Abby Weyr Poems and Writings: 2024

01 October 2024

September 2024 FB Music

Su, 1 September 2024 -- #245 We Dedicate This House to Thee.

M – 16 Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford and 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton. For Labor Day.

Tu – Ballad of Green Beret by SSgt Barry Sadler, day brother passed away, he was one.

W – John Williams’ Flying theme from ET

Th – Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan

F – Sunshine on My Shoulders by John Denver

Sa – Up, Up, and Away by the 5^th Dimension

Su -- #252 Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel.

M – Monday Monday by the Mamas & the Papas

Tu – Star Wars Imperial March by John Williams in honor of passing of James Earl Jones on Monday.

W – Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens and Circle of Life from the Lion King in honor of JEJ. And 9-11.

Th – Twilight Massive Black Hole by Muse for Forever Twilight in Forks starting

F, 13 September – Twilight Flightless Bird American Mouth by Iron and Wine

Sa – Twilight Possibilities by Lykke Li

Su -- Twilight Thousand Years and Hymn #259 Hope of Israel

M – Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver and in comments Peter, Paul, and Mary Safe travels for all those going home from FTF

Tu – Richard Searles Dances of the Renaissance album

W – Where Have All the Flowers Gone? By Peter, Paul, Mary

Th – Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley, remember watching the movie with my mother

F – Gentle on My Mind by Glen Campbell, backroads of mind line

Sa – Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley, needed something lively with late start to the day

Su – Hymn #266 The Time Is Far Spent

M – Cat in the Cradle by Harry Chapin, important lesson in this song

Tu – Richard Searles Celtic Cross album

W – Home to the Sea by Mannheim Steamroller

Th – The Mississippi Squirrel Revival by Ray Stevens. I needed a laugh this morning.

F – Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the five note scene, yesterday was the anniversary of its release. Love the movie.

Sa – Flying Theme from ET movie, keeping with the space movie theme.

Su -- #273 Truth Reflects upon Our Senses

M – Witcha Lineman by Glen Campbell in honor of all the linemen that keep us powered up and work so hard to restore after natural disasters.

21 September 2024

Think about all the unnecessary deaths the Republicans have caused when you vote in this upcoming election. The start of the pandemic was so mismanaged by 45 that many more died than should have. We have had one unnecessary death in news from needed medical care being done too late to save a mother due to restrictive laws on women's reproductive health care. How many more have happened and will happen in the future?? The number of school children killed because the Republicans can't support simple reasonable gun control is too great.

How many people will die from deregulation that Project 2025 promotes? Safety concerns. Environmental protections for clean air and water. If not die, more people's health will be adversely impacted - more asthma, more COPD, more cancers.

How many mothers and babies will die because the Republicans won't support services for children with medical problems that mothers have been forced to have because of restrictive reproductive health care laws? They only care about birth, not care during pregnancy, not care after giving birth, just that the baby is born.

Republicans are touted as being pro-life and for family values. What Republican policies actually support life? support family values of compassion, love, empathy? I can not think of even one policy.

20 September 2024

Forever Twilight in Forks 2024

Forever Twilight in Forks 2024

Planning for FTF 2024 started in December 2023 when decided to get a vendor table and sell or give away more of my Twilight Collection at FTF 2024. Chatted with my friend, Sherri, and she was planning on coming and selling items also. So, we both signed up on 1 January 2024 and asked to have tables next to each other. Mailed in application and payment. All set.

Arrangements were made for a room at Pacific Inn. I asked my friend, Christine, if she wanted to come join me and help me sell stuff and kind of start celebrating my 75th birthday like we did for 70th. She was agreeable. So, planning working out.

July things started falling apart. Sherri couldn’t come after all. Christine received notice for jury duty during FTF time frame. And my back flared up. Without help I decided not to go as a vendor, maybe not at all. Cancelled room and table about three weeks out.

A few chiropractic visits helped me to stand up straighter and for a little longer. So, I was better enough to go for a day to see cosplayers and other friends. I looked at the schedule to pick a day to go. Saw a new thing with the Volterra Coven being patrons of arts and a show Thursday afternoon and then welcome party. Friday was the bazaar. Asked my friend Gay if she had a bed or recliner that I could sleep on for Thursday night. Yes, the recliner was available. So, about a week out, I was going for a day sort of - Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon. I figured I could handle the food and suitcase for the overnight.

Schedule did not specify where the show was going to be and no signage up. Saw Charlotte and asked her and got directed to Roundhouse. There was a line already. Parked car. Took picture of sign before getting in line. Didn't have to wait long to get inside.

Nice set up. Flower archway to seating area and stage with three (3) chairs. I was directed to a seat with space for rollator. 'Heidi' and 'Jane' were announcers. The ruling brothers came in. A little ceremony welcoming a new member to the coven. Then harpist. Then singer guitar duo. Song in Italian? and then in English. Then ballerina. Then gymnasts/aerial work in center of Roundhouse. The stage was set against the outer wall, so had to twist and turn around to see them. My back was very unhappy, stayed sitting forward to ease pain some. Should have picked up chair and turned it around. Oh well. Camera battery was low so couldn't have taken a bunch more pictures anyway. The sound was terrible, always has been in the Roundhouse. Barely heard and understood what any of the actors said with the new addition scene. It was announced that the cookies at the reception were not gluten free. [Gay told me later they were GF, misinformed or misheard?]

On to Gay's home to unload car and eat before the welcome to Forks party. Katryna and Gay eventually arrived.

Headed over to the Welcome to Forks party. Group picture was over, so lots of people wandering around. The cosplayers were not sitting and selling pictures. They had large boards out with pictures numbered and choose which you wanted. There were a couple of different people handling money – for Olympic Coven and Volterra Coven. The cosplayers were wandering around. Spoke briefly with Vee and Marc. Saw the other cosplayers but did not speak with them. Saw and chatted with a few other people. I was tired and sore and left after about 30-45 minutes.

Friday morning, I got in car and started and warning light – low tire pressure. Got out and looked around and none were flat, so messaged Gay about where to go and decided to stop at Native to Twilight. Shopped there after asking about tire place, West End Motors on way to Ki’tla Center. Saw a couple of possible Tshirts but didn’t buy any. Bazaar for first purchases.

West End Motors was VERY helpful. All four (4) tires needed air. No charge. I thanked them and said that I’d sing their praises on Facebook. Which I did.

The Bazaar was at the Ki’tla Center. Outside vendors were along what is usually a driveway close to the Roundhouse. Much better than out on parking field as it was a couple of years ago. A few more native vendors than in past years, some beautiful knitted vests and sweaters and beanies and ear warmers.

Inside the vendors were in the outer circle and authors on the inner circle. Someone was selling some nice note pads with Twilight cover image in corner. Talked Star Trek with him. Started about getting autographs on some bookmarks, stated learned long ago at ST cons not worth standing in line for autograph/pictures. Not familiar with any of the authors as usual, not really interested in paranormal romance which is what they all are.

The actor autograph/pictures were in another building. People were wandering about. After spent enough time looking at items, went out to see who chat with. Erik Odom was outside entertaining people as they waited to pick up pictures or for their group to go in. He spotted me and came over with big hug and glad I was able to make it. Chatted a bit. Some other people came up, selfies taken. Many of familiar friends were surprised and happy to see that I made it at all. Someone mentioned a Team Pam group. I was amazed by all that. As a photographer I tried to keep in background. I didn’t realize I was that well known and liked.

Heard some not happy with only the professional photographer pictures, none with their own camera/phones. Some not happy with waiting for pictures and if not wait when and where pick up later not clearly stated. There was a bathroom trailer over by that building. That is a nice addition to just a porta-potty, second year had one.

Time to wrap up and leave for home. Stopped at Katryna’s booth, bought a BD ornament. There are two things that I’m kinda sucker for in Twilight – the red truck and pawn/queen image. Chatted a bit. Decided to head to back into town to visit Lapells and see what they have, usually get some huckleberry treats and maybe some Twilight item. Charlene came out and chatted a bit, suggested a history from the three that started things in 2009 for the 20^th anniversary next year of book publication. Kinda sad that the three had a falling out all the way around.

It started to sprinkle as getting back into car after lunch at Gay’s. Ended up heavy rain on drive home. Long slow drive.

Glad I went. The Volterra show and shopping was worth it. Glad I was able to speak to a couple of the cosplayers. Sad missed the shows at the parties, but even if back not flair up I wouldn’t have gone to the parties. Videos are showing up on FB. Nice twist with alternative ending. Good shows by all the cosplayers.

Grateful that I started going before so crowded and before the actors came and while the price was reasonable and just fans and cosplayers.

01 September 2024

Daily Music for August 2024

Music on Facebook during the week, started 29 July 2024

This was started after a prompt in a post or comment. It is a nice way to start the day. Sometimes the music matches something about the day, sometimes just a random selection. Music to not be political. On Sunday I share the hymn that matches that day in the year. The FB post will be public.

M - Two Sunsets by Ludovico Einaudi

T - Bella’s Lullaby by Carter Burwell, Twilight soundtrack

Shared in sequence because Einaudi’s music seems to me the type of music Edward Cullen would compose.

W - Robin Hood & the Tanner by Richard Searles, discovered him at the Harvest Festival, nice chatting with him about the lovely Celtic music.

Th 1 August 2024 – Faery Queen by Heather Alexander, first heard her at a BayCon? I think. Went to several concerts, a couple of them home concerts where performance was recorded. Transitioned to Alexander James Adams. To me as Heather she had one foot in the land of fae and one foot in mundane world. She was magical. He has both feet in mundane world. Music is still good, but magic is missing for me.

F – Travelin’ Man by Ricky Nelson. Watched Ozzie & Harriet growing up and seeing Ricky get his start in music. Died way too young.

Sa – Ode to Joy flash mob. Classical music day.

Su - #217, Come Let Us Anew

M – 5 Browns, Rhapsody in Blue

Tu – Merry Minuet by Kingston Trio from 1959 Live at Hungry i album. With hurricane Debbie hitting Florida and SE states and wild fires out west, it brought this little song to mind. Mother liked it when heard it on radio and my brother and I hunted down the album for either Mothers’ Day or her birthday.

W – I Want to Hold Your Hand by the Beatles, video of their appearance on Ed Sullivan show in 1964. I remember seeing.

Th – Calypso by John Denver. This was about Jacque Cousteau’s research vessel. Watched the TV show growing up.

F – Ludovico Einaudi, Una Mattera. Wanted quiet piano music this morning.

Sa – The Owl by Richard Seales.

Su -- #224 I Have Work Enough to Do

M – American Pie by Don McLean. Was going to post no music this morning and then this song popped into head and line ‘the day the music died’ fits.

Tu – Cello Wars by the Piano Guys. Wanted a little lightness this morning.

W – more whimsy with The Unicorn by the Irish Rovers.

Th – Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkle.

F – Sound of Silence by S&G. Noisy day going to county fair

Sa – Greatest American Hero theme song. More whimsy.

Su, 18 August 2024 -- #231 Father, Cheer Our Souls Tonight

M – Golden Bough, Down on the Greenwood. Saw them at the Pleasanton Highland Games.

Tu – March of O’neills by Wicked Tinkers. Saw them at the Pleasanton Highland Games.

W – Celtic Rock from Tempest, Jolly Roger. Not a fan but wanted some more Celtic music. Saw them a couple of times at Pleasanton Highland Games

Th – Celtic Thunder, A Place in the Choir.

F – The New Christy Minstrels, This Land Is Your Land. Almost didn’t post, pain bad.

Sa – The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

Su – 25 August 2024 -- #238 Behold Thy Sons and Daughters, Lord

M – Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell; reference to both side of political issues

Tu – America by Neil Diamond, feeling a little patriotic this morning.

W – Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul, and Mary

Th – Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof

F – King of the Road by Roger Miller

Sa – Summertime from Porky and Bess opera. End of summer. Warm weather for holiday weekend. I remember going to see this opera as a film. It was my first exposure to opera. I remember parents explaining to me about opera.

13 August 2024

Why I am supporting Democratic ticket for President

[list not in any particular order]

*I want clean air to breathe and water to drink for everyone.

Trumpites/MAGAites [TM] want to deregulate industries and allow pollution of air and water.

*I want science and facts to be used in making decisions.

*I want public lands to be kept public and developed in a minimal way for everyone to be able to enjoy nature.

TM want to sell land for profit and develop without regard to nature.

*I want elected officials to be stable, healthy – mentally, emotionally, and physically. I want some happy, laughing, loving, positive people as our president. I want people to be respected.

Evidence is pretty clear that 45 is a narcissist and not healthy. He wants power for himself. He doesn't care about people. He does not smile or laugh. He mocks people. He scowls. He is angry. He is hateful.

*I want the whole USA Constitution and laws & regulations to be protected and upheld, no one is above the law.

45 is a convicted felon. He has said that he would be dictator on day one, one of few true things he has said. TM want revenge and retribution against any who oppose them.

*I want the Civil Service to be protected, jobs by merit and knowledge, not loyal to one person.

TM want to replace current civil service members with loyalists to 45.

*I want democracy protected here and overseas. I want our allies to be democracies. Stay in NATO and other mutual international organizations.

45 & TM follow and use dictators as role models.

*I want assault rifles to be illegal. I want national and interagency background checks and wait period to buy a gun.

TM do not want any gun regulations.

*I want abortion to be a decision between the mother, her faith, her doctor, and maybe the father. It is a medical procedure best done safely and legally in clinic/office/hospital setting. Doctors should not have to worry about legalities with reproductive care of women. Women should not have to travel to another state to get safe legal reproductive care.

TM want to make all abortions illegal. They will not provide support during pregnancy or after birth, just interested in the birth. They are willing to risk the life of mother in complicated pregnancies by forcing birth. They are willing to force young teenage girls go through a pregnancy and give birth and then abandon them.

If you do not want abortions to be used for birth control, then provide low cost or free options -- birth control pills, IUD – and sex education in schools since parents aren’t doing their job at home. Best solution is to make vasectomies for all males capable of reproduction mandatory until they are able to be responsible in all ways for any child.

*I want separation between church and state.

TM want to force everyone to be Christians and specifically their type of Christians. They want laws to be their specific Christian laws.

*I want all of history taught in schools, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

TM want to whitewash history.

*I want public education to be funded. I want teachers to teach.

TM want to do away with public education.

*I want the wealthy to be taxed to pay their share.

TM want to give wealthy people and corporations tax breaks.

Reagan trickle-down economics hasn’t worked. People and corporations are too greedy.

*I want the money Congress has ‘borrowed’ from Social Security to be returned. I want SS and MediCare to be funded.

TM wants to do away with Social Security and MediCare – privatize it.

*I want every eligible citizen to be able to vote easily. National holiday. Vote by mail. Automatic voter registration.

TM are against voting by mail. They change polling places to make it more difficult for people to vote.

*I want immigration reform.

TM stopped a bipartisan bill from being passed so that immigration would remain an election issue.

*I want Congress to work together to put country above party and their own special interests. To have honest debates.

TM want retribution against anyone who opposes them not matter the issue no matter what is good for country, just anger and hate.

*I want taxes to pay for NPR, PBS, and NEA (National Endowment for Arts).

TM wants to defund all these public art programs.

Added 14 August 2024:

*I want my taxes to go to NPR, PBS, NEA (National Endowment of Arts)

TM want to defund them.

Added 21 August 2024, not specific to H&W but local politics that could apply nationwide and Democrats most likely do it:

*I want rent stabilization, limit percentage rent can increase, for apartments and mobile home/manufactured home parks.

*I want a limit to how many individual homes one person or corporation can own in an area to rent out. Limit how many can be short term vacation rentals, short term would be less than two months.

*I want term limits for Congress. Three maybe four terms for House of Representatives, so six to eight years total. Two maybe three terms for Senate, so 12 to 18 years total.

Haven’t decided about Supreme Court term limits yet, maybe 20 years, and stagger the terms.

*I want any law/ordinance, national/state/county/city, making it illegal to collect rainwater repealed.