Fortress Of Good Fortune

Hello, luvs!

Since my posting access is iffy at best, I decided to post this a little early. Besides, I consider this Love Week with Love Weekend tacked on at the end. ;)

A lot of people don’t like Valentine’s Day, and that’s fine. They say it’s too commercial. That’s true. But what modern holiday isn’t? Halloween? Christmas? Even St. Patrick’s Day is commercial now! And it’s always been that way. Whether for religious or cultural reasons, merchants always made a buck off the festivals and holidays as they hawked doves and religious trinkets outside the temples. Corporations will always co-opt.

I like Valentine’s Day because it reminds people to say, “I love you.”

Ah, you say. Shouldn’t that be said the other 364 days a year? Of course. But in chaotic, rushed, modern life, don’t people need a nudge now and again? I feel fortunate to have told my parents that I loved them often before they passed away, but sometimes you take your loved ones for granted. You do everyday things out of love, but isn’t it nice to make a special gesture once in awhile? Valentine’s Day helps us make that special gesture.

The holiday’s marketing is focused on the romantic aspect, but Valentine’s Day is for everyone. And who wants to be in an iffy relationship just for the sake of going out to dinner on February 14th?

Valentine’s Day is for expressing love between parent and child, child and parent, sibling and sibling, friend and friend.

So, a big SHOUT OUT to my friends here on my flist who have done such wonderful things for me in fannish ways (paying for userpics, paid accounts, helping with tapes and DVDs and creative things, birthday fics, etc.) and in RL. When I’ve needed you, you’ve come through for me, even if it’s just to post a fun entry on your LJ for the day. Know that you are loved.

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

*BIG HUGGLES*

Week 9: New England Patriots 55, Pittsburgh Steelers 31 (7-2) (Sunday, November 3, 2013)

Wow, what an offensive explosion! About time! :)

The first half went well for the Patriots and they led 24-10 at halftime over the Steelers. After three-and-out to start the second half, the Steelers came back to tie the game by scoring two touchdowns. The Pats answered with a field goal and they were off to the races, scoring 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.

Tom and the offense looked great. Gronk looked like his old force of nature self, and he, Julian Edelman, and Aaron Dobson all had over 100-yard receiving yards, the third time in NFL history that three receivers have gone over that mark in a single game. It was the first time in the Steelers’ long history that a team put up 55 points on them in a single game. Stevan Ridley fumbled once but had an otherwise good day with 115 yards and 2 touchdowns, and all three receivers had touchdowns. Tom connected with Aaron on an 81-yard route that was reminiscent of Randy Moss! J Tom threw for 432 yards and 4 touchdowns, and total offense was 610 yards!

Okay, it was a great explosion but we can’t get carried away. Still, it looks like the offense if finally beginning to gel.

The defense had their share of good plays, grabbing interceptions and forcing fumbles and keeping the Steelers out of the end zone in the fourth quarter. Rob Ninkovich left with an injury in the second quarter but he should be okay to play after the bye week, and Stephen Gregory has a broken thumb, but is expected to play after the bye as well.

A great way to go into the bye week! After the bye, they will be on Monday Night Football on October 18th against the Carolina Panthers.

The Dolphins and Jets won and the Bills lost this week.

NE 7-2
NYJ 5-4
Miami 4-4 (OT)
BUFF 3-6

The Red Sox were at Gillette Stadium with the World Series trophy the day after a great parade through the streets of Boston, starting at Fenway Park. They used the duck boats and after rolling through the streets, went for a spin around the Charles River in the boats. Very versatile boats! ;) It was a perfect New England fall day, golden and crisp and happy. The overhead shot of the boats in the river showed gorgeous deep-blue water and trees of all colors on the banks: yellow, red and orange. It was our 8th championship celebration since 2002: Patriots: 3, Red Sox: 3, Celtics: 1, and Bruins: 1. :)

Ever enjoy that rare day when everything seems to go right? A day that has no huge happening but is just a heckuva good day? That's me, today! :)

Hope everyone had a Merry Lammas and is looking forward to the weekend! I'm pretty hungry right now (I haven't eaten since breakfast), so I might stop at the deli on the way home and try one of their fresh salads with chunks of chicken. I'm in a salad mood! :)

Omigosh! A big THANK YOU to the kind-hearted anonymous soul who granted my request to renew my account. You are a doll!

*hugs and dances* :)

Thanks, ctbn60, for my absolutely adorable Halloween panda! *hugs and squees* :)

The 2012 DCU Fic/Art Halloween Challenge is now officially open! If you think there's nothing new about it, think again! I thought I couldn't add any more prompts but a floodgate opened and there are many new ones and new scenarios, too. So check it out if you haven't done so already, and help keep the tradition of this being my most successful Challenge every year. ctbn60 has already created a fantastic banner! :)

Don't forget the 2012 DCU Fic/Art Angels Challenge. You can cross-Challenge!

It's really autumn. The 'official' start isn't for three weeks but you can tell by the light in the morning and throughout the day, really, and at dusk. You can feel it and hear it as the weather grows cooler and the geese start their southward journey. The leaves are beginning to turn and the apples will be at their ripest very soon in the orchards. The cries of football fans can be heard throughout the land! The Blue Moon was gorgeous last night and such a fine tribute to the Goddess. :)

I always get excited at this time of year. I get Spring Fever but Autumn Fever, too. :) It means holidays coming and all sorts of fun, and my birthday included! I have to wait 'til the end of the month (the 27th) but anticipation is all the sweeter. And considering the events of last spring, I'm appreciative of having another birthday to celebrate!

The house is decorated with Autumn/Halloween knickknacks and other things and it's time to stir those cauldrons and enjoy the fannish goodies simmering within! :)

Yay! This day just got WAY better! Thanks, jeannev, for your generous gifts of extra userpic and paid account time! *dances* I really hated the thought of my pretties going away! :)

Thanks to everyone who offered snuggles and hugs, too! You guys are AWESOME!!!