(April 30/30) Stupor-sti-shun Ain’t the Way

Well, hello, Miracles….it recently occurred to me that not every well-intentioned thing comes as easily as seeing the good in others.  Consequently, those of you unfamiliar with my particular brand of….er….quirky flights of fancy, might find yourselves lost in translation…especially if you don’t have a pass-port(al) to the old school frames of reference associated with today’s stream-of-consciousness.

“How old-school?” you may be wondering….

Well, I’m so pleased that you’ve stuck around long enough to ask  🙂

Have you ever seen a televised sing-along that included a bouncing ball that boinged under each word you were meant to sing?

Or, how about the Saturday morning golden oldie, H.R. Pufnstuf?

Okay, okay, there’s no arguing that those references are unduly obscure, but, in the spirit of everything- old-is-“phew”- again, I’ve just thought of a highly-relatable saving grace….

Sesame Street….

And, in that spirit, today’s meanderings are brought to you by the letters F—as in Fleetwood Mack…

And, S—as in Soap Operas and Stevie/One-Hit Wonder(s)…

I figure that’s as much as you’ll need up front, because—as is life’s way—you get some things right away…and, others, come in time.

Oh, wait, one last spoiler alert!

Stevie’s ultra-awesome song (aren’t they all? J), “Superstition” got my thoughts ricocheting in the first place; so, keep this in mind as you follow the bouncing ball (of nerves) meant to guide you… 

Stupor-sti-shun Ain’t the Way

Composed of poached lines from two complementary /complimentary genres, here comes a scrambled nursery-tale; and, its chicken-or-the-egg origins are hard to separate…especially in light of ongoing exchanges such as this…

“Oh, you first, flair-y tale…please, oh, pleas…or I shall resort to bending my knees!”

“Alas, my sing-song lovely rhyme, it is my fondest wish to grant your request—but to put myself ahead of you can never bring about a happily-ever-after….”

Any old how, although, momentarily charming, we haven’t the time for such flash in the (frying) pan digressions.  For, given a wealth of imaginative avenues to explore—we, my darlings—have bigger caviar (fish(eggs)) to fry….

Now, where were we?

Oh, right….Nursery-Tale…

As is true of a great soufflé, optimism is irrepressible and can’t help but rise to the occasion.  So, as you read what follows, try to try to keep an open mind, my friends.  For, when it comes to my imaginative and positive re-frames, what looks–(Benjamin) Moore or less—like a dim view is simply a trick of the (me, myself, and) eye…

“Mirror on the eggshell wall,

slipped her yoke and had a great fall.

 All the king’s horses and all the king’s men,

Couldn’t piece Shell-ee together again.”

Consequently, man and beast had seven years of bad luck…

The King’s men were re-assigned to foot guard duty, where they stood watch over those whose dance partners had two left feet….and, the horses found themselves hitched to wagons that, at one time, had been hitched to stars…

Now, here’s where the crazy-making really comes home to roost!

We all know there is no shame in good honest work; so—strictly speaking—it wasn’t inclusion in the HR Scuff and Buff battalion that caused the soldiers’ down-slide.

Nor was it because the horses were used in service of a troupe of 1980’s one-hit-wonders who–in hopes of reinventing themselves–had (protectively) circled the (horse-drawn) wagons around their Dream Academy.

It was simply this….

Over the centuries, the kingdom’s residents had endured more than their unfair share of wicked witch prophecies; and they’d groan weary—tired of the unnerving uncertainties that had their stomachs spell-bound-up in naughty nots (as in, “The baby princess will grow to be kind and good—Not!).

Understandably, celebrants became increasingly vulnerable and desperate.

Which gave handsome (and ancient) stranger, Charlatan Headspin—who had (Ben) Hur(d) that they were the most gullible subjects for miles around—a sinister idea.

Under the guise of being trust-wordy, he sold them a (supposed) magic book that held all manner of stupor-sti-shuns….

And, these were, in truth, mindless imaginings whereby he had assigned arbitrary detriments to random happenstances…

And residents—whether royal or rabble—fell for it hook, line, and stinker!

Yes, having gone out of their way to avoid non-existent dangers, the loveable gullibles smugly congratulated themselves on besting the fates—and, bought into a false sense of insecurity that they could ill afford…given that it came at the cost of their dignity and reason.

And, if that weren’t bad enough, shake(spearee)en by life’s tragedies,  they also became Fleetwood Wack and decided,

“Furthermore, we’ll keep our visions to ourselves…’lest the universal witches, ever conspiring to steal our joy, get wind of what we are up to and thwart our hopes and dreams.”

And, in keeping with the fact that the road of superstitions is paved with fool-hardy pretensions–when the kingdom-dwellers stifled their aspirations–they succeeded only in hiding their game-changing moves.  This, in essence, resulted in  in a proverbial shell game of recesses and shadows…whereby—even if not irretrievably mislaid—hopes and desires were no longer shared with those who would offer much-needed encouragement and assistance.

(Now, here’s a word to the wise…If, initial, old-school foreshadowing wasn’t enough to prepare you for the aforementioned Dream Academy (1980’s pop) pun, be warned—from here on out, illustrative frames-of-reference take a page from Wholly Mackerel: The Early Works.  Thus, the ensuing word-play is as old school (of fish) as it gets…)

Years of mind games had taken a toll; and, a battle royal—dubbed Fry-te Knight—ignited a kingdom-wide brawl when one knight threw salt over his left shoulder for luck and, inadvertently, stung the eyes of his brother-in-arms.

The well-meaning knight, good at heart, but frustrated to find that his efforts had been counter-acted by misfortune, lost his patience when Sir Wines-A-Lot petulantly accused him of carelessness.

“Well, Wine-stein”, the good knight observed, “if you hadn’t consumed enough rummy grog to render you careless enough to walk under a ladder, you would not have been in the way of the flying salt; and neither of us would be facing calamity now!”

“Well, it was a choice between the ladder and having that black cat cross my path—and if you weren’t so intent on always trying to get a leg up (on that oversized steed of yours), you would not have been in a position to nearly blind me!  And, why, Broom Hilda, haven’t you had your collection of voodoo cats spayed and neutered?!”

“Why, how dare you malign my beautiful kitties?!?….”

And on and on it went…people are only human after all.

However, heretofore known for their horse-sense, I must explain how the equine team fell victim to the madness:

Although wise by nature, these horses were also trusting and obedient…

So, when urged to, “Come on Eileen”, the lead horse did so; and drank from the water troughs she was directed to…and, the remaining horses followed suit.

Now, while there was controversy around who exactly led the horses astray, all were in agreement that, whether the ring-leader was Sir Danny Romalatti  or Sir Michael Damien, the culprit was two-faced—and certainly aware of Sir Rock and Sir Hyde’s propensity for washing their hands and feet in each other’s dirty water….the very same water that filled the horse troughs in question!

(And, no one was more vocal about these accusations than Dexy and his band of midnight (rum) runners).

Anyway, the sad result was, the horses forgot that they could be lead to water, but not made to drink…

(And, if the kingdom’s black sheep hadn’t been driven away, they certainly would have reminded their friends of their gift for thinking outside the flox.)

Consequently, well-and-Truly muddied waters stirred up the stupor-stitious beliefs that convinced the horses that they had fallen victim to a gastrointestinal curse…

So, for seven years, they ran themselves nearly (but thankfully, not quite) ragged in a vain attempt to ward of the party-pooping trots they were in no danger of contracting in the first place.

But, all was not lost, for—as with all feel-good-fables—here comes a happy ending 🙂       

Remember Shell-ee….the mirror who slipped from her yoke and had a great fall?  Well, what was bad for most was good for her!

You see, another word for yoke is harness…

And harness lends itself to the phrase, harness of oppression…

So, in slipping the harness of oppression, Shell-ee fell to pieces; and was swept up and whisked away to the make-believe land of feigned glass where she was able to reconstruct the life she always wanted!

No more hanging around for the soul(less) purpose of reflecting another’s vain attempts to outshine others…after all, where is the fairness in that?

Instead, she became a mosaic, and reflected the glory of her kaleidoscopic magnificence…

And, that’s how, when the mirror cracked herself up, she had the last laugh 🙂

Note To Selves: It’s all in the way you look at things—so, stay strong, keep the faith, think for yourself, and surround yourself with like-minded people!

God bless you 🙂

P.S. Here’s a shout-out to fairytaleofasimplegirl….nothing simple about those who are so generous, supportive, and encouraging…and, hers is a wonderful blog to boot…I really hope you check it out! 🙂

P.P.S.  While I am sooooooo grateful for any comments, if you can identify any puns related to 80’s one hit wonders, the soap opera reference, and/or Ben Hur(d)–feel free to let me know 🙂

64 thoughts on “(April 30/30) Stupor-sti-shun Ain’t the Way”

  1. And there was me thinking you had disappeared in a puff of sanity. No noises from Truly on Facebook or here was causing some concern. Fortuitously this was not some Omen or other mysterious Dead Zone, which back in the day was not rich in zombie movies and had phones on cords stuck to a wall that invariably rested in a room near a door through which drafts flew….where was I…yes, fortuitously it was not one of those silences that suggests permanence…I did think perhaps you were booking and nearing completion but that might be wishful optimism on my behalf….

    I trust all is well and judging by the post things probably are mostly….it is in the usual style of madness which is most encouraging on that score.

    Most enjoyable read once again 😊

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    1. Hello, my wonderful friend…no, I hadn’t disappeared…while I was waiting for this post to reveal itself (a process that finds me following snippets of inspiration as they come to me over the days), I was reading and commenting on other posts. It hit me, today, that it can be challenging to tap into/follow the whimsies and intangibles of my reflexive imaginings–given the nature of my work. It takes time to make mental shifts, in light of the mental-health counselling/support services that make up my 40 (plus) hour work-week. On the bright side, I have such a feeling of accomplishment and relief when I finally pull my thoughts together and post my brand of encouragement. Thanks for thinking of me….please know you are never from my thoughts! 🙂

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      1. I think it’s the loads of exchanges and then a dearth that sets the has anything happened catastrophising process going. It’s good to see you posting though…refreshing madness restored. All is good once more 🙃

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      2. I hate the thought of you ever worrying…I won’t disappear…you are such a blessing and I won’t ever take that for granted….have you posted anything recently? If so, and I’ve missed it, I will pop over to your neck of the woods in about 20 minutes 🙂

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      3. No I’ve been a but slack there. Stuck for inspiration maybe…that happens sometimes, wish it didn’t but one learns to accept it. Not sure blogs like the inactivity though 🤔 I do worry though when friends fall silent…but life has a way of stepping in so alls well…just wish when it did it brought some extra hours with it 🙃

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      4. I hear ya’…..balancing life–while writing, and reading/commenting on others offerings–can sometimes tax limited energies…especially when my work week is hard on the head…but, yesterday, I had a breather…first relaxing Saturday in quite awhile. Today, I have commitments to attend to, but plan on reading as many posts as I can….such a privilege to be following so many awesome bloggers 🙂

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      5. Too right…I’m stressing about neglecting my own posts now but I think I’ve just sorted a professional proof reader for my book 😇 Really must get some time to write something else once that’s away

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      6. Wow….look how far you’ve come…sooooo impressive! Apparently, there’s something called “ping(ing)” someone….a way you can let them know when you have a new post…someone just asked me to “ping” them….I guess I’ll google and see if I can learn something new. haha

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      7. I’ve heard of pinging but not here…..ping backs yes but not the other way…more to learn 🙃 Just when I thought I was getting the hang of it too….me…how far….er..more like how long has it taken me !!!!!!

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      10. Thank you! I will definitely check this out in the next little while…today, I am trying to let my mind float…if it comes naturally, I will entertain the notion, if not… 🙂 I need to give my mind a rest….busy week ahead…I can tell I need a vacation (well, stay-cation…I won’t be going anywhere, but just being home–relaxing–will be awesome). I anticipate having a week off within the next couple months 🙂

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      11. I need to do that. I’ve just sent a sample chapter to the proofer and now I’m filled with trepidation and anxiety!!! I need a holiday too.. and a static landing page for my blog !

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      12. Oh, bless your heart…is there anything I can do to help? Do you want to say more about your worries…and, also, if you ever want to share something via private facebook message, just leave me a comment on my blog and direct me to FB (I don’t check FB often…but, I do log on here daily).

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      13. Most kind of you and generous as always. If its still here in the morning then I may rant on FB. Its just one of those total out of comfort zone feelings I feel certain you know all about !!!

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      14. I am most certainly familiar with out of the comfort zone feeling….it sucks…sorry, but, I’m just keeping it real…that is my initial response until I find a way to reframe it and work through it…but, having come through a bout of “discomfort” recently, I still remember the intensity of it all…it is gratifying to come out the other side, and it does propel us to a better place, but it is so hard…doable, but hard…given out time difference, if you don’t hear back from me promptly, it means I’m at work…or, went to bed shortly after getting home from work (and, yes, I get home by 5pm or so…but, some days I am in bed early). I just share that so that you know I will never, deliberately, leave you waiting for a response… 🙂

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      15. No need to my good friend…I am life aware; one enquires if absence is days just in case something has happened that ought not to. The whole book thing here has been rumbling upon a decision that has just been made to move things forwards. I have no idea how it will be received and that is the unknown!!! 🙂

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      16. I can only imagine what you are experiencing….one day, I will be in that position and can only pray that God will give me the grace to endure it 🙂 You are doing the hard work…on top of the hard work it took to write a novel in the first place! As the saying goes, “If it were easy, everyone would do it”…but, you are making it and one day, the rewards are going to far outweigh the anxieties…you are destined for greatness 🙂

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      17. Look on the bright side…when you are ready I’ll have done the research and you can tap into what I’ve found out…thing is I’m stuck with what if the sample comes back with yuck, it’s rubbish 🤕👻💀

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      18. If that was the response you got–which I can’t imagine!–that would be proof that you are not dealing with a reputable professional…also, your anxiety is trying to mess with you…you are a gifted, dedicated and wonderfully-talented writer who is meant to follow his calling… 🙂

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      19. That’s another way of looking at it with a half full glass! Thing is this is so different from anything you’ve read. It’s that which is causing the wobbles. You are dead right though anxiety dies do that. And thank you for waving my flag as much as I’m waving yours 🙃

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      21. Too right it is. And that’s what makes this community so special…I just wish I had time to post a comment on every post that flew down my reader 😇

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      22. I’ve gotten to the point where–if someone posts tons of posts–I will click “like” but not comment every single time because I’ve already established/shared what I appreciate about their gift…I read them, but a “like” is the best I can do…then, there are people who I look for if I haven’t come across a post for a while…and, these are the people who I reserve my energies for if I am stretched thin…it’s just a fact of life…we can’t do it all…I’m “following” 140 people and we must invest in those who invest in us…that is how–having given and given–we get filled back up….you and I have that 🙂 And, I’m so blessed that you and some others feel that way about investing their time and energy in me….so awesome 🙂

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      23. Err that is why I was concerned when you went missing for a few days….part said life interlude and part said what if something has happened…ok…might be irrational but a friend is a friend and with that goes caring and, as you rightly say, investing time. Besides I love mad people…did you know all the best people are 🙃

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      24. I really appreciate your position and I am touched to know that, with all you have on your plate, you would spend precious time and energy wondering if I am okay….you are my first blog friend…which makes you the equivalent of the scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz…and, while Dorothy had a special friendship with the Tin Man and Cowardly Lion and others, she had a place in her heart that was reserved only for The Scarecrow…you have my loyalty and gratitude and appreciation….you are one of a kind and I can’t tell you have wonderful it it is that we are great friends…thank you for your gift of friendship…and, I can appreciate that sometimes you will worry–especially if anxiety is already present….I get that…when I am particularly anxious, it colours most everything….please let me know when you are worried, and I will let you know that I am okay and haven’t moved on… 🙂

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      25. First blog friend?? Really? I thought you had bucket loads of them…how can you not?? This is most, well, awesome to know 😊

        A metaphorical scarecrow too…and, Alice…to Dorothy….in an equally weird story…I am detecting a pattern in your reading genre 😁 Friendship is a wonderful thing…and should be nurtured…it also calms anxiety because it’s not fuelled by isolation… I need a holiday 🤔

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      26. Clarification….what I meant was, I have other blog friends, but you are the first one who I became friends with….you and I have a special bond….and, you are right, friendship is a wonderful thing and makes the hard things much less so. I’ve already said a prayer for you this morning–knowing that you are understandably anxious about the next steps where your novel is concerned…a prayer that you will know that everything is going to turn out great….and, I believe it will….I believe in you….and that is not kindness, that is a no-brainer…you are awesome and so talented and determined and you did it–you actually wrote a novel!!! Of course you need–and deserve–a holiday! Anyway, I have to get ready for work. I will look for you this evening (no pressure if you are not around 🙂 ). Have a great day 🙂

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      27. No, it’s a kindness and you are perfect for Niki’s kindness challenge….just saying…I knew what you meant though…your blog community friends are ace. I am still awed that becoming friends ws so fast…like I’d known you a lifetime…a few bloggers are starting to feel like that and I’m still in awe of the whole community. Hope work goes well and thank you so much for the encouragement 😊

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  2. OMG! No one has touched my heart as you just did….not coz of u mentioning me at the end of such a beautiful article (like seriously how can even think that way,leave alone writing) m feeling so privileged so honoured to be at the end of this article and getting associated forever…..u make me believe that such humble and modest souls still exists….N universe never seizes the opportunity to introduce you to amazing people in life……

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    1. The honour is mine…you are the humble one, my new friend…you have no idea how powerful you positive regard is…you are soooooo generous of spirit…thank you for believing in my ability to touch others….that is what we all are meant to do, and I am over the moon to know that you understand what I am saying….thank you so much 🙂

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      1. Well I think we can never be over with our thanks to each other….u for god knows what😉 and me for being so kind to me ….so let’s just drop the thanks and let’s just be friends actually blogger friends and prepare ourselves to improve each other and provide new visions…

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  3. Now coming to your article first of all how do you even think this way? I mean it is just not an article but sheer poetry of words and definitely not old school…yes it’s refreshing connects provide a sheer flow of pleasure to ur neurons while engaging you to some really witty humour then two short poems (yes wah! I d like to call it poem ) and a story of kings,horses and knights…..r u sure ur not rescrippting game of thorns just in a more poetic way? And even if we just stop all the logics this one can be read just for the love of words….hope I can share it further

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    1. Thank you for your comment and compliments…wow!!!!!!!!!!! The ideas start with one thought that comes to me, and then others attach themselves….it can get confusing because I have to polish the thoughts and make them flow together….and, sometimes, they get tangled up in my head–I can be an over-thinker 🙂 As for “Game Of Thrones”, I’ve never watched it (though, I have heard of it enough to know it is popular). 🙂

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  7. I hope you don’t mind this question… I had it when I first read this… but now I come back… and will post it (sometimes I worry my off subject questions ruin the fun vibe of the post and comments)… This question isn’t just for Truly…. so Gary or Fairy (or anyone else) feel welcome to answer… but Truly I can’t get the stupid HR puff n stuff song out of my mind… it ends on a lyric that has troubled me since I was a kid ( only one song troubled me more … The 70s public service advert with the “VD is for everybody” song… kept asking my parents if I had it… ) at the end of the opening song it says….

    Can’t do a little, ’cause you can’t do enough

    What does that mean???

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    1. Far from being bothered by your question, I absolutely love that you’ve initiated an ice-breaker….it’s absolutely wonderful! I am not familiar with the VD reference, but it’s absolutely hilarious to think of you wondering if you had it…as for the HR lyric, I have no clue….I am really curious to see if anyone else knows…oh, what fun…thank you!!!! 🙂

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      1. you don’t know the “…everybody song” once you get it in your head… it doesn’t leave… my brother sister and I use to sing this all the time… this PSA aired on the tv at least daily… (maybe not Saturday mornings)… I am leaving you the link (fair play see if you can get the song out of your head… very catchy tune… odd imagery… especially the kids…) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or1oEWbN2Lw

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      2. You are awesome! And, no, I hadn’t seen this until just now…it is disturbing and funny at the same time….you’re right about the odd imagery…and, I can’t help but be amused by the heart-felt singing…and, the look is quintessential 70’s….I’m drawn to it like a train wreck and can see myself passing it on to others. hahahahhahahaha

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  8. This. Was. Amazing. I have no idea how you do it, you are just so creative and imaginative, it fascinates me. There is no denying that you were born to write, your ability to play with words fills me with awe. Such a entertaining read, full of wit and humor, and I’m certain some of the references went over my head, but that is okay.
    And I did love the happy ending, you turned that around quite nicely. Thank You for sharing this 🙂

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    1. If this comment was food, it would be a buffet…it has everything…thank you soooooooo very much!!!!!!!!!!!! And, I love that you proved something that I was hoping to achieve…that enough of this post had enough that the reader could enjoy, even if not getting every reference…like when people watch The Simpsons….the kids get some jokes and the adults get other jokes…and it’s okay that certain things go over the younger and old people’s heads alike…thank you for the most wonderful feedback…. 🙂

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  9. This is brilliant!!! Highly imaginative and words just make their way out of you so effortlessly!! Truly, you truly have a great gift of writing! 🙂 I loved the note to Selves in the end! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful piece! 🙂

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  10. I have been told it takes an insightful and creative mind to be a good doctor. I have decided after reading this masterful piece that I must bow down to your creativity and intellect and thank you for the broad smile now appearing on my face. It would have taken me months to create this post with less than half of its valuable content. Clapping loudly!! Bravo!!

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    1. Thank you…I really feel great about this post…and, it makes me really happy to share it with you…it matters to me that you saw it–because celebrating with a friend is what friends do…that is what makes things even better. Thank you for digging what I write…you opinion is valued 🙂

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      2. Thank you….I’ve discovered I really love old-school references…I’m not good at physical puzzles, but have discovered that I can piece thoughts together in weird and wonderful ways…it hurts my brain if I try to do it all at once..that’s why I have to do it over the course of several days…thank you so much for enjoying what I share 🙂

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  13. If I could speak to poor old Johnny Ray…. I’d tell him “Take it easy on yourself”

    Toora Loora Heyaaaa ma ma ma hey Dee da nayaaaa…..

    Like Mister Toad’s wild Ride…. Your posts take me to wild and crazy places.

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    1. You are so awesome…you picked a fantastic line….thanks for letting me know you got one of the more obscure references… 🙂 Too funny…Thanks for reading (I’m assuming the comparison to Mister Toad’s wild ride was a compliment?). And, now, I’m curious…unfamiliar with that story, I’m going to Google 🙂 Thanks for turning me on to something new 🙂

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