Message Forum

Sea Fever by John Masefield

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking.
And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.
I must go down to the seas again to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover,
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trip's over .

02/05/09 12:36 AM

#385

Gary, thanks for reminding us that not all sailors "cuss like a sailor". That's a lovely sonnet. (Is it a sonnet? I think I was absent from Mrs. Fleming's class the day we learned that.)

Also, it's good to see all those flags next to so many of my classmates names. When I knew you all when we were all teenagers, the farthest notion from my mind was that I'd ever refer to any of you as "veterans". Now I am proud to do so.

I know it's cold in Georgia right now. Keep warm.

See you soon.

Love,
Diane

02/05/09 09:24 AM

#386

Jimmy Willis

DID YOU GUYS SEE SOME OF THOSE "MONSTERS" THE DAWGS
SIGNED? JUST WHAT WE NEEDED!

02/05/09 10:18 AM

#387

I just went through the Profiles and saw that Alvin was in the Navy and added his flag. No profile information on Jimmy Tiller but wasn't he in the Navy? Others I've missed??
Diane,
Just to clarify - you were not present in Mrs. Flemings class (1) the day we learned about sonnets or (2) the day we learned to cuss like a sailor. I went on to get a Master's (Chief) in the latter. Inquiring minds want to know.
Sonnet – noun 1. Prosody. a poem, properly expressive of a single, complete thought, idea, or sentiment, of 14 lines, usually in iambic pentameter, with rhymes arranged according to one of certain definite schemes, being in the strict or Italian form divided into a major group of 8 lines (the octave) followed by a minor group of 6 lines (the sestet), and in a common English form into 3 quatrains followed by a couplet.

02/05/09 04:16 PM

#388

Gary,
Thanks for your prompt response. In regard to your degree in sailor language, it reminds me how grateful I am that my plans to join the navy were squelched early in life. My vocabulary remains untainted, thank you very much.

In regard to your explanation of a what a sonnet is, sorry I brought it up! Plus, I still can't tell if that poem is one or isn't. I never could count iambic pentameters. Too much math!

In closing, I'd just like to say that you're a smart alec (sp.) However, seeing as you have devoted so much time and effort into maintaining this site, thus giving me a means by which to cling to my sanity up here in the arctic north, I will forgive you.

Please give Sherron my condolences. Oops, I mean my "love". She'd better be gettiing a big ol' bundle of red roses come the 14th!

Diane (Hey, everybody else!)

02/06/09 08:50 AM

#389

#%$&*()(#@#$%^&++*

02/06/09 10:01 AM

#390

STOP!!! Before you scroll to the bottom - note that now the latest posts appear at the top!!
I'm sorry Diane. I was just trying to be a smart a##. I couldn't tell a sonnet from a bonnet. I just love that poem (whatever its structure).
No roses for Sherron on the 14th. We are going away for the weekend.
We had a lot of hits yesterday but no corresponding posts. ??? Any ideas on how we can get more participation? There are about a half dozen "regulars". EVERYONE come on in the water (chat) is fun!!!
Connie - really looking forward to seeing everyone on the 22nd. What can I have Sherron bring? You wouldn't like my cooking or supermarket selection.
I'll shut-up now!!

02/06/09 01:18 PM

#391

Donald Chandler

From one twin to two others... here's wishing Ray and Kay a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY tomorrow.

02/06/09 01:33 PM

#392

Now its flip flopped again!!??
Happy Birthday(s) Ray and Kay and Judy whose birthday I missed earlier this week!

02/06/09 10:05 PM

#393

Oops --- late happy birthday Judy!!!!!!!!! Looking forward to seeing you, and hopefully many others, soon.

Happy birthday Kay and Ray.

I am in Canton spending the week-end with one of my son's (Trent) and his family. Especially love the time with my precious, almost 3 year old grandson.

Gary, I continue to enjoy this site so much. I too wish more people would write a note. It is just always so good to hear from any of you. For those of you who do write, please keep it up.

Everyone have a nice week-end.
love y'all,
connie

02/07/09 11:59 AM

#394

Jimmy Willis

SORRY I MISSED EVERYONE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY! I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT ONE!

02/09/09 11:26 AM

#395

Kathy Carter (Campbell)

I remembered Judy's birthday and mailed her a card. Sorry I forgot about Kay and Ray's birthday. Hope you had a great birthday. Hope to see you the 22nd. wishing everyone a beautiful, great "spring like" week. Hope your valentines are good to each of you.

Love to all,

Kathy

02/10/09 09:24 AM

#396

Someone just sent me this link that I thought might bring you a little fun today. Enjoy!!
Birthday Calculator

02/10/09 04:51 PM

#397

How true, how true!!!

02/11/09 06:08 AM

#398

Tereesa just sent this to me and thought you might enjoy as well:
Born Again America

02/11/09 07:49 AM

#399

WOW. enjoyed the video. thanks for sharing.

02/12/09 08:07 AM

#400

Yes, that was a pretty and moving video, even if it was produced by Norman Lear. Thanks, Tessie.

Also, those newest jokes are all so funny, and gave me my first chuckle of the day. I don't know how long they've been posted, which tells me I need to check more often.

Hoping everyone is well out there. Hugs to the whole bunch!

Diane

02/12/09 08:57 AM

#401

I heard this this morning and couldn't resist posting as a salute to all of the teachers out there. Thank you for "making a difference!"

**************************

"What teachers make"

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, What's a kid going to learn from someone who's best option in life was to become a teacher? He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach". To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be Honest. What do you make?" Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make"

(she paused for a second and began?)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 minutes without an IPod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make?"

(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

"I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."

Bonnie paused one last time and they continued. "Then, when people try and judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?"

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

02/13/09 10:42 AM

#402

That was a great read, Gary. Teachers are so influential. Don't all of us remember, by name, most every teacher we ever had?

I'm simply signing in to wish all of my old friends a happy Valentine's Day tomorrow. It's one of those silly holidays that is played up by Hallmark, but then again, everyone wants to feel loved. So, whether you are alone, surrounded by family, or wined and dined, I hope you know how much you are loved. For any one of you, I am sure that were it not for you, the lives of many, many people just would not be the same. "It's a Wonderful Life" is not just a good movie for Christmastime, but for all the time.

For me, each of you is part of not only my past, but also of my present. Good memories are gifts that can be reopened time and time again.

Happy Valentines Day.....a day early.

Love,
Diane

02/14/09 10:27 AM

#403

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY my friends!

Diane, you say it so well - and express my feelings better than I can.

I just checked the 10-day weather forecast. Next week-end is supposed to be 'sunny days with highs in the 50's'
Perfect weather for "old" friends to get together!!!
Looking so forward to seeing you!

connie

02/14/09 11:02 AM

#404

Donald Chandler

Well said, Diane!!! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY everybody! And Connie... I will get back to you about next Sunday.

Love & Hugs to all,

Don

02/16/09 09:33 AM

#405

Jimmy Willis

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY! I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY!

02/16/09 02:18 PM

#406

Happy Birthday Danny!!!! Glad to see you have become a regular visitor along with several others. I would like to extend an invitation to you and all of the other phantom visitors to post a "Howdy" here on the Message Forum. There's always room you everyone's comments, so JOIN IN!!!! (You phantom visitors know who you are. Don't make me post your names!! Danny, Roy, Ross)

02/16/09 02:31 PM

#407

Kay sent me a most beautiful message that contained some very good advice. It struck me that we have all gotten to the age where some degree of wisdom has begun to set in. I thought it might be fitting to share some of the Good Advice we have gathered through the years. I've posted Kay's contributions under "Good Advice" and would like to post your words of wisdom as well. Send me your thoughts.

02/16/09 07:48 PM

#408