Maurice Foxx ( 1948 - 2008 )

Maurice was a good man and a great friend. Who, over the years, told people that he didn't think there would be more than a handful of people at his funeral.

Well, his funeral was held on Wednesday and there were more than a handful of people there. In fact there were hundreds and it was standing room only in the foyer once all the seats (and several spaces on the floor) were taken long before the receiving line was complete.

Several people, both family and friends, spoke and by the end there was not a dry eye in the place. I know I was brought to tears several times during the service.

And then in was over.

And then we found out that his family and his tribe were leaving to spread his ashes and they had decided this ceremony would be open to his friends as well if they wished to attend. Which we very much did.

So we all headed out to a relatively quiet section of beach where the tribe performed a cleansing ceremony {They smudged everyone} and prepared for the final part of the ceremony in which Maurice's daughters took his ashes, got in a canoe with two rowers, one of whom was also Maurice's son, and started rowing out into the ocean. However Maurice got the last laugh.

The canoe was sitting very low in the water, much too low for the height of the waves, and as they rowed out the canoe kept taking on water as the waves broke over the gunnels.

By the time the canoe was out almost out to where his ashes would be spread it was completely swamped. And then another wave hit and the canoe went over. The people who had been in the canoe were now hanging onto the canoe while one of Maurice's daughters shook the skin, which had been used to wrap the ashes, over head and let the wind spread the ashes behind them.

Once everyone on the beach was sure that those in the water were safe there was much whooping. This was accompanied by a lot of cheering, laughter, and shouts of "Maurice never would have wanted to go in by himself."

It certainly lightened the mood, and reminded everyone of the sense of humour Maurice had, and his good nature.

He will be sorely missed.

Year End Special

It took me a long time to get into anything approaching a "Christmas Spirit."

The last two years were the best Christmases I have had since I was a child. I got to spend them with, and as part of, a wonderful family. I got to help Santa with his Christmas surprises.

This year, I spent a lot of time feeling like I was missing out. Of course this kept me from joining in, and therefore ensured that I missed out.

I got into the spirit late in the season. I didn't get any Christmas cards sent and even though I had a few Christmas presents, they didn't get delivered either. I have no idea when they will get to the appropriate people.

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My sister sent me a book for Christmas. I have not read it yet, but very much appreciate it and look forward to reading it.

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I have also been spending more time talking to, and hanging out with, friends. Both old and new. Some I have known over 12 years, some for less then 12 weeks.

We have played pool, video games, card games, and just hung out and talked. Oh, and listened to very good music. You should check out S.J. Tucker and see if she is singing in your area.

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My resolutions from last year:

• I am still 25 pounds off my goal weight.


• I read 4 more books than my goal.


• You know how my writing resolution has gone.


• My new apartment is a lot more organized than my old place was, but still needs some work.

My resolutions for the upcoming year will be in a following post.

Pink Socks and 70's Movies

I've been quiet for a while now, dealing with the changes in my life.

As I said in my last post, TWIL and I are no longer a couple. We have talked a few times since then and are still friends. The Sprout also told me that she wanted to stay in touch and we have talked a couple of times as well.

I am glad they are still in my life, even though it is not the way I thought, or hoped it would be. It might be easier to move on if there was no further contact, but I am much happier that we are still friends.

One of the hardest things has been the number of people who have said things like "I was just waiting for the wedding invitation."

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What's been happening since then?

Well, I have been settling into my new apartment. I still have several boxes full of ... stuff to unpack. I have limited furniture that i have setup and mostly arranged. {I didn't realize how nice it is to have a couch to curl up on.}

I have had a couple of guests, something which I was not really comfortable doing in old place. One of my friends was the first to stop over and hang out for a while. And a couple of weeks ago, my mother came to visit and stayed for the weekend.

As well as having a couple of people visiting me here, I have gotten out to visit others as well. Two weeks ago I was at a get together a friend of mine was having. A gathering referred to as "Grill It You Bastard Friday." It was a good time with good people and good food. I was also introduced to the game "Apples To Apples."

Then, last weekend, I went to King Richard's Faire with a few friends, one of whom has a new web site promoting his music. Definitely worth a listen.

I also have a trip to Nova Scotia planned for the middle of November. I'll be in and around Halifax for a few days around the 11th to the 17th. Anyone else going to be there?

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Lately, I have suffered from migraines. In fact, I am still suffering. The migraine is gone but it had me in such pain that I was clenching and grinding my teeth and gave myself a toothache. {Teethache? What do you call it when you have more than one at a time?} I'm dreading calling a dentist but I'm going to have to do it soon.

And a couple of times in the past few days I have found myself wearing pink socks. At least there were pink spots appearing on the white socks I was wearing. Broken blisters and dry, cracked skin on the balls of our feet will do that I guess.

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Yesterday I was walking through the Apple Store in a local mall and had something strange happen. A woman who was being helped stopped what she was doing, stepped in front of me and said

I'm a casting director and we are making a movie set in the 70's.

You have a great look. Would you be interested?

That caught me a little off guard.

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I am still here, and in several different types of pain. Thankfully, most of them are only physical.