For a daughter to lose her mom ... whether it be to abandonment, death, illness, or dementia ... this has got to be the hardest thing ever, Mel. And you are so young. We don't expect that anything like this will happen in our lives until we are much older, so we just stuff that shadow down and go about our daily crazies. I am so happy that you have discovered your shared love and are feeling connected with her. It's a blessing for you both. I used to say that my mom was my best teacher ... in some of her ways that I DIDN'T want to be like. Your mom drove herself with her career and sent you off to boarding school. Perhaps your mom is your best teacher as well, even though you did not feel that close to her. I am lighting a red candle for strength and vitality and sending healing energies to you both.

daren1 has the best answer. Hide it. He'll think he lost it. That's what I used to do with my daughter's obscene rock T-shirts when she was a teen.

Or, as I told Flip, greet your hub at the door with only THAT shirt on and tell him you are so hot that it faded the color right out of his shirt. I have a feeling that he'll be wanting you to bleach out a few more shirts after that!

I collect rocks. Yes, I do. I have small boulders down to pebbles, including beach glass. When we lived in a small condo in California a few years ago, we had to put my rocks in storage because we had no place to put them. Every time we move, we take my rocks with us. Most of the larger ones I can identify as to where I picked them up and when. Like that big yellow one over there ... picked that one up on the north rim of the Grand Canyon on our honeymoon 33 years ago. And, oh ... see that one with the hole in it? Kaanapali Beach, Maui, about 15 years ago. I tried to take this one home, but the hub wouldn't carry it for me.

Two places I seriously shop #1 Amazon - I buy 95% of my books and media (used) through them. Cheaper and way more convenient than driving to the bookstore. I also shop at eBay, but not on a regular basis. I have never been disappointed  ... most recently I bought a brand new pair of winter boots that are worth $200 (I looked them up) and paid $57.00 plus shipping. Awesome!!!! There is also a website that I recently discovered that Goodwill runs. It's set up on the order of eBay. I bought a gorgeous old English framed print for $20. I have no idea what the value is; I just love it.

Hi my name is winfia. And I am an akaholic.

This is a tough one. I just cannot be for capital punishment. No matter what.

Someone gave me a thumbs down for that ... heh-heh ... you can't please'm all!!! Whoops, meant for that to be a comment ... 

I've read Twain, Suess, Keroack, Rand, and Atwood. Among those, (I have to say Atwood is my favorite!!) My brother and his wife arrived last night for a 5-day visit. He and I went out to rent a movie and picked Atlas Shrugged. It's been 30 years, I think, since I read this Rand classic. Can't wait to see the movie!

I LOVE your pics!! Great to see your happy, handsome face!

yes