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"Staying alive and staying curious..."

Sharon, MA, USA
male, age 57
divorced
Speaks: English, Squirrel
Joined Nov 1, 2002

more about little dirt »

Hello, it's me...

June 28, 2009

Dear folks,

Many pressing circumstances have conspired to keep me away from Care2 for the better part of the last two years. While I thought I was finally beginning to make headway in some areas, such hopes have turned out to be among life's cruel pranks. Circumstances keep piling on and things are now 'critical mass'.

Although I have been around lately, it's likely I will be forced to disappear again (I've just been 'hiding' here of late)...

Although my health is deeply involved in all situations (and my very limited ability to deal with them), it is my health care support system (or more appropriately, the now total lack thereof) that has my life in extreme "crisis mode". Your friendship and continued patience is gratefully & humbly appreciated.

After not adding friends for a long while, I have begun to do so again (very cautiously ~ with proper introduction). It is, however, very essential that, before sending a request, you understand and agree to honor the requests that I have made below. I will continue to do so for as long as I can (and this failing, old computer holds out -- drastic allergies to anything rubber have thwarted any attempts to replace it).

Communication is as my body & computer allow.

Thanking You Kindly,

L.D.

*****************************************************
I'm a 37 year survivor (from age 21) of M.E., (i.e. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also often erroneously referred to as CFS, and just a bit more appropriately as CFIDS. CFIDS.M.E. will suffice for accuracies sake). It is often mistakenly called a syndrome but the World Health Organization designates it as a neurological disease. I also gave up ages 10 - 17 to GBS (Guillian-Barre Syndrome). I am a a paraplegic, survivor of multiple strokes, several heart attacks, Sjorgen's Syndrome, live with extremely acute Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and have been totally housebound disabled for the past 18 yrs. (functioning only a few hours a day & within 15" of my front door) & yet still have a list that is nearly as long as it is boring. This, however, is not what my life is about (although they are rather demanding lovers), or who I am; it's simply what I live with. My mind overflows with curiosity. My life is filled with ideas, books (when I'm able - but which is all to seldom), movies, more movies, music, issues, causes, nieces, the whole Boston sports scene...

My health problems are, nonetheless, an ongoing saga and part of every minute of my existence, so there are a few ground rules that I must request (in fact, insist upon). Please, no friendship requests without an introduction and reason for the request (especially if we are not, as yet, acquainted). I am asking all my good friends to please refrain from forwarding or sending me ANYTHING at all unless you personally know that it will be welcome. I cannot do, and as a policy, do not do, forwards, responses (or Groups ~ Please:NO invitations), and a great many of my friends are in similar circumstances and have, of NECESSITY, made similar requests of me. As far as petitions go, please don't just send it to me because it was sent to you. If the issue (singular) is near to your heart, then, by all means, send it. I will give it my full attention. All other forwards are deleted, as are attempts at self-promotion on C2NN.

Typing is always a great difficulty for me, even on the better days. On many days more than 3 or 4 lines are not even a possibility (though I promise my best effort at communication as life allows). I am at my best in short, ongoing conversations. If you wish to write at length, please feel quite free. Getting to know you, or know new things, or just being an outlet to vent is never an imposition on me at all (as long as you write with the understanding that my replies must, most always, be limited in length).

In the past, I have made a few poor judgment calls in accepting friends that demanded of my time and attention. That is not
acceptable under any circumstances, even in the best of times.

If you have made a friendship request in the past and not received a response, it would be due to the failure to supply the requested introduction and reason for the request. I do occasionally try and do reverse introductions when I'm able, but I can't always do so. None of this prohibits, however, our becoming friends in the future.

warmest regards,

little dirt

***********************************************************
Movies ~ 22 sleepers: (last additions 4/20/09*)

Twenty-two movies you may have easily missed...there will be at least one on the list for you:. There is something to glean from each and every film. This section will be a continual work in progress...the 22, in no particular order:

1) In Bruges (2008)
(Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson)

A tale of two hitmen who lay low in the beautiful confines of
Bruges, Belgium after a job has gone awry. An occasionally deadly film that manages to be both a comic and touching crime thriller that languidly wends its way to quite a dramatic finish.

2) Missing in America (2005) (added 1/08)
(Danny Glover, Zoe Weizenbaum)

A touching, yet heart wrenching film of Vietnam veterans who become invisible after returning home and the emotionally isolated vet (Glover) whom they come to depend on. Weizenbaum is terrific as a young girl left in his charge that tries to reach him.

3) The Legend of 1900 (1998)
(Tim Roth)

The story of a man without a country --- born on a ship, and becoming a virtuoso pianist. The raging question: will he ever set foot on land and see life as we know it. A moving tale.

4) 25th Hour (2002)
(Edward Norton, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Anna Paquin, Rosario Dawson)

Not your typical Spike Lee film, but also a gem, as a convicted drug dealer (Norton) spends his last 24 hours of freedom with friends and family as he re-evaluates his life before beginning a seven year prison stretch.

5) Mindhunter (1986) (added 1/08)
(William Petersen, Joan Allen, Dennis Farina, Brian Cox)

Five years before The Silence of the Lambs, this was the 3rd film for William Petersen and the first screen appearance of Dr. Hanibal Lecter on the big screen. Though not as polished as "Lambs", this film is every bit as suspenseful, and one can easily see the foundations of Petersen's Gil Grissom persona in C.S.I.

6) The Tao of Steve (2000)
(Donal Logue, Greer Goodman, James Wills, Dana Goodman)

Beer drinking, card playing and overweight Dex has boiled his study of Buddhism and Taoism down to three simple rules that seemingly make him irresistible to women; that is until the day comes when Dex meets his match. Directed by Jeniphyr Goodman and co-written by co-star,and sister, Greer Goodman (& Duncan North). The Goodman trio is completed by sister Dana in a supporting role. A funny, camp, offbeat comedy/romance...

7) Blood Simple. (1984)
(Dan Hedaya, Frances McDormand)

This Neo-Noir thriller is the first cinematic effort by the Coen brothers (Joel & Ethan), as well as the screen debut of Frances McDormand. That alone would make this film well worth watching but it holds so up well of its' own volition that it would hardly matter if you knew writer, director or actor at all and portends well for the futures of those three and their great bodies of work (the three teaming up again in "Fargo") to come. An absolute must for Coen or McDormand fans. It's always fun to see where it all began...

8) Smoke Signals (1998)
(Gary Farmer headlines this all Native American production)

An almost nerdy tale of an friendship and the circle of life. There will be times when you'll wonder why your watching it, but unlike Chinese food, this film stays with you long after it's over...

9) The Woodsman (2004)
(Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Mos Def)

Very topical and not a film that many might want to see. Kevin Bacon plays a pedophile just released from prison and trying to confront his inner demons. Sedgwick is the woman who tries to rescue him. Bacon deserves an award for just taking this role, let alone the brilliance of his work. The film is very much worth seeing, but pick the right moment to see it. It's not light entertainment and will probably leave you feeling like you've taken a swift one to the gut...

10) A Soldier's Girl (2003)
(Troy Garity, Lee Pace, Andre Braugher)

The very real story of Barry Winchell, a Fort Campbell Kentucky PFC who falls in love with a transgendered woman...and the consequences of that true love.

11) Twelve and Holding (2005)
Conor Donovan, Zoe Weizenbaum, Jesse Comancho, Annabella Sciorra

A very powerful film.When a twelve year old dies in a tree-house fire that was deliberately set, his death has a very deep impact on all his friends and their families...(Kids grow up much faster than we think).

12) Things to do in Denver When You're Dead (1995)
(Andy Garcia, Christopher Lloyd, Cristopher Walken, Jack Warden, Fairuza Balk, Steve Buscemi)

Looking for a little more of adventurous 'criminal' fare. A true sleeper where a good guy, who used to be a bad guy, is forced to be a bad guy again. Problem is, he just can't stop being the good guy. Andy Garcia is perfect in the lead role in this comedic crime film...

13) 84 Charing Cross Road (1987)
(Anne Bancroft, Anthony Hopkins, Judi Dench)

I'm not sure how a movie with that cast can be a sleeper, but it manages to fly under the radar. Another true story, this recommendation is for but a select few, but if you hold books, the written word, or the special bond that can grow from personal correspondence dear to your heart, then the warmth of this movie might take the chill off a long winter's night.

14) Dancer,Texas, Pop. 81 (1998)

Any movie with a character named "Squirrel" is a movie I've got to see. A coming of age film for 4 friends about to graduate high school where each discovers what's truly important to him in life. A nice slice of very small town American life...

15) Kansas City (1996) (A Robert Altman film)
(Miranda Richardson, Harry Belafonte, Jennifer Jason Leigh)

Like jazz? This film is set in freewheeling 1930's gangland Kansas City. A tight little time capsule tied together like silk by a magnificent jazz score.

16) The Three Burials of Melguiades Estrada (2005)
(Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Pepper, Melissa Leo)

The real depth of friendship. Jones endeavors to keep his promise to his recently deceased best friend to bury him in his native Mexico. A task that proves anything but easy...

17) Iris (2001)
(Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent)

Iris is primarily the story of the descent of the great English novelist Iris Murdoch into the bottomless pit that his Alzheimer's Disease. You may never have a better chance of gaining insight into the lives of someone this disease and the loving struggles of a devoted caretaker. Dench and Broadbent are beyond magnificent.

18) Personal Velocity (2002)
(Written & directed by Rebecca Miller...yes, that Miller...Aurthur Miller's daughter) (Parker Posey, Fairuza Balk, Kyra Sedgwick)

A film in three vignettes of women at the telling moment of crisis in her lives and their escapes from their man made hells to personal freedom...I just wanted to see a Parker Posey film. The Rebecca Miller factor made for an added bonus, and she has definitely accomplished that which she set out to do in a most poignant fashion.

19) Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
(Will Ferrell, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Queen Latifa)

Ever feel that you were a character in someone else's novel and were desperate to get out? Harold Crick (Ferrel) does. I never imagined I'd see Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson (both brilliant, as is Gyllenhaal) in roles supporting Will Ferrell whose
character (Frick) is portrayed to perfection.

20) The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2004)
(Jon Voight, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Imperioli)

Religious? It doesn't matter. Believe in an afterlife? It doesn't matter. Those who do will find comfort in this film. Not a believer? It doesn't matter. For all, however, a true lesson in just how much who we are, what we do and how we do it impact the people and the world around us...

21) The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2005 documentary)
Mark Bittner, Director: Judy Irving

The true story of a modern day Bohemian and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild parrots who give his life purpose,
fulfillment, and actually sustain him and give him direction

22) All the Little Animals (1998)
(John Hurt, Christian Bale, Daniel Benzali)

A young man (Bale) escapes an controlling and abusive stepfather and meets a recluse (Hurt) whose mission in life is to walk the roads collecting roadkill and giving each and every animal a proper burial...

The tale of an unusual bond formed of necessity between a physically disabled boy and a learning disabled boy (7th graders) who rise as one to meet the worlds challenges. A remarkable and heart warming story of imagination, inner strength and friendship...

************************************************************ A short reading list:
Up next (2009):
The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006)

2007

"Squirrel" (short story) by Mary E. Wilkins (U.S. - 1900)
Are Men Necessary? by Maureen Dowd (U.S. ~ 2005) **
"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (U.S.-1892)
Diary of a Mad Old Man by Junichiro Tanizaki (Japan ~ 1961)
Leo Africanus by Amin Maalouf (Lebanon ~ 1986)
The Husband by Dean Koontz (U.S. ~ 2006)
Little Girl Lost (Hard Case Crime) by Richard Aleas (U.S. - 2007)

2006 turned out to be an unusually productive and enjoyable summer of reading from around the world:

John Adams by David McCullough (U.S. ~ 2006)
The White Witch of Rosehall by Herbert G.de Lisser (Jamaica, 1929)
The Colorado Kid by Stephen King (U.S. ~ 2005)
Seven Japanese Tales by Junichiro Tanizaki (Japan, 1910 & later)
Herland by Charolotte Perkins Gilman U.S. ~ 1915)
Smila's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg (Denmark ~ 1992)
Naomi by Junichiro Tanizaki (Japan ~ 1924)
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (U.S. ~ 2003)
The Key by Junichiro Tanizaki (Japan ~ 1956)
Envy by Yuri Olesha (USSR ~ 1927)
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women by Junichiro Tanizaki (Japan ~ 1936)
Under The Net by Iris Murdoch (England ~ 1954)

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Hometown	Massachusetts, USA
Homepage
Birthday	June 10, 1952
Languages	English, Squirrel
About Me	I've been ill for most of my life (41 of 55 years), and housebound/disabled the last 18 plus years (though I'm good for about a 25' radius of my front door, so I can enjoy the sun and my neighbors in summer). My strongest personality traits (oh boy, here's where I get to say nice things about myself...lol)are being open, honest (to a fault at times), fiercely loyal & a as good a listener as a talker. I laugh and smile easily and seem to be able to bring out those qualities in others (well, I certainly feel flattered now...lol) ;-) I am, first and foremost, a humanist. I'd rather be black than be a racist; I'd rather be a woman than be a sexist; I'd rather be gay than be a homophobe....you get the idea.
	Introduce yourself to little
Lifestyle
Pets	none, no longer able to maintain, but definitely a dog person
Activist Aspirations	Casual
Political Leaning	Liberal
Religions
Eating Habits	Microwavable
Wild Fact About Me	My family tree (actually, we have our own forest)...many famous and infamous squirrels and a few who are just plain nuts...
My Philosophy	A simple one of tolerance towards all except except those who choose to be intolerant.
What Gives Me Hope	Still finding people who are capable of touching my heart, stimulating my mind and making me smile.
If I were Mayor, I'd make the world a better place by	Why, resign of course. I still care about the world way too much to leave me in charge of it. ;-)
What/who changed my life and why	Bobby Kennedy changed my life because he, more than anyone else, made me a more totally 'aware' human being, and provided validation to the feelings of injustice I saw in society, and showed that compassion and idealism should be, and could be, the foundation of our society. As well; two educators who gave me the privilege of their friendship and wisdom, Marilyn Maxwell & John Barrows (for their total selflessness, compassion, humility, humanity and for the paths they chose to follow and share).
What Bugs Me	Intolerence, Incompetence, Indifference, Ignorance, Apathy, Predjudice, Severe Low Pressure Systems
Passions	Movies, Music, Books, Politics
Inspirations	The people who share my diseases
What Scares Me	The Same Things That Bug Me
Favorites
Role Models	Mukhtar Mai, Robert F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandella, Dalai Lama, Abraham Lincoln, M.L.K. Jr., Emily Dickinson, Eleanor Roosevelt, F.D.R., Jackie Robinson, Daniel Ellsberg, Abigail Adams, Aurther Ashe, Eva Cassidy
Quotation	"We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special." ~ Stephen Hawking "This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philoshophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." ~ The Dalai Lama "I don't try to imagine a personal God: it suffices to stand in awe at the structure of the world, insofar as it allows our inadequate senses to appreciate it." ~ Albert Einstein The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn." Ralph Waldo Emerson "Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement." ~ Snoopy "One thing about trains...it doesn't matter where you're going. What matters is deciding to get on." -The Conductor on "The Polar Express"
Interests	Movies, Music, Politics, History, Sports, Environment, The Human Condition
Books	The Power of Myth, Mysteries & Thrillers, Junichiro Tanizaki, Stephen King, Shakespeare, Anne Sexton, James Baldwin
Music	Folk, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Eva Cassidy, Susan Tedeschi, The Beatles, Miles Davis, Santana, Doo Wop
Movies	In the Heat of the Night, Absence of Malice, Things Change, The Shawshank Redemption, Regarding Henry, 12 Angry Men (the original), The Usual Suspects, K-PAX, In Bruges, Nobodys Fool, Monster's Inc., 84 Charing Cross Road, The Station Agent, MANY more
TV Shows	Warner Brothers cartoons, CSI (original), Survivor, Without a Trace
Favorite Foods	a lot of things I can't eat any more
Favorite Places	the ocean in winter ~ back in the day, outside in the rain, under my favorite tree, lost in a really good movie
Can't Live Without	My curiosity, My immagination, My wheelchair, Music, My computer, My microwave, A bed
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MoonMaiden M. (1283)

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Nov 11, 2009 3:18 AM
Dalia H. (572)	Here! A Photograph of You, Lol... Much Love my Dearest Friend B.D.
Nov 11, 2009 3:12 AM
Dalia H. (572)	Good Evening my Beloved Friend Thanks so much for your Kindness and for the green star I have been missing You I hope all is very well, with You and Yours Have a Lovely Night and Sweet Dreams Much Love as Always, Black Dalia
Oct 31, 2009 11:32 AM
Dima M. (33)
Oct 26, 2009 4:02 PM
Horselover I. (51)
Oct 19, 2009 5:16 PM
Karenbee B. (257)	Have a good one!
Sep 28, 2009 3:41 AM
Vicki C. (366)	Thank you dear friend Dave for the green star and being my friend. You have my best thoughts and kindest prayers always. Do take the best care of you! Tried to find a squirrel graphic, but the kitten with the rose will have to suffice! Hugs and love, ~Vee~ (Little red-haired girl).
Sep 28, 2009 1:08 AM
Dalia H. (572)	Thanks so much for your Kindness and for the green star Have a very Blessed Autumn Much Love, Black Dalia
Sep 28, 2009 1:05 AM
Dalia H. (572)	Hello Dearest Friend How have you been? Missing You I hope that everything is well with you and yours Have a Wonderful Sunday Evening and a very GOD Blessed forthcoming week Much Love and Big Hugs, Black Dalia
Jul 22, 2009 1:51 AM
Dana H. (183)
Jul 21, 2009 6:16 AM
Rosie P. (67)	Thanks for the
Jul 7, 2009 9:02 PM
Gillian M. (103)
Jul 6, 2009 9:37 PM
Michelle M. (83)	Rock & Roll Squirrel... LOL! Have a nice day!
Jun 27, 2009 8:30 AM
Dima M. (33)
Jun 26, 2009 5:30 PM
Horselover I. (51)	Thank you for the star Sharon. Have a nice and wonderfull weekend. Love & many blessings Sigrid
Jun 20, 2009 4:12 PM
Rosie P. (67)
Jun 20, 2009 7:24 AM
Ana M. (90)
Jun 18, 2009 11:53 PM
Pamela R. (179)	glitter-graphics.com Awwww... I missed your birthday, Little Dirt! I hope you had a great day and will have an even better year. Sending smiles and hugs, Pam
Jun 18, 2009 12:12 AM
Vicki C. (366)	Thank you Dave dear for the wonderful birthday card! I was surprised and happy to recieve beautiful greetings from my friend! Bless you my favorite squirrel, from the little red haired girl. Hugs, ~Vee~
Jun 11, 2009 8:07 PM
Dalia H. (572)	Hello there MY Dearest Friend Wishing you the best of the best on your Birthday GOD bless you Forever HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Much Love, Respect, and Big hugs, Black Dalia
Jun 8, 2009 7:16 PM
Felicita L. (221)	Visit Family Court Reform