Though soon I will be blogging on wordpress, for now I may be found on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/sherilyndw Goodbye Yahoo 360!!

(Ding Dong), Ann say's: "Andy, Andy please get up - it's time to call our friend" Andy say's: "Ok Ann, I'm awake, let's shout it once again." Both say: "We were sent to wake you, so here we are to say – please get up, brush your teeth and start your happy day."

When we were young, my sister and I had a Raggedy Ann and Andy alarm clock. Along with our Little Golden Records, this little ditty remains in both our brains for eternity (well, until our untimely demise, whenever that may be). I suspect, that after all logic has left us, and we are struggling with dementia or whatever will ail us, we will still be able to shout out our alarm clock ditty, or the words to Peter Pan…”I’m Captain Hook, I’m Captain Hook, I’m looking for Peter Pan!” This shouting out will happen in an assisted living facility, and will lead to the nervous breakdown of our unfortunate roomies, no doubt!

Christmas often brings back these memories, though they are fragmented and the years sort of blend together. There was the record we used to listen to, of assorted Christmas songs, a bit on the bizarre side. The song about the two reindeer Donner and Blitzen, actually taught me an early physical geography lesson. It started out: “Everyone’s heard of Rudolph, everyone knows his story—but did you know there were two other reindeer who found fame and glory?” It’s a sort of cha cha tune from then, and we learn the tale of Vercible and Chauncy-two very shy reindeer, who hoped one day that Santa would let them pull his sleigh. Similar to Rudolph, “All the other Reindeer looked at them and laughed…you two can’t fly, and if you try—you’ll only cause a draft!”

Vercible and Chauncy went to Christmas City, to Reindeer Flying School…”All year long they practiced, and soon they learned to fly—No matter what the weather, you’ll find them in the sky!” Of course, as a tale of Christmas calamity goes, there came a terrible storm on Christmas Eve. The sky was full of donner, and flashing blitzen too…but Vercible and Chauncy “flew through the thunder, and lightening to fame—And that’s how Donner and Blitzen got their name!”

Where was I leading to with this little story? Well, one direction was this. Raggedy Ann and Andy reminded me first of the worst Christmas present my sister and I ever received. It was a Raggedy Ann and Andy Toy Box, given to us while at our step-mother’s mother’s house. All the other kids got stuff they could play with, or color with, or interact in some sort of way. There were me and my sister Tracy, sitting by our toy box, waiting for our picture to be taken. This was in the 70’s, and though I thought I could find anything online, I could not find a picture of that darn toy box. So, I started with the alarm clock.

Yesterday I attended the Obama Rally in Battle Creek, one in a throng of 17,500 or so reported present. It was a grueling accomplishment, and although it wasn’t quite what I expected it to be, I was glad to have witnessed this small piece of history.

The rally was to begin at 7:00, with the gates opening at 5:00 in the small and humble looking C.O. Brown Stadium at Bailey Park. This area is just on the edge of Battle Creek is a spot I pass with regular frequency, not far from where I work, and also where I once went to college. Battle Creek is a struggling community, and this area reflects it. It seemed fitting that a Democratic nominee should visit there.

There was already a huge line that snaked around the park at 3:30. The sun was unforgiving, and twice an ambulance came in among the faithful, taking away some victims of the heat. After a very long wait, there was security to pass through, and then we were all cattled into the actual field, a surprise at first. I had imagined that those in line early would be able to actually sit in the stands. It turned out; the stands were reserved in advance for those who volunteer--or other unexplained designations. The stand was built for 6,200 I guess, though even that seems a stretch.

The hours passed with lots of music playing, people waited out the time, sitting on the outfield grass, or standing at a rail hoping to get a glimpse. Eventually local Democrats spoke, including Debbie Stabenow. Then another ½ hour or so passed, and a few slick dark colored busses arrived, to the cheers of all.

Luckily, with binoculars, and a strategic move to the less populated far back outfield, I was able to see Joe and Barrack. The enthusiasm of the crowd was commendable, after the duration of the day. Near the back wall, where I stood in bare feet enjoying the cool grass as night settled in, children were skipping, running, and doing cartwheels uninhibited by youth. I couldn’t help but think of how hopeful the parents of these children are for change, as we all stood listening to Barrack. It has been a long eight years.

I like things to have a kind of theme, including my blog posts (I am sure I have mentioned that before). No matter how I try, I can’t get there this time. I am toast, ever so slightly burnt out. So allow me to bounce a bit, and perhaps I will find some soothing aloe to heal.

First, I have to start with David. I am in love. I just can’t help myself. David Sedaris, my new love interest, has always had my undivided attention whenever I catch him on NPR. Lately however, I have taken to reading him, and I am just one big ball of crush. When I can’t read, I check him out on audio cd from the Willard Public Library. Since I spend hours a week in my car, not only do I get to hear his written word, but it is actually him, reading his own books! Okay, I know he is gay, he smokes, he lives in France, he has a partner… but I think I could be his Grace! Now, I am not as adorable as Grace and probably not as funny, but I think I could do it.

Summer school-at the last moment possible, I signed up for summer college classes. Kiss actual summertime living goodbye. You see-summer classes require some pretty undivided attention, and that which I can barely handle in the normal semester while working full-time is haunting my every awake and breathing moment, as well as stealing some valuable sweet dreaming time. The entire thing will be over the first week of August, so I will still have a couple of weeks of summer to enjoy before the whole thing starts over again.

Did I mention the 4^th? Well, it started as last year, with the Marshall Community Band. It is as close to The Pops as I can get here in West Michigan…the bikes are from that day. The kids in the area decorate and ride about in luxury with the street around the fountain all blocked off. It is all very patriotic, as is the music. I was surprised in a way, to find myself there again, a year later. A lot has happened in a year, some good, other things not so. Overall, it is good to be 43, alone at a 4^th of July concert, and then just two days later-sitting in the same town in a coffee shop, reading Sedaris…sipping a latte, and snickering at each paragraph as I wait to head off to class. A stolen moment of peace in a small town.

By the way- my next post will be an ode to the comma.