FIRST PUPPY OUT OF THE BOX--CELEBRATING DARLENE

WHAT'S IT LIKE HAVING A WHIRLWIND FOR A SISTER?---IT'S EXCITING AND INSPIRATIONAL.

Years often go by before I actually lay eyes on her.  That's why I treasure this picture from my archives because in 2013 we accidently crossed paths in a small town in Louisiana and she had a few minutes to spend with me in my rig.  Here is the great lady herself at my humble table eating something I whipped up.

Also from my archives when she was in town to address some group or other.  Her official title is DOCTOR DARLENE because she has a PHD.

I've asked her office to send me some official picts of her.  If they do I will post them.

Today is her birthday---an approriate time to introduce her to my readers.  I will try to give you some sense of her with this poem.

                DARLENE:

FIRST PUPPY OUT OF THE BOX

From a litter of puppies you must have seen

that special one, given by nature

an extra measure of spirit; and so

is first to climb out of its box;

daring to go when others stay.

Like that puppy, Darlene was first out of the box.

The whole community saw that it was so!

And there was more: Nature granted her

an extra measure of imagination;

visions of new possibilities.

I have always stood in awe

at the boldness of her actions.

At age 13 she rented a local school building;
produced and starred in

a packed house variety show

that entertained our whole town.

We gladly paid the twenty five cents admission.

For a lifetime she has amused and inspired us

with her enterprises.

Her adventures are legendary

too numerous to recount---

and have spanned the globe!

For a lifetime she has led her friends and family

out of the box: to Jerusalem, Ireland, Australia, Iran;

84 countries in total.

She seduced thousands into her adventures.

Dance was and is her enduring passion,

made most visible in a ballroom setting;

gliding with graceful swirls and energetic snaps;

sexy to this very day.

Obstacles and mishaps have not dampened her spirit.

Moving through them, she stands bold and lively at eighty.

She has been a pioneer for a new ethic of joy;

casting aside drudgery, damnation and dullness.

Were she born to royalty

she could have ruled a great nation.

Personalities that combine Vision with Boldness

likely led humanity down from the trees and out of our caves,

and are our best hope for a happy tomorrow.

I love and admire you my sister

and celebrate your special gifts and contribution

on this special day--Aug 22nd

Poppy