I need to find someone who will LOVE it. It's at my Home in Washington State (north of Seattle).

10) The never-gunna-get-it wish:
An UGallop. (http://www.brookstone.com/sl/product/10604-osim-ugallop-complete-core-exerciser.html) I know, but we all have to have ONE hope! I have undergone seven major surgeries after I was diagnosed with a tumor in my gut, and I'm just a mess of adhesions and weak muscles, and mesh holding my belly together- and the surgeon suggested this machine to re-strengthen my lower back, abdomen and my general stamina/flexibillity and strength of the areas they operated on so much! I plan to buy one of these, I just haven't been able to just yet. I would buy one from someone else, used, in a heartbeat! This is the really-really-heartfelt kind of wish that you know won't arrive on your doorstep, but at the same time, you think about it a lot. (grin) Maybe after the holidays, I can start saving for it! This would be great. :)

My thanks for all those reading this- and my apologies for anything that gets mailed late on my end! Obviously, this was unexpected for me, and I drove down here (even through the snow and ice!) to be with Mom. I will be mailing anything left to mail when I get home- so some of you will get late christmas/holiday gifts, but they'll get there! (grin)

Because I am away from home at the moment, please email me at my yahoo email address for information if needed! It is clayshaper2002@yahoo.com :)

Comments

[sc0ff.livejournal.com]

First off... I'm so sorry about your loss :[ I know how you feel and I especially understand what you mean about #4-- my dad passed away as well, and after much struggle and going through many lawyers, we have not been able to find any will. It's sad, especially when we just want to know what our loved one's last wishes were.
Anyway, I'll be setting to writing a will tonight and I'm joining your community for wish #1 :] It sounds like a great idea.
Take care this holiday, and I wish all the best for you! I will be praying for you and your mom as well.

[valarltd.livejournal.com]

My sympathies for your loss.

I completely agree on the s00j stuff. I have all of hers, excerpt the book she wrote with Mama Dragon, and we'll be remedying that.

I can send you an anthology. It'll be an e-book.
Nip over to my anthology page (http://www.angelsparrow.com/anth.html), then e-mail me with the title you want at asparrow at angelsparrow.com. Out of print is not a problem.

[mamaduckers.livejournal.com]

I have all of her stuff except the book, and "For the Girl in the Garden" that she did with Cat. Nest tiem I see her, I plan to pick up the book though. Sooj is an amazing musician, and an even better person. Thank you for supporting her, and helping share the word of Sooj with the world.

[sariah8.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss. I lost my father in December 4 years ago. It still bothers me today. It's one of those things that is just really hard to get over.

I will sit down tonight and write out a will. I'm also going to make my mom do the same thing, because I'm not sure if she has one ready. She might, but I'm going to double check.

I have the book "The Four Agreements". It's just sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read. I joined a book community recently called BookMooch, where you can list extra books that you have an want to give away and then you can "mooch" books from other people if they have what you want. You might be able to find some of the books you are looking for there. In essense, it's like a library without a return date or feee, if you decide you want to keep the book. Many of the books, I turn around and put back up there once I'm done reading them and other people mooch them off of me.

I was planning on putting the four agreements up there when I'm done reading it, but if you would like it, It's yours. I have a few books on my "to read" list before it, so I might not get to it until January, but if you don't mind waiting until then, I can send it your way.

I'm also going tto join your community listed in number 1. I love those types of communities.

Hang in there this holiday season, and if you need anyone to talk to, vent, cry, bitch, yell, etc, about things. Let me know. I have good ears. :o)

My email is sariah8 at gmail dot com

[lylith.livejournal.com]

My deepest condolences on the loss of your father. *warm hug*

If I had the money to ship it, I'd love the 'Cuda. I've always loved muscle cars and been a huge fan of the Barracuda's. My first car was a 1972 Plymouth Fury, and while far from a muscle car, it was old and heavy and fast and I really miss it.

I don't have any of the books you're looking for, but if you'd like anything off this list (http://lylith.livejournal.com/806090.html) just leave a comment there with your name and address [all replies are screened] and I'll send it as soon as I can.

[paintedguro.livejournal.com]

Eee! I'm glad you put those links up for the indepedent artists! I love finding new things to listen too *cuddle* Merry Christmas