Liz's Looking Glass

Road Warrior - Two Ships Passing in the Night

2010-11-16T13:43:00.003-06:00

Traveling for ones job does have its disadvantages. My fiance' and I both travel, sometimes we work together, sometimes not. We try to take advantage of what little time we are able to spend together. This week has been very "trying". We tried to meet up after a long week at our frequent Saturday night spot. "I'll meet you in about forty minutes" he said, "I'll call when I get close".

Road Warrior - Closed for the Season

2010-11-16T11:05:00.002-06:00

Twenty-five miles West of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, my camera in my lap, ready to shoot, I happened upon an unusual sight. A large Bulls head protruding from the landscape. I classified it as a "must stop" and exited to investigate. It was only 1/2 mile from the exit, not too far out of my way."Porter Sculpture Park" was "closed for the season"! It seems a recurring dilemma for me. The same

Hope

2010-11-16T11:05:00.000-06:00

When we put up the Christmas Tree after Thanksgiving, we had to purchase new ornaments, mine were buried in my storage unit. Aside from them being buried, it just didn't seem right to hang all the old ornaments from Christmas' past. The past was long gone and I had been sadly hanging onto it.Its amazing how in an instant, the path you are on can fork with a prong that wasn't there before, it

Road Warrior - Home Visiting the Family

2010-08-10T08:02:00.004-05:00

The first visit back home, since I've moved to Clear Lake, IA. We booked a room with a pool and made an afternoon of it...

Road Warrior - Independence Day, 2010

2010-07-13T02:00:00.003-05:00

Come with Tony and myself, on our journey to Independence, Mo. to visit friends and set off fireworks. FUN was had many! - Ha! Making this movie, for Tony, wasn't half-bad either... considering, he knew NOTHING about digital movie production, until a couple of days ago; So, this is his first contribution to Hall-Stras Productions. Hopefully, you'll enjoy viewing this 'diddy' nearly as much as it

Quote of the Day

2010-05-18T10:38:00.005-05:00

My fiance' made this statement on aging that I thought was worthy of sharing...."Sometimes I feel like I'm 58 and sometimes I feel 28...that must be what it feels like to be 44."- Anthony Strasmann

Static

2010-03-04T10:56:00.011-06:00

By Elizabeth A. Hall Matching double beds stare back from the static screen, of the black TV as I lay and tap the keys on my laptop. My day was over hours ago but the challenge is the night; sixteen hours of idle time. The butts in the ashtray pile high. Distracted, I wait for your call. I've listened to your doleful message, repeatedly, there's no

Shades of Me

2009-11-13T11:48:00.006-06:00

Moving from Fall into Winter has brought up many questions and answers in my mind this week. Re-reading "Shades of Me", I realize that it might just be possible for that "Spring" to come again. That "Shade" of me has not died yet, though for months, possibly even years, its felt as though it had.I've feared the "Spring" and have been content to remain in the "Winter", when all things have died

Road Warrior - A Job of Many Hats

2009-10-14T02:30:00.002-05:00

I apologize for my absence, I have had some drama in my own life and have moved into a new apartment although Its been a month, I'm still moving. Its quite difficult when one is out of town five to six days a week. My personal story is not yet ready to be written, however It will in time be told. Perhaps when I've completed the move and my own drama has dissipated.I have other stories to tell

Road Warrior - Revisitng Lover's Leap

2009-08-26T22:22:00.013-05:00

I left abruptly Monday morning for Saint Louis, Missouri. It was 3:00am when I couldn't handle the situation at home any longer having slept about two hours when I departed. I watched the sun rise somewhere south of Peoria, Illinois. Adrenalin coursing through my veins finally wore out about fifty miles from my destination and I had to pull over for a coffee refill and pull myself together.I

Road Warrior - The Friendliest People You Will Ever Meet

2009-08-18T12:32:00.005-05:00

I was back on Highway 24 this week it was nice to return to a familiar place that I enjoyed before. This time it was a trip about the people. I worked in Fredricksburg Iowa first, A small farming community as was Saint Lucas where I spent the last three days of the week.I always learn a little something about everyone when they sit down at my table but I spent a lot of time mingling with them

Road Warrior - The World Is A Smaller Place

2009-08-10T12:51:00.010-05:00

It poured all the way to Decatur, it was a depressing journey. Like many bad experiences, they are just part of life. Let me rephrase that, not "bad" or "good" so much, as reflective. Most of my journeys have been reflective thus far, however one reaches the threshold of enlightenment at some point that changes your entire perspective on life. And when that happens, it affects everyone around

My 25th Class Reunion

2009-08-01T14:15:00.004-05:00

I didn't know quite what to expect from my first Class Reunion. I stopped getting invited to them when I moved and wondered why I received the invitations in the first place. I didn't graduate. I actually got my GED, got married, went to the community college all before my Senior year.Most people I've spoken with have dissed their reunions, never really hearing anything positive I don't know

Intersections

2009-07-31T00:37:00.019-05:00

Pitch black roads, beneath starry skies,night after night I drive.Pink Floyd wishing you were hereor Miley climbing mountains,whatever I can dial, I sing and smile.Prowling highways and interstates,hearing music for my inner state.Thoughts race sometimes or draw a blank,hypnotized by yellow lines and reflective signs.New friends each dayor for the week.This life is not intended for the meekof

Road Warrior - Pella Iowa

2009-07-30T23:56:00.000-05:00

I only had a half day home after my last trip before I headed out again on Monday for Pella, Iowa. I passed through Montezuma again and followed the winding roads. I wasn't sure I was there when I got there. I thought I was in a town called Vermeer, the first sign I saw coming into town. Vermeer was an enormous 1.5 million square foot facility stretching several city blocks. producing

Road Warrior - Journey to Spirit Lake Part 2

2009-07-26T21:19:00.010-05:00

I spent Thursday in Arnold's Park exploring the "Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum". I enjoyed the Buddy Holly wall and the artistry of the local High School. They decorated guitars in honor of Rock Legends and I was able to vote for my favorite. After the voting they are auctioning off the guitars and the proceeds will benefit the school. (I voted for #3).I had an ice cream and then did

A Most Unique Bridal Party Entrance

2009-07-26T20:59:00.002-05:00

I actually got choked up watching this video. The joy in the celebration was contagious!

Road Warrior - Journey to Spirit Lake

2009-07-22T22:07:00.014-05:00

It down poured all the way to Cedar Rapids and I was drenched after carrying in my luggage. Its difficult to juggle an umbrella with several bags. I arrived early and my room wasn't ready so I went shopping and bought a much needed clothes rack for the van.I headed out bright and early this morning, a travel day, which means I can take my sweet time getting there, I don't have to work tonight.

Road Warrior - Highway 24

2009-07-18T06:28:00.017-05:00

As I was pulling out of town on Wednesday, I stopped for a biscuit at a drive through. When I reached the window to pay, a lady I'm familiar with from the days when I was taking care of Dad informed me that the car in front of me had paid my tab. All I could say was "why''? She said it happens often, just because people have a sudden urge to be kind. I've only gone so far as leaving my quarter

Road Warrior - Always Carry A Spare Car Key When Traveling

2009-07-09T13:55:00.015-05:00

This weeks adventure took me on winding country roads through quaint little towns, where main street is square and old City Hall buildings rest in the middle. Montezuma, Iowa was one of them, a very quaint little town, with Mom and Pop grocery stores and modern cafe's. A mixture of the past and present.My destination, Agency Iowa. My first trip as a graduated Portrait Consultant. I decided to

Road Warrior - Week 2

2009-07-03T20:44:00.009-05:00

This week got off to a cool start and I packed all sleeveless blouses, go figure. The sky was clear and blue and uneventful (which was probably a good thing for me, my camera stayed in its case). I made it to Cedar Rapids in record time. Our first gig was at a beautiful Orthodox church in an very upper class neighborhood. Most of the members seemed to be related in some form or another. I

Road Warrior Week - 1

2009-06-22T11:14:00.017-05:00

I just arrived home from my first business trip, it was long and hot and didn't have much time for myself. I left Tuesday morning and wore little due to lack of air conditioning (which provoked much honking from passing truck drivers). The heat indexes were in the 100's, I encountered storms in Cedar Rapids that produced some beautiful photographs and on my return trip as well. I'm sure

In Honor Of Father

2009-06-21T08:47:00.006-05:00

I couldn't let the day go by without saying something about my own Father. He passed away in 2005 and being a "Daddy's" girl, it was very difficult and occasionally still is. The Father's day before he passed away, I honored him with a poem. I worked very hard on that poem, he was an Architectural Engineer for John Deere & Co. and to make it special, I researched architectural terms and their

I love this Doctor

2009-06-20T10:12:00.002-05:00

I received this email (origins unknown) and just had to share it.....Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car

Reflections of the Unemployed - Week 15

2009-06-19T23:47:00.007-05:00

It has been a busy week, beginning with meeting my future daughter-in-law's family at her Graduation party. All went well and I was informed I passed the "mother-in-law" test by her parents. I went as myself with peace sign earrings, tattoo in plain sight, and my camera around my neck with the idea that they would get a true impression of who I am right off the bat. I believe its important to

Sinsinawa Labyrinth

2009-06-16T18:14:00.008-05:00

Beneath a row of pines, on the left sideof the silent road, rests the labyrinth.I breach the broken bones of limestone linesin search of a golden thread.Instead, debris litters the pebbled path.Dead things lay beneath my feet,shed from trees above my head;leaves crunch, twigs crack.Disoriented, I wander the mazeas the center movesfarther and farther away;lost in mounds of thought.Abruptly I'm

Reflections of the Unemployed - Week 14

2009-06-13T10:46:00.010-05:00

Wow, Week 14! This week went by in a flash. I had my second interview in 14 weeks on Thursday; the highlight of my week. I heard from the company on Monday and it was a grueling wait. The job is very appealing, like nothing I've ever done before and "I want it bad". The job description would have me traveling throughout Illinois, Iowa and Missouri selling photos to church patrons who have

"The Smell of Wet Dog"

2009-06-12T20:55:00.006-05:00

Murky attitudes rein today like the smell of wet dogFlogged and broken, thrownOut into the storm’s dreary forecast. Is it just the day’s foreboding future, casting a dark hueOn the water’s misty view?Pacing with a whore’s luck.I smell it in the deep of the basementPulling on the chain.Illumination never comes. Starvation eats,My jaw aches, from the gnawing on the leash.by Elizabeth A. Hall(I

Laughing Is Allowed

2009-06-12T19:52:00.006-05:00

I feel your pain primate,(don't cry in front of the children).There are things that no one can relate to.I have so much fun and feel so alone.Its nobody's fault.I wander about my home on the verge of tears.All the time is too much.I'm satisfied in all ways but one.I can put my finger on it, but it doesn't come up.My desires are stiffing; impaired beyond comprehension.Not so much as a pill can

House Sitting

2009-06-06T20:30:00.004-05:00

Friday was a "what do I do with myself?" kind of day. There were so many options as to where I could park myself and work on my writing. I went from here to there and back again. The hardest part is not being able to smoke inside.I ended up going for a walk and photographing the wildlife and then went into town for dinner. I had the tastiest Blue Cheese and Portabella Mushroom burger with

Liking LeClaire

2009-06-06T16:57:00.015-05:00

I'm house sitting for my cousin in LeClaire, Iowa. I don't live far from here, just across the Mississippi River in Moline, Illinois. It's maybe a thirty minute drive. Every time I pass through downtown, I tell myself that I should stop sometime and check it out. I'm a regular visitor to Galena, Illinois and its beginning to resemble Galena with all the art and antique shops popping up.Well

Reflections of the Unemployed - Week 13

2009-06-05T14:34:00.001-05:00

I can't decide if week 13 is lucky or unlucky. I had my first interview and later the same evening, my son declared he was joining the Army. But that's another blog. I've had one interview out of 41 job applications. The odds don't look good and it turned out to be a part-time position at a wage of $8.00 an hour, ouch! I'm making more on unemployment.I chalked it up to a learning experience.

A Stuffie Situation!

2009-06-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

I read an article in this mornings paper about the effects of our parents' deaths and the material "stuff" that gets left behind and it reminded me of my own situation. My Parents' Parents had all passed away and they inherited much of their "stuff" and in return, my own Parents passed away leaving me with my Grandparents "stuff" in addition to their "stuff".When the author of the article

Reflections of the Unemployed Week - 12

2009-05-29T13:06:00.004-05:00

Week twelve has come and gone so quickly. I have been busy blogging politics, sifting through my enormous database of photos and spending time with my family. It was announced today that I have won a photo contest on Quadsville.com, small but notable as it was my first contest, the photo will appear in our local "Quad City Times" this Sunday. I was so excited to look for that next photo for

George Bush and Tony Blair Love Song

2009-05-27T17:06:00.003-05:00

This was way too funny not to pass up posting...

Reflections of the Unemployed Week - 11

2009-05-24T08:32:00.007-05:00

It is now week 11 of being unemployed. Nothing new really to report. I want to thank everyone who has commented on my writing. At least I feel like I'm being productive and I'm making a few bucks in the process (and I do mean, only a "few" bucks) I could easily spend an eight hour day writing about whats going on in the news and I have a few odd ideas just for giggles but I, for some reason,

What Gives with GITMO?

2009-05-22T15:02:00.003-05:00

Something about the flack that President Obama is receiving over his decision to keep GITMO open and the reporting of his decision to detain a number of prisoners being held just didn't ring complete to me. I'm not even trusting my own "Watchdog's" reporting any more. On the "Rachel Maddow Show" last evening, Rachel criticized Obama for his "Radical new claim in Presidential power, which has

The Republican Conspiracy

2009-05-22T02:09:00.002-05:00

Its almost sickening to watch the news anymore. Whats up with the Republicans these days? In the beginning there was the stimulus package and the Republicans refusing to pass the bill. President Obama, in an attempt to appease them (being bipartisan) compromised by incorporating some of their interests into the bill and yet they still boycotted it. There were numerous delays in approving his

Why We Believe in Conspiracies

2009-05-20T18:33:00.005-05:00

Ironically in the "Scientific America Magazine that came in the mail yesterday (June 2009 pg 36), there is an article called "Agenticity" by Michael Shermer. Michael Shermer asks the question why do we believe in "souls, spirits, ghosts, gods, demons, angels, alien, intelligent designers" AND "Government Conspirators". He answers the question in two parts, first explaining the meaning of his

The Phantom Shadow

2009-05-18T21:02:00.011-05:00

I've managed to get nearly everything moved out of the River house, all that remains is my tractor and a few other things that require a truck. Now, I've moved 5 times in the last two and a half years and NEVER have had EVERYTHING moved out of the River house so this is a BIG deal.Everything has come full circle. I left the river in 2006 and took the job that fired me as

Reflections of the Unemployed Week 2

2009-03-16T20:01:00.003-05:00

Well, when you think things just couldn't get any worse, they do. As some of you already know, the house on the river was facing foreclosure. Several days after I was fired the news came...they re-modified the loan. Actually all they did was tack on all the past due payments for an even bigger payment. Of course my charming x-husband called to ask me what I was going to do about my 1/2 of the

Pet Peeve

2009-03-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

I have a pet peeve when people have to remind you of your obligations, as if you didn't remember you had them. Its like being reminded not to use a metal spoon in the non-stick pans. I'm an adult, I have common sense. I am fully aware of my situation and that I have obligations (and can't make them). Its one thing to be reminded of something trivial and as if you were a child but to take a

Reflections of the Unemployed Week 1

2009-03-07T07:59:00.004-06:00

I saw in the news that Deere is laying off more people now, its no wonder its going to take 6 to 8 weeks to see my first unemployment check, they are probably overloaded. I'm now a statistic of the depressed economy and depressed myself. And what I'll be bringing home won't even be half my normal salary.I'm bored to tears, there

Baggage

2009-03-01T12:51:00.002-06:00

I packed my bags and leftupon my return i was unawareof what I actually packedand carried with me thereand back again. Stillnothing has changedI remain unfalteringat the same interchange.The road has endedand appears endless.the horizon pitch black,weighted by the heavy sack.©2009

Bad Vibes

2009-02-26T21:47:00.004-06:00

I cried at the hands of my own handwith trembling fingers and sad vibes.The room upstairs, empty of you.gone to find yourself across the land.I set you free, time and time again.foreseeing your return one day,although that day will not comeit is still unconditional love.I moved on only to find my own roomempty. Filled with vibes that bribe meinto a false sense of security and comfortand the

Sex as Art

2009-02-25T22:36:00.000-06:00

I view making love as an expression of ones love, even fucking if its with the one you love is still "expressing ones self", like art. If I were to tell the artist how to paint and what to paint, it would no longer be his/her work of art. It would not be an expression that comes from their own heart and mind and the painting would not be as meaningful.How does that make the artist feel when they

Am I a Ghost?

2009-02-12T08:21:00.000-06:00

An illusion,disillusioned by what I thought was there.I can't seeAm I seen?There is no transparency.Is my voice filtered and unheard;just a whistling of a breathblown above the emptinessof a bitter brown bottle?Are my thoughts absurd?My tears clinglike drops of condensationto the cold glassfalling away from the wallsbefore the fat tire goes flat.Will I be remembered,was I present?Can you see me

Deep Lake

2009-02-11T08:18:00.000-06:00

The fog over the river this morning is so thick that you can barely see the faint lights across it, glowing from the homes on the other side. I love the river, though I am a Lake person sometimes the river has characteristics that resemble the lake, like the morning fog. I can sit and stare at it all day, just thinking. I am looking forward to the spring and all that the river brings during

Yes We Did

2009-01-20T17:00:00.001-06:00

There are no words to describe how I feel to be witness to history today. I can't even fathom how those of color must feel at the swearing in of our first black President. I've never been one to follow politics before this election but this year was different. I was captivated by Barack Hussain Obama. His character emanated integrity like rays of sunshine. Until November 4th, 2008, his color

A Different Perspective on Basketball

2009-01-14T21:38:00.004-06:00

I was just watching Illinois vs. Michigan and it was the half time show. When the second half started, I made a mental note to self that the teams had changed baskets. Then I thought, that instead of the teams changing baskets, why can't the camera man just move to the other side of the court?Just a silly thought ;)

Out of the Mouths of Babes

2009-01-14T05:38:00.001-06:00

I love being a Grandma, the best part are the antics of the little ones. My poor daughter though, still having two in diapers. They are all boys and full of "piss and vinegar". Lately their escapades have been worth writing down, I don't want to forget them as I've gotten great laughs and

Rehashing the Past

2009-01-11T11:00:00.003-06:00

Its funny how history repeats it's self. People tend to forget the things that you do for them out of love or kindness, just to make them happy because it makes you feel good inside to give and then they turn it around on you and only recall what they want to. Sometimes no matter how giving you are, its never enough, they want "more more more". I never expected anything in return and never got

Jon Stewart's Stimulus Plan!

2009-01-10T20:49:00.005-06:00

Listen to Jon Stewart's Stimulus Plan. So logical!!! Why aren't we doing it??The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10cLawrence Lindseythedailyshow.comDaily ShowFull EpisodesEconomic CrisisPolitical Humor

Heavy Hearts

2008-12-11T15:26:00.015-06:00

I want your warm breath, breathing on my face, my neck;Your strength wrapped around me as I soundly sleep,comfortably resting your hand within my thighs, or on my breast.How you make me feel, outweighs the weight of fear.When you open doors for me, you open up new passages;uncharted rooms filled with frolicking and chairs for rocking.The laughter looms, resonates and echoes endlessly.How you make

On Being Genuine

2008-11-22T11:04:00.003-06:00

There are all kinds of people. What I think I've learned most about people as I've grown older is that the "what you see is what you get" , the genuine kind are few and far between. Everyone has some hidden insecurity or agenda that makes them think they have to put on a facade. I'm not excluding my self here mind you, I just don't hide them. People act one way in the presence of this person,

Fields Of Grass

2008-10-08T16:38:00.000-05:00

I've become Pavlov's dog,conditioned to flinch and runwith my tail between my legs;wanting to head for the fields.But I yield to insecurities.Someone needs to cleanthe pipe of resin choking mecoax me slowly, to hitfrom blades of wheat grass;cleanse the toxins from my past.My heart is not obedientyet I sit and stay and beg.Residual negativity paralyzedmy individuality.I'm not a canine championI'm

Respect

2008-09-05T11:22:00.002-05:00

The definition of respect according to the Oxford Dictionary is thus: Respect1. A feeling of admiration because of their qualities or achievements. 2. Consideration for the feelings and rights for others. 3. polite greetings. 4. A particular aspect or point: the government's record in this respect is a mixed one. - v 1. Have respect for: 2. Avoid harming or interfering with. 3. Agree to

Hard Core Hysterectomy Confessions

2008-08-30T11:37:00.002-05:00

I'm bored to tears, can't sleep and am coaxing along the long awaited BM after surgery. Today is the day, I've taken a pain killer in anticipation. (I know, I'll write about anything for the sake of writing. Sorry folks its the drugs.) The question of the day? will two the size of a pea constitute a BM? Surely its not a "Big Mama" more like " Borderline Microscopic". I have until Monday, then I

The Tact of Doctors

2008-08-28T11:32:00.002-05:00

I have had the unfortunate experience of having to deal with many Doctors in many different situations in my 42 years. I recall my Father when he was told he was going to have to have a quadruple bypass, Dad's Dr. was straight forward, very blunt; "you're going to die, this artery is 90% blocked, this one is 99% blocked"...etc. etc. Dad ended up having a triple bypass because of a vein being too

At The Far End Of Life

2008-05-13T17:13:00.000-05:00

At the far end of lifewhere worries are few,where mid-summer suns,leisurely, drink of the dew.Where creeping phlox creepat the pace of no time,I yearn for that placeIn the back of my mind.At the far end of lifewhere time stands still,where descent comes with easeafter climbing the hill.Where memories strollwith syrupy thoughtspast times thick with struggle,the heart

Embracing Change

2008-05-03T12:47:00.001-05:00

Life is a work in progress. Everyday is new and different. Everyday poses a new challenge, a new obstacle, a new struggle. "What doesn't break us will only make us stronger". I haven't broke yet. I haven't given up yet. Never in my life have I "not" been in control. Apparently God thinks its been long over due that I learn that lesson of letting go of the control and the things that I thought