In this world of online formats where anonymity allows people to share the utmost in personal likes and dislikes, family histories and life experiences are cried about, laughed over, examined intellectually or thrown out as an off the cuff remark, it's easy for members of a forum such as the ljworld to become family. 

Upon graduation from The World Company Citizen Journalism Academy five years ago,  I began writing blogs.  I was naive, inexperienced and technically challenged to say the least. 

One commenter who immediately assisted me with support and knowledge was Multidisciplinary - multi. 

Her off beat sense of humor, knowledge of online forums, quick wit, astute wisdom, array of sites to supply photos and links to back up conversation really added much to our blogs. She even invited me over to her house on numerous occasions to teach me first hand how to scroll blogs and put folders together.

I have to admit, I first thought, because of multi's handle, that she was a he and also a police officer.  She got a kick out of that.   

I was saddened to learn last evening that she passed away on Monday of this week.

I know there were times multi and I gave each other digs, other times she managed my song title blog sites when I was too busy to alphabetize it myself, and she suggested numerous blog topics for me to write about. She also became much like the twin sister we always joked that we, as Scorpio woman, were.   I'll miss her in ways I'm just beginning to realize. Her outgoing personality, outrageous sense of humor and embracing hug made her a popular favorite at our backyard group gatherings. 

Many of us have special memories of Multi, please share yours. 

http://www2.ljworld.com/weblogs/at-random/2012/jun/27/when-online-friends-die-a-goodbye-to-mul/edit/#discussed

Ok, the blog title was simply to get your attention. Although there are numerous shades of color as the blackberry ripens from a tiny green pod, moves into an array of reds (they almost look like raspberries), to a dark purple, and then to the deeper shade of black, for the purposes of this blog, berries are either ripe or not.

I spent an agonizing hour, ok, that's an exaggeration, last Sunday picking a berry here and a berry there, everywhere a berry berry, but the majority were not ripe. Today, oh what a difference a week makes!

I place both hands palm side up, fingers curved upwards under clusters of the ripest berries. I wiggle my fingers ever so gentle and both hands are filled with delicious, warm ripe fruit. Take the right hand and place the berries into the bowl beside you. Take the left hand and fill your mouth with berries. Begin again.

When the fruit it ripe, it is truly that easy.

Items to take: water, long sleeved shirt and heavy pants, shoes with hard soles or boots, socks, sun screen, strap around bag or back pack for keys, cell phone, etc., a friend with compulsive disorder (they just don't stop picking), bug spray (ticks are as thick as the berries), plenty of containers (not too large as your berries will become heavy and squish the bottom ones), and a healthy appetite.

It seems as though berries give off heat. Regardless of how cool the morning is, I find I'm covered in sweat from head to toe within minutes of entering a berry patch. Maybe it's the speed in which I'm picking, or the extra calories I'm getting from the berries, or the competitive spirit as my cousin Teresa and I knock each other into the brambles when we spy the fattest, juiciest berries hanging, as always, just out of reach.

Please share berry picking sites, any items I forgot, and your favorite recipes - I hear there is a great blackberry yogurt soup.

If anyone is interested, we can have a berry picking contest. Find someone willing to time you for half an hour and then count your berries once your time is up and report back to me. The winner will receive a gift to be announced.

I'm serious. I'm a face book fan and read one friend's report about finding bear scat numerous times the past couple of weeks. Apparently her husband has heard a bear making ghastly bear sounds, the horses are too afraid to come out of the barn, and the family dog has returned home smelling to high heaven and scared.

I'm hearing reports of the bear scat sightings north of Baldwin City and surrounding a several mile area running east and west of a friend's farm. My friend reports her berries are still intact.

So reports of cougars and bobcats may be taking a back seat to bear sightings.

I didn't realize this was bear country, did you?

What's the strangest animal you've witnessed in your own back yard?

Like a giant horse fly descending for a feeding, the world of horse racing enthusiasts is abuzz with weather reports, strategies between jockeys, trainers and owners, the fresh horse meat coming into Saturday’s third leg of the Triple Crown, nerves, and jokes such as Letterman’s about his pick for The Kentucky Derby – ‘the horse I picked to win was so slow, the jockey packed a sandwich.’

With IHA’s (I’ll Have Another) winnings presently at $2,693,600 – including first place purses from the last three races he won, Santa Anita Derby, and of course the first two legs of the Triple Crown, which include The Kentucky Derby and Preakness – he wins a mere $600,000 in contrast this Saturday at Belmont when he noses his way across the finish line.

Why such a vote of confidence when only eleven horses have won the Triple Crown in the past 137 years? (Sir Barton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway, Count Fleet, Assault, Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed) Because I’ll Have Another has the heart.

I’ve read horse racing blogs and rags about IHA’s eleventh spot coming out of the shoot, how 25 year old jockey, Marion Gutierrez, and trainer, Doug O’Neil, are pre running the race, while IHA rests, beginning today with the assistance of retired jockey Richard Migliore who will assist Gutierrez with strategy. Migliore has personally won more than 4,450 races – many of them at Belmont. (Jockey Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey was their first choice, but he was required to decline because of his position as NBC analyst)

There are those who say I’ll Have Another’s post position, 11 out of 12 (the higher the number, the further the horse has to run to covet the spot by the rail), is no big deal since the Belmont is a mile and a half long race. This race allows plenty of time to compensate for a rough start out of the gate.

IHA was purchased for a mere $35,000 early in 2011. For that amount one can buy 3 nice Harleys, one decent shotgun of English manufacture, a used fifth-wheel camper, or a pre-owned Corvette. In other words, IHA was a damned fine investment. With more than a hundred million wagered on Saturday’s race, breeding fees following his win at more than his purchase price per shot still take some time to add up.

Only 11 horses in the 137 years running of the Triple Crown have captured horse racing’s greatest achievement, winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. None are presently alive. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978 and 11 horses have managed to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown since before losing at Belmont.

What does IHA get out of a win? Likely a run in the Breeder’s Cup, retirement and stud service on a farm in Kentucky – not a bad life after this past year’s whirlwind ride on the fast track of horse racing.

So while people in the know discuss how if it rains IHA doesn’t have a chance (the race he did lose was on a muddy track), how he has competed against 40 horses to take the winner’s circle this Saturday, and how jockey and trainer are strategizing the running and the winning, it gets down to the heart of one horse on one Saturday in June.

The weather can be perfect, the trainer can be an expert, the jockey can be the most experienced in the field and know his horse inside and out, but it comes down to IHA. We know he is fast, we know he has stamina (this is his third race in five weeks), but does he have the heart that when given his nudge will take him across the finish line first making him the twelfth to take The Triple Crown. There are many who are betting he does.

It was Sunday afternoon the last weekend of April. I had been looking forward to Dixie Lubin's erotica workshop ever since I'd heard about it and immediately had signed up to attend. I was running late, having been at a committee retreat meeting at our local District Two Kansas Authors Club President, Susie Nightingale's house.

I parked in the lot adjacent the house where I attend poetry sessions twice monthly, let myself quietly in and grabbed the closest chair. Dixie Lubin (one of my favorite poets who has the most lovely open and accepting demeanor) was leading the group of approximately ten women, ages ranging forties, fifties and sixties, in an awareness exercise. The other women were sitting quietly with their eyes closed, faces open and relaxed. Dixie smiled serenely in my direction as I immediately dropped the hustle and stress of everyday life and allowed myself to be carried into another world. She was talking about allowing a rose to unfold within our heart and chest area, as well as in our minds. When I think of rose petals unfurling, I think about a specific body part opening and as we came out of the relaxation and awareness guidance, my writing about my sexuality began to open and unfold.

Writing erotica was an enlightening and profoundly moving experience. As the women took turns going around the table reading what they had written - a blend of fact, fantasy, desire - I learned a great deal about them, myself, social taboos and just how similar all of us are in terms of our sexuality.

Erotica can mean many different things to different people - I tend to look things up in the dictionary, and I noticed another word for erotica is porn (really! hehe), but erotica isn't porn to me. Erotica is the softer side of sex. It isn't just about the thrusts, inserts, positions, numbers, it is about touching another, oneself, love making, pleasuring, titillating, caressing, openness, experimentation, non judgement.....perhaps even going someplace no man has gone before.

So, not only did I learn a great deal about myself, the wonderful sharing ability and life experiences of the other women within the group, but also about what often is missing from our lives. As a Life Coach, I frequently discuss how short this human experience is, how important it is not to allow fear to control and box us in within our lives, how we should put away the judgements we feel toward other people - and often, feel even more harshly towards ourselves.

I shared my erotica writings with male friends over the next few days. I was delighted and surprised when they shared some of their own with me. It wasn't porn, it was an appreciation of the absolutely wonderful sensations our bodies have the capability to feel and assist another to feel. It was an appreciation of the beauty of our sexuality in all its vast ability to give and receive. And, I suspected that if I were to share what was written by the males and females, no one would have known the difference of which sex it had been written.

I've heard a lot of positive media about the book, "Fifty Shades of Grey" by E L James. I have not read it. I don't have the time. I'm too busy writing and experiencing my own erotica.

Please share your own favorite memory of an erotic time (remember this is a community forum with restrictions and young readers).

What have you done to enhance your sexuality recently?

We all have our specific superstitions on what we think will help a winning team, or in today's case, the horse we want to cross the finish line first in The Preakness.

As a four year old living with an aunt and uncle in Ft. Collins, Colorado, it meant I rode my stick pony for days in advance of the race. When that stick pony tripped me up and I landed chin side down on the cement behind our house and had to go to the emergency room for stitches, I demanded my aunt burn my pony in the backyard incinerator. Fast forward three years, I rode my Shetland Pony, Blackie - short for Black Beauty, in preparation of the big races. When he bucked me off and then fell on top of me (I forgot to release the reins as I toppled head first), I wanted my Grandmother to burn him as well. Luckily she did not and told me to get back in the saddle.

More recent years have found me watching The Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in pool halls, at the houses of friends, even in airports willing to risk missing my flight in order to see which horse crossed the finish line first.

The past several years find me likely to watch and ride from the comfort of my own home. I don my silk burgundy racing shirt, massage and dress my favorite steed (we wear matching bandanas), and begin chomping at my bit in anticipation as the newscasters drone on in pre race information.

So how did I miss the 138th running of The Kentucky Derby? I was dressed for action, ready for the start of the race and already mounted on RoBoCop (my steed of the hour). I was relaxed and confident that today I'd be on the winning horse. I rode through the opening announcements, was beginning to sweat and salivate...then ......we were off and running. I moved as one with RoBoCop, and then it happened, seconds before the race ended, a wrong move and I was in the zone, totally unable to comprehend or look at the ongoing race before me.

Today's safeguards? RoBoCop stays closeted. I'm riding Creative Cause. I can feel Daddy Nose Best breathing hard as he comes up behind me on the inside....we move closer to the rail....Teeth of the Dog begins to nip at Creative Cause's hindquarters.....it only spurs him further ahead...... somehow RoBoCop breaks out of his holding pen and begs me to ride him.....I toss a match at him as I throw my hands high into the air and look in the direction of the winner's circle.

What are your superstitions about winning a race or game? Which horse are you riding to the win in today's race?

Following is the list of winners for the KAC (Kansas Authors Club) District Two writing contest:

Prose - Memoir

1st Defining Middle Age - Tracy Million Simmons

2nd Lucky Lee - Susie Nightingale

3rd Rabbit, Rabbit - Cathy Callen

Prose - Feature Article

1st Death of a Small Town - Marsha Lytle

2nd Sunrise, Sunset - Joann Williams

3rd Exchange Student's American Christmas - Lorranine McVey

Prose - Inspiration

1st Random Acts of Kindness - Susie Nightingale

2nd Let Your Avocation Be Your Vocation - Susie Nightingale

3rd Raspberry Conflict - Teresa Oliver

Prose - Short Fiction

1st Pickup Man - G. E. Murray

2nd Supernatural Soap Opera - Steve Laird

3rd Shackled - Joann Williams

Poetry - Haiku

1st Winter Light - Susie Nightingale

2nd Haiku - Diane Palka

3rd Autumn Sunset - Jean Jackson

Poetry - Narrative Poetry

1st Where the High Plains Meet Heaven - Ronda Miller

2nd If Not for the Tears - Ronda Miller

3rd Tip Bucket - Kevin Rabas

Poetry - Free Verse

1st The Walker - Tracy Million Simmons

2nd BBQ, Southern Illinois Style - Iris Wilkinson

3rd Meeting Schnackenberg - Ronda Miller

Poetry - Rhymed Verse

1st Ain't Life Grand, Son? Lee Mick

2nd Is There Anything Else? Ruth Bahr

3rd Author's Soul - Vicki Julian

Congratulations to entrees and winners in this year's District 2 contest. Submissions are currently being accepted for the statewide contest for both prose, poetry and books. For additional information: skyways.lib.ks.us/orgs/kac/contest.ht

You need not be a member of KAC to submit entrees. Please submit all entrees no later than June 15th, 2012. (correction: the address for poetry submissions: Poetry Contest Manager, 214 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence, KS 66049, rather than 219 Lawrence Ave.

I wasn't particularly surprised when President Obama made the statement about his personal feelings on the issue of gay rights. His opinion that they have every right to be happy in a legal marriage along with all the amenities that affords is held by about half the population.

Marriage: the formal union of a man and a woman, typically recognized by law, by which they become husband and wife.

The above definition is about to change. My interest lies in just how far it will.

Wikipedia definition of bisexuality:

'Bisexuality is a sexual behavior or an orientation involving physical or romantic attraction to males and females - especially with regard to men and women. It is one of the three main classifications of sexual orientation, along with a heterosexual and a homosexual orientation - all a part of the heterosexual-homosexual continuum. It has been observed in various human societies and elsewhere in the animal kingdom throughout recorded history.'

Does our President hold the belief that marriage is sanctimonious to a union between two people only? Do you? I know the word monogamy generally comes up in discussion about marriage - gay or otherwise. Can a bi sexual relationship among three consenting adults be classified as monogamous?

I believe as with heterosexual and homosexual individuals, the bi sexual individual is born with the sexual imprint of who they are and where their sexuality lies. The definition of what we hold marriage to be is about to change.....just how far is the change gonna come.

(This is a beginning blog about an ongoing in-depth investigation about bisexuality that I've been undertaking for the past several weeks. I became aware of how predominate it is, when I went out with a gentlemen several weeks ago who decided to place an ad on Craigslist stating we were a married couple seeking another male to participate with us sexually. For clarity sake, I do not consider myself bisexual nor did I encourage the male's action. I was initially shocked and surprised by the overwhelming response my 'friend' received. I decided to not continue my relationship with my acquaintance, but I have subsequently made contact with several of the gentlemen and have been interviewing them about their bi sexuality. They are all married men)

retreat: 'the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant), withdrawal for prayer and study and mediation, withdrawal of troops, an area where you can be alone, a bugle call, a military signal for withdrawal, a place of privacy, make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity, pull back, move back, move away for privacy....'

Urban Dictionary - retreat: move forward, progress in self awareness and creativity, the act of writing the best damn prose and/or poetry you ever dreamed possible, to bond with other writers, professional and novice, to enjoy the guidance and camaraderie of like minded and accepting spirits, to delight in the healing and creative aspects of nature, to form new friendships and strengthen existing ones, to become a vessel of newly written material.

Where: scenic Lake Doniphan Conference & Retreat Center, 12856 Doniphan Lake Road, Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

When: June 1 - 3, 2012. Registration forms should be completed and submitted by May 15, 2012, for the June 1-3 retreat.

How much: the one day retreat is available for $65 and includes breakfast and lunch Writers may additionally choose to stay Friday night and/or Saturday nights for an additional fee.

The retreat is sponsored by Kansas Authors Club District Two as a yearly fundraiser, but one need not be a member of KAC to attend. (membership fee is $25 annually)

Background information on KAC:

Kansas Authors Club has several hundred members statewide within the 7 Districts.

District 2 has approximately one hundred members. District Two encompasses the following counties: Anderson, Boubon, Coffey, Franklin, Johnson, Linn, Lyon, Miami, Wyandotte, Osage in addition to Douglas.

The statewide association has been in existence since 1904. The club offers writers from all walks of life the opportunity for a discussion of problems unique to writers. Writers from backgrounds such as creative, technical, academic, journalistic and poetry are welcomed.

Districts offer contests as well as support.

As Susie Nightingale, District Two President, states, "I think the main thing the club provides is networking with other writers and opportunities for improving writing skills."

Well known poet Bill Karnowski will be Master of Ceremonies.

Questions may be directed to Susie Nightingale, District Two President, at swimmer10@sunflower.com or (785) 760-1274.

Additional information can be found at: kansasauthors.org "District Two News"

I know the 138th running of The Kentucky Derby is going to take place this afternoon, not this evening. I also know the way my mind works. Years from now, I'll picture all those pretty thoroughbreds running on a blazin fast track under the largest moon 2012 has ever known.

For now, I won't let the reality of a hard rain falling overnight in Churchill Downs, knowledge of a humid, 86 degree day with continued chance for thunderstorms and a questionable run by some of the horses this morning affect that photo finish I have going on in my mind.

Like most people, I have used several methods of picking Derby winners over the years. I've gone from choosing the filly, merely because she was a filly (Eight Belles was a tragedy), to a pick of the horse reminding me most of the stallion from The Black Stallion series, to just picking one based on best personal, and often heart wrenching, story about jockey and or trainer/owner.

This year, I'm going with the alignment of the stars and the moon as to which horse will be pulled into the winner's circle.

Here we go: the Kentucky Derby is a 1 and 1/4 mile race - ten furlongs (and you can bet your mint julep the track will be fast and dry by gate time), the super moon is 221,802 miles from Earth this evening, it is referred to as the Perigee which sounds like pedigree which remind me of thoroughbred......Have I lost you?

Even the names of the ten most likely horses to win (isn't that a larger than average field), seems to reiterate the cosmic connection: Alpha, Liaison, Creative Cause, El Padrino and SaberCat. (that last because I think cats are cool)

So....I may go with the horse in second post position because of all the twos in the above mentioned series of moon and earth and track alignments, or Liaison, because it sounds like it's meant to be, or Creative Cause, as that is what my life is about, or El Padrino - the Godfather should rule on Cinco De Mayo.........ok, the last didn't work.

Crap, does anyone have a coin I can borrow......