Omaha Nebraska Visitors Guide

If anyone find themselves going through, or to Omaha Nebraska, you will find there are many interesting things to do here.  To begin, I'll tell you some interesting facts about Omaha.  Natives to Omaha include;  Gerald Ford, Henry Fonda, Malxom X and Marlon Brando.  In fact, Marlon Brando's Mother gave Henry Fonda acting lessons.  (Just as a personal note, Gerald Ford and Marlon Brando were born just 2 blocks away from each other.  I happen to live 1/2 block from where Ford was born and a block from where Brando was born)

Okay, on to fun things to do in Omaha.  If you didn't catch it this year, Omaha is the site of the College World Series.  There is always a lot of fun and excitement at the games. 

We also boast one of the 5 best Zoo's in the world.  The Henry Doorly Zoo has the largest indoor rainforest and the largest indoor Desert.  Director Lee Simmons has been with the zoo for years and continues to improve it.  There is also the Lee Simmons Wildlife Park between Omaha and Lincoln and it is absolutely fabulous.  Deer, Bison, Crane and many other creatures to admire.

The Old Market District Downtown is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.  It is called the Art and entertainment Hub of Omaha.  Brick streets and brick buildings house Antique shops, Ie Cream Parlors, Leather Craft Shops, Music shops and an array of art studios.  There are also many restauants in the Old Market, with Out door seating.  There are also some pubs with outdoor seating.  Horse drawn carriage rides are a favorite in the OM.

Also downtown is the Gene Leahy Mall and Heartland of America Park.  These are beautifully landscaped and great for stolling through and relaxing.

We have the Joslyn Art Museum, which is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute.  It features such work as "Young girls at the Piano" by Pierre Auguste Renoir;  Bertin Jean Victor (1775-1842) "French Landscape" and many more.

Speaking of Museums, there is the Omaha Chldrens Museum which again is a favorite of locals and visitors.  Hands on adventure make learning art and science fun.  Not only the kids enjoy it, but the adults find it entertaiing as well.

The Duram Western Heritage Museum is another fun place.  It takes you back into history and there are hands on events there as well.  It's also located in the Union Station, which has a history in itself!  The Kids won't find THESE Museums boring!

Fun Plex is an Amusement park in Omaha. It is also a Water park.  They have Go-Carts, Miniature Golf, an Arcade, Rides, and the water park features Water slides, the lazy river and Motion Ocean.  Prices range from $10.75 to $26.70 (tax included) depending on age, and which parks you want to visit.  The largest package is for adults all day pass to water and ride parks.  Good fun for everyone.

To close, I might also add that you may want to visit the birthplaces of Gerald Ford, and Malcome X.  Marlon Brando's street is now called Marlon Brando Blvd.  but his house is not marked in any way.  Locals know where it is.

There is much more to do in Omaha, and all of Nebraska, which is why I chose to be a travel and itinerary planner here.  I love sharing what our City and State have to offer!

 

Barack and Biden...It's all over now

With all of the possible running mates Obama could have chosen, he picks possibly the one man who will lose this election for him.  Speaking as the Native American Community Examiner, I know the Native Americans are not happy with the choice.  Barak had a decent chance of getting the Native American vote, despite his position against Indian Gaming on Reservations. 

I cannot imagine what Obama was thinking!  I am really taken back by this.  The biggest joke about John McCain was his being an "Old White Man", which is exactly what Obama chose as a VP!  Does that make Biden the "Token White" in the Obama Campaign?  I could be wrong, but I do believe, the fat lady is singing...

No Mother should have to bury a child

About 355 days a year, I am an optimistic, happy, witty person who likes to find the humor in everything, or most everything.  That changes from August 9-20 every year. 

On Aug 9, 1997, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.  I instantly called him my "Angel Man."  How ironic...three days later he was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrom and basically given the death sentence.  I had him taken off of life support, and through God's Grace (forgive me anyone who is not a Christian, but this is MY way of dealing with it)  He pinked up, and instead of dying instantly, he lived a few more days.  I was able to bring him home, and hold and love him.  In those days, I said hello, and goodbye.  (Not to mention the fact I had just buried my Grandmother on Aug 5 of that year!)

Caleb died in my arms at 10:20 PM on August 20th.  Yes, time eases the pain, for the most part, but here 11 years later, 2 days before the anniversary of his death, I find myself still crying.  I cried today because I read a story about a lost little whale in Australia that is probably going to die because he cannot eat, is exhausted, and trying to suckle from a yacht.  Yesterday, I cried because my little grand daughter felt bad and cried about something (trivial though it was)  I cried this morning because I can't find my muse to continue my Native American Articles I have been writing.

I hate crying.  Always have.  I'm the happy one, the witty one, the one everyone else comes to for uplifting.  I have 3 grown children, still living, 5 step kids and a host of step and natural grandkids whom I adore.  Not enough lately, I'm afraid.  Not even my new little Grandson can cheer me.

It goes against nature, it just isn't right.  I repeat...NO Mother should have to bury her child.

Thanks for reading...I just needed to let go of some of this

Native American Art

I have been writing a series of Articles on Native American Art and Culture, which I find wonderful and fascinating.  I am wondering, however, why now, more than ever I feel the need to share the stories.  I have been thinking a lot about my dear Friend Paha Ska.  He passed away in 2005, and for some reason, he has just been on my mind.  Maybe it is HIS story I need to get out.  It is so odd how much he has been on my mind.  He was a great Artist and Story Teller and a gentle, witty man.

I'm going to add his picture here, so you all can meet Paha Ska.  He inspires me to tell the world about the beauty and tradition of Native American Art.  He was primarily a hide painter, but I am fortunate to own some of the last "prints" he made and signed before his final journey.

By the way, if you go to my "paper" you can find links to my published articles.  You'll see there are more and more about American Indians.  I wonder, sometimes, as I sit here hours upon hours writing...are there others who get these persistant "nudges" to write about a particular topic?   I guess what I am saying is, could Paha Ska be trying to tell me something?  (Now, don't anyone go rushing to call the men in the white suits quite yet.)  I honestly feel compelled to share the stories of the Lakota People, and all Native American's.  Your thoughts and insights are welcome here.

The Summer Olympics--eh

Is there anyone else who just doesn't care?  I have never been a huge fan of the Olympics, but this year, I have even less reason to follow it.  Nothing against the Athletes, I know they work extremely hard to make it to the Olympics.  It's just the entire principle this year. 

China, being unfavored because of their treatment of Tibet, had the nerve to tell President Bush to basically "Mind his own business" while the President was on his way out to SEE the opening Ceremonies.  In essence, what China is saying to the world is:  "Come to China, spend your money.  If you can't come here, watch on T.V.  In the mean time, we wll oppress the Tibetans, use the newfound fame to further shame other Countries, and basically tell eveyone to kiss their patoots.

Be my guest.  I'm not watching.  I'll avoid buying anything from the companies that sponsor the Olympics, in fact, this article is probably the only mention of the Olympics anyone will get from me.

Peace in the Valley

I know I'm getting older, because it just amazes me how little it takes to get young people angry.  Really!  Young people can't let others live their lives, no, they have to have something to say about it.  My kids would call it "Being all up in someone's business." 

My 21 Year old daughter is pretty calm.  Not much upsets her, but my 15 year old is another story.  Sometimes just the slightest things upset her.  Now, You can't say this to a 15 year old, but after you have buried two children, gone through a nasty divorce, overcome family member's alcohol issues, and much more... Someone using your cell phone just isn't a big deal.  After that, there isn't much that is a big deal. 

You are not going to stop people from being who they are.  The only one you can control the behavior of, is yourself.  Getting angry isn't going to accomplish anything.  There is a LOT wrong with the world.  You would have to be pretty simple minded not to figure that out.  You have to LOOK for the good, and there IS good in the world too.

You have the choice of being calm and rational, or being angry and losing control.  My Grandmother told me something one time that really stuck with me:  He who can anger you, can control you.  We just don't give Grandma's enough credit!

Oh, go google yourself!

Before I became serious about writing, I would have never considered going to google and typing in my name.  Now, it is something I do at least weekly.  It's interesting to note that on a few of the sites I belong to, folks were not aware that so much of their information was available through search engines.  Yep, nothing is sacred anymore!  If you do anything online, from posting to a forum, to having a blog, "they" find it, catagorize it, label it and display it. 

Who are "They?"  Google, Yahoo, MSN, and all other search engines.  Now, for me, it is a good thing to have many listings under my name.  I am a writer, that means I'm getting noticed.  Some people are just surprised that they can be "googled."  Don't believe me?  Go to google.com and put your name in the search box.  Viola, I bet you are there!

If you WANT to be noticed by the search engines, keywords (until Web 2.0 is complete) are extremely important.  Not only do you want them in your tags (that you add at the bottom of your article) but you want them IN the context of your story.  Without using certain words in every sentence, try to sneak them in as often as you can.  Google, and the other "crawlers" like this!  Become search engine friendly!

To summarize, make Google (and MSN, Yahoo) your friends.  Have you seen the ads that say "Your ex just googled you, what will they find?"  There is SO much truth to that ad.  Happy Googling!

Now, where did I put my life?

It occured to me that I am becoming one of those reclusive writers.  You know, the ones who talk to their pets and spend hours obsessing over their writing material?  My children keep expecting me to bring in cats by the hundreds and having them over run my house.  My dog would like that!  I told them they better start looking for somewhere else to live, just in case I do just that.

Successful writing takes time.  A lot of time.  It takes dedication, long hours, self discipline and determination.  Right.  I have those.  What I do not have is a long attention span!  I try to spend enough time on writing, networking, marketing, and research as I can.  What?  What do I do in my spare time?  I have spare time?  I guess that is when I can be seen having conversations with my dog, Papi.  He always seems to agree with me, that is why I like running things past him first.  Sometimes I will go and get us a sandwich.  Yes, I said us.  Papi likes ham and cheese just as much as the next guy!

I lock myself away and type, and surf, and research.  I emerge on occasion to get something to eat or drink.  Perhaps I'll play with the Grandkids for a while.  Let Papi outside, then it's back to the computer.  I wander out of doors on occasion.  Normally when I have to run to the store or something similar. 

I can see it now;  I'll be one of those old women who yell out the door and say "You damn kids get off my lawn!"  I'll sit at my computer donning my bath robe and slippers.  Yep.  I really can see it.

But until then, I guess I'll just have to keep trucking along trying to improve and increase my writing and readership.  I have found that it is not my content that lacks, it is my editing.  Anyone out there wanting to do some editiing?  I can read, re read, then go over my work again, and there are still stupid mistakes.  Grrrr.  Of course, part of that may be because I spend so much time at the computer that after about 12 hours, my eyes are squinted and my face is 3 inches away from the screen.  I still can't see!

Well, my Grand daughter just came in so I guess it's time to go and watch some Spongebob.  Television, that is a good diversion, right?

 

Is anybody home?

My teenager has been away for a while now.  You know what I've discovered, even though I have my 2 grand children living with me?  I've discovered "Peace."  No one second guessing me, no one rolling their eyes at me, no one sassing at every opportunity.  Bliss, I tell you, bliss.

My 20 month old Grand daughter comes in every morning and I greet her with the Usual..."There is Grandma's Princess Cupcake!"  Then she babbles to me for a a few minutes, searches grandma's bag for "goodies" then scampers out.  I go in and pick up my 2 month old Grand Son and say hello to "My little stick man."  They actually think Grandma is cool!  What a feeling!

It doesn't upset me when one of the babies cry...I get to say "Awwww, what's the matter with Grandma's girl/boy?  It's Mom and Dad's job to take care of whatever the problem is.  I get to be the "Hero." 

I come into my room and start writing.  No one Bellowing for me from the other room.  I get to work in solitude.  There are times when I am not even sure anyone else is here!  I have actually started and finished 3 complete Articles in the last 2 days!  I've spent more time networking and less time worrying.

There is a heaven, and God is giving me a preview...

The Storm that is

Today is my youngest daughter's 15th Birthday.  I know this, not only because I am her Mother, but because she has reminded me every day this month that her birthday was coming.  I also will not forget this birthday because we ended up arguing. 

Guilt, that is her weapon of choice.  She wields it well and uses it forcefully.  She wants me to take her (and her friend) over to some boys house, where there are supposedly several other people, just 'chillin." mmm hmmmm, I wasn't born yesterday.  But you didn't do ANYTHING FOR MY BIRTHDAY.  The little snit.  Two weeks ago I gave her, are you ready?  $350 and specified it was for Clothes, AND her birthday.  Oh, that's enough you say, nah.  I also agreed to buy the food for a bar-b-que she wants to have this weekend.  We're talking at least 20 people at this bar-b-que.

I ask you...am I mean, or over-indulgent?  I wrote a Story one time, a true story, and it did very well.  It was about my daughter.  I'll paraphrase it for you.

The day my daugher was born, I had not decided on a name.  That night, there was this incredible lightening storm.  It was simpy awesom in its beauty and strength.  There was a ever changing portrait on the sky that evening.  The next morning, the nurses asked me if I'd decided on a name.  I told them I was thinking of naming her "Stormy."  They thought it was a great idea and they were telling everyone about it.   A friend of mine came up to the hospital and was horrified when I told her of the name I had chosen.  "NO!" She said; "She will grow to be stormy, like her name."  Well, I ended up not naming her Stormy.  No matter, because God DOES have a sense of humor.  This child has put me through hell for 15 years, I could tell you stories that would make your head spin, but I won't.  You're welcome.  Anyway, the "Normal" name I gave my daughter?

Katrina.

Do you twitter? On Facebook?

I have used twitter for a while.   Mainly to keep track of new things people are writing, or doing.  It really is a great way to get and make new friends as well.

I seem to be doing great on Facebook!  All kinds of people on my list, but I am looking more for people who are not trying to get me to join their SEO or marketing group. 

I just wondered if anyone else uses these programs.  My name on both is vbright, so give me a yell!

My State of the Household Address

My Friends, my Fellow Americans, my Fellow Parents;  What a year it has been!  My new Grandson arrived on Mother's Day, and he was dubbed "Jeffery Lee J**** III, quite a name for such a little guy.  Apparently, while he was still in the oven, his little intestines got twisted up and they had to operate on him in June.  He is doing much better now, and gaining weight.

My Grand Daughter, Loveyah, is quite the little toddler now.  She is so smart, and beautiful.  Of course, I say this with no Bias at all!  She likes to help around the house.  You know, like moving things from one room to another, and sneaking food out of the refrigerator for the dog.  The Dog and Loveyah, needless to say, are great friends now.

My 14 year old has been away most of the summer, but I still have a housefull with my oldest daughter, Jeffery, Loveyah, and JIII (and Papi, the dog)  The 14 year old may end up living somewhere else, as this president (er, Mom) knows when enough is too much.  Since she has been staying with this other person, she has gotten much more respectful toward me, and I would like to see that continue.

Summer is winding down, and none too soon for me. It has been hot, stormy, and humid for quite some time.  I much prefer winter.  I know we are all looking forward to the day the school doors swing open once more and the sun will shine just a little brighter, and Parents will go through their day with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.

But, Parents, don't be caught off guard when school does start again, because that can only mean one thing...Christmas is just around the corner!

Social Networking

This is some time consuming business.  It comes to a point where you are so interlinked with so many other blogs, social networks, and SEO/advertising groups that your head spins! 

That is why it is good to have one MAIN blog, Like PNN.  You put as much or as little as you like, and yet can connect all of your other projects.  That is why I consider PNN my favorite blog AND social network. 

People who write as a hobby have little concern for SEO, and advertising and the like.  Those of us who write to eat, however, spend literally hours discovering and learning about such things.  Does it dissuade me?  Not a bit!  I love writing, and I love learning.  I will admit, however to occasionally getting a TMIR Headache.  (Too Much Input Received)  Normally I just go and watch a little "sponge bob" with my grand daughter and that clears it right up.  Ready to write and research some more!

I'm wondering how many here use such venues as facebook, or twitter?  I'd be happy to add you if you do the same. 

My readership on my articles is picking up so everything seems to be coming together.

Who are Video Bloggers Missing?

It happens all the time.  I'll be reading a wonderful blog, having a good time, processing my thoughts, then, BAM, they throw in a Video.  I know, most of you are saying "I love the videos", or "I use Videos" and there is nothing wrong with that...EXEPT, you are losing what may be a good part of your readership.  I'll give you a minute to figure out why...

It is estimated that the number of deaf people in America Alone is reaching 25%.  I am deaf.  I hit a video, poof, I'm gone.  Sometimes it is frustrating because I had been enjoying, or even learning something from the blog.  Unless they CC the video, which isn't done yet, it does me no good.  As far as I know, the information on that video could have been the crux of their purpose.   

Videos must be, for the most part, a positive experience for most bloggers, and readers, since it's popularity seems to be growing.  For me (and every other deaf person,) however, you may as well just leave 3 or 4 blank pages on your blog.   Pictures are great.  Pictures with captions are marvelous!  Videos lead me to the little "X" at the top of the screen.

I wonder how much money has been lost because of turning away the deaf reader?  We spend money too!  Although I realize that the video blogging phase may not go away, I hope bloggers remember to add text to compliment the blog, or they will lose some readers. 

Until Next time

Celebrity Crazy

Four Dollars for a gallon of gas, Four dollars for a gallon of milk, and some idiot company is paying $11 MILLION dollars for the first pictures of the Jolie-Pitt twins.  Is it just me, or is that infuriating?  The economy in shambles, stock market bubble ready to burst, but, America just HAS to SEE those babies.  That is just sickening.  Perhaps we, as Americans, deserve what we are experiencing, and are probably about to experience.  There is no justifiable reason in the world to pay that much money to take pictures of a set of twins, and I don't care if Jolie and Pitt ARE donating the money to charity.  I have many friends who are having to quit jobs because they can't afford Gas and babysitters.  I, myself, strictly budget myself at the store as I try to feed not only my children but my Grandchildren.  The Homeless rate in America continues to rise.  We have a Pivitol Presidential Election in a few months, but more importantly, Brangelina had her twins!  I normally do NOT write about Celebrities because I am pretty much anti-celeb.  But when I see the absolutely asinine gestures of American Companies and Americans just to keep up on the Celeb news, it makes me physically ill.  My Entire Family could live off of the interest of $11 Million dollars for a VERY, VERY long time.  It's just a shame, a crying shame...wake up America! 

Blogger to Blogger

More and more people are blogging these days.  That also means more and more people are trying to make money at it.  That is not a bad thing, but I think some bloggers lose sight of creating content that may be meaningful to fellow writers.  There is also the problem of "Blogging etiquitte."  I understand there is pressure to get work out there, quality and quantity, and that networking is imperitive.  But how many of us stop and actually read the articles of the "personal blogger?"  Never underestimate the power of someone elses blog!  It may be a blogger who writes about their flower garden.  We don't know that maybe her entire garden club reads her blog!  Read it.  Place constructive and/or flattering comments.  Their blogs mean just as much to