a little birdie told me so

2012-02-12T09:56:00.000-06:00

A dear friend sent this cute little guy to be my Valentine. Who could resist that face?

Mirror, Mirror

2012-02-02T21:46:00.001-06:00

The Daddy Book by Robert Stewart

2012-01-29T11:26:00.009-06:00

Recently, daughter Rachel came over with the intent purpose of going through my collection of Little Golden Books. She was looking for duplicates that she could take home for her kids. I have no idea just how many Golden Books I have, but I know this....it's a lot! I sewed on a project, the kids played and she searched. She searched through the books stashed in the closet under the stairs. She searched through the bookcase. She looked in two chest drawers that are packed full. She looked on the kid's bedroom shelves. She missed the stack resting under the basement television.

I bought most of my books at thrift stores and second hand bookshops. Sometimes I see a book and unable to determine if I already own it, I'll buy another copy. Needless to say, I've collected doubles and some triples that way. Rachel was able to take home a big sackful. I'm happy to know the kids will enjoy them and perhaps learn to appreciate everything wonderful about these particular books.

In their heyday, Little Golden Books employed some of the best children's authors and illustrators. Authors like, Richard Scarry, Lucy Sprague Mitchell, Margaret Wise Moon and illustrators Tibor Gergely, Garth Williams, Eloise Wilkin, Gustaf Tenggren and many others. The thing that draws me to Golden Books are their simple sweet children's stories as well as their wonderfully imaginative illustrations.

While Rachel was looking, it occurred to me that I needed to pass The Daddy Book on to her for Elijah. It's not a Golden Book, but it was the favorite, read again and again, of his Uncle Brandon when he was a boy. No other of my children loved it like he did. Because Elijah is crazy about his daddy, I bet he will love having this classic read to him again and again.

Before I let it go, I had to scan some of my favorite images. I'm sure those of you who remember the 70s will recognize the daddy's floral shirts, long haircuts and mustaches. Your father's and husbands probably looked much like these Dads.

If you are fortune enough to come across this book when you are out thrifting or yard saleing...buy it for the children in your lives. I'll just bet that they will love it too!

Tornado

2012-01-25T18:07:00.004-06:00

I've been offline for a couple of days. My little pint sized city of Clay was hit hard by a tornado before daylight Monday morning. I went down to the basement, because if there is anything we all learned from last April's terrible tornadoes, it was don't ignore the warnings. I think it was because of that lesson learned and the grace of God that there were only 2 fatalities in the whole county. The tornado has been determined to have been a F-3 with winds of 150 miles per hour.

I thought it was a non event because it was barely raining at my house and I heard no wind at all. My sister lives only 3 minutes away. Her neighborhood seems to have been the last hit before the tornado lifted and didn't set down again until it was out of the county...we are on the northern edge of Jefferson County.

Over 200 homes in our tiny town were damaged or destroyed. I think I read that there are 500 damaged or destroyed homes county wide. One elderly man lost his life on the opposite side of the county and sadly, one teenager lost her life on our side.

My sister and her husband are fine. They lost 7 trees, but none fell on their home. In fact, theirs is the only home in that neighborhood without structural damage.

We have a lot to be thankful for here in Alabama this week. It is heartening to hear about and to see the number of volunteers who have poured in to help those in need. Area churches have opened their doors as shelters and are serving meals to victims and volunteers alike. But, please remember to say a prayer for those two families who lost their loved ones and for those who've lost their homes.

2012-01-21T09:24:00.000-06:00

Handmade

2012-01-11T23:11:00.001-06:00

Spoonflower, the online shop that prints custom fabric from your photos or artwork, had a great sale on fat quarters on Black Friday. I used a few of my old sketches to design some kitcheny type fabric and had it printed on a cotton linen canvas. The website gives you the choice of how your image will appear. I chose the mirror repeat. It was easy.

Here is a post from 2008 where I was playing around with Photoshop and some of the same images.

I wasn't sure how my artwork would translate into fabric, but when it arrived I was sorry I hadn't ordered more. I used what I got to make tea towels for my craft night girlfriends. This year I'm going to be on the lookout for another sale so I can stock up and make towels for my sister, SIL and DILs.

Check out Spoonflower's website here. You can browse and buy fabric from lots of very talented designers.

It's Time for a Comeback

2012-01-07T14:05:00.003-06:00

10 things that I would like to see make a comeback in 2012:

Sidewalks in every neighborhood.
Wide front porches that are within talking distance of people who walk past on those same sidewalks.
Porch swings and rockers to lazy about in while waiting for someone to walk past on those sidewalks.
Well designed kitchens that include washers and dryers, because it is so convenient to have them there rather lost down in the basement.
I've mentioned these both before...screen doors and clotheslines.
Instamatic cameras.
Black and white photo booths.
The genuinely funny family sitcom.
Hip length shoulder bags with skinny straps that don't slide off my non-existent shoulders.
Nationwide honestly and integrity....meaning what is said and saying what is meant.

What would you like to see make a comeback this year?

The Art of Mark Hearld

2012-01-03T22:55:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of Hearld? Have you seen his lithograph inspired work? Check out this video.

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T18:01:00.000-06:00

Only Rachel's hubby is missing from this group shot, fortunately he was able to join us a little later. It was a great day to have all my children and grands together at the same time.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T18:22:00.002-06:00

Me and three of my four children on Christmas Eve.

Some of my grandchildren plus my brother's two....it's not easy

making a good picture with five wiggly bodies.

You can call me the Traveler this year. First it was over to my parent's home for our whole kit-n-caboodle family Christmas Eve. Then it was off to spend the night with my oldest son and his family in Huntsville. Two of the grands rode home with me...good thing too....we (2 of us...one couldn't make it and fell asleep) had to sing the whole way there to stay awake! Christmas morning and Santa with them, then back in the car to travel home for a 30 minute nap and then over to my sister's house where I visited some more with family. Monday morning I went over to Rachel's for some breakfast and a look at what Santa brought. Last night I left work and drove to my Texas DIL's parent's house for a celebration with them. This Friday I will get to stay home. All of my children will be coming here for a day of gingerbread house making and presents.

Keeping the Happy in Holiday

2011-12-22T22:26:00.000-06:00

If you are looking for one quick, light and fun read between now and Christmas, try Mary Kay Andrew's novella, Blue Christmas. Yes I know there are only 2 days left until the big day, but this little book won't take you long. Just to give you a tiny hint of the kind of read it is I'm quoting a couple of the author's holiday tips....(please don't turn me in to the copyright police!)

Mary Kay Andrew's Tips for Keeping the Happy in Holidays:

At family gatherings, do try to find something nice to say about your brother-in-law's new girlfriend--even if it's only that all her tattoos are spelled correctly.
The holidays call for cheerful, uplifting conversation. So remember--Christmas dinner is probably not the optimum time to announce a divorce, pending indictment or gender change.
When hosting a large family get-together, tactfully suggest that your guests leave firearms at home.

More tips follow as well as recipes and holiday music suggestions, but you'll have to read the book to discover them.

Like most of Andrew's books, the setting for this one is Savannah, GA. And like her other books it's filled with old South charm and Gothic quirkiness, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure. So if you've got a few hours to fill between now and the big day, try this book. I bet you'll like it.

Craft Night

2011-12-17T19:18:00.000-06:00

With a wire wreath, assorted Christmas ornaments, garland and a hot glue gun, you can have fun with friends and come home with a cute candle ring or a wreath for your door. I used some of my shabby old ornaments mixed with a few bedazzled ones and voila.....

If I had it to do over I would choose silver garland instead of white, otherwise I think I like it. If you want to give it a try here are the instructions:

Turn the wire wreath so that the wires form a depression or gully. Arrange your largest balls inside the wires. When you've got the color combinations the way you like them, begin gluing the ornaments to the wire. Be sure to put a bead of glue between each ornament as well. Gluing them to each other as well as the wire stabilizes the whole thing. Once you've finished gluing from the topside, turn the ring upside down and add more glue to each ornament and wire underneath. As soon as you are sure you've got everything stuck together securely, begin weaving the garland in and out of the wire on the outside of the wreath. Do the same on the inside of the circle. Last, use smaller ornaments to fill in any gaps that may be left and you are finished!

The only thing left to do is enjoy!

Just Chillin at Home and at Work

2011-12-11T22:15:00.000-06:00

If you hang onto something long enough it becomes new again.

K'nex Big Ball Factory...Christmas present for an uncle....13+ years ago. Fun again for someone new.

Time to redecorate the work cubicle. A few little things to get me in the mood for the season.

Tale Retold

2011-12-05T22:39:00.000-06:00

Imagine if Shakespeare wrote the Three Little Pigs. This might sound a bit like his.

Open House

2011-12-03T21:36:00.000-06:00

This weekend is "Christmas at Arlington." Each room in the house is decorated for the holidays and there is entertainment and refreshments. It was a perfect day to take a tour.

The Greek Revival style antebellum home, located in Birmingham, Alabama, was built between 1845 and 1850. The house was not damaged during the civil war because Gen. James H. Wilson established his headquarters there while he planned his raid on Selma, Alabama to destroy confederate factories and munitions located there.

Merrily, Merrily

2011-11-27T12:32:00.001-06:00

I'm trying to get the lights on my Christmas tree.

I've been to the store twice.

Once to buy them.

And once to exchange the ones I bought with white electrical cords for the ones I need with green cords.

And this is after I spent three+ hours getting the old (non-working) lights off my pre-lit tree.

Next time I will buy a new pre-lit tree and be done with it!

Ah....the holiday season is upon us! ; )

Decorated tree by Google Images

Mine is not yet fully assembled....

Update: The tree is up and the lights are on it! Now onward to ornament placement. I will get this done!

Gratefulness

2011-11-23T14:18:00.000-06:00

There is so much to be thankful for that my heart overflows with it all. So, I'd like to share some of my blessings with you. May your Thanksgiving be filled with the laughter and love of family and friends.

Thank you Lord for all you have given us!

Random Family Photo Day

2011-11-06T13:19:00.000-06:00

Oldest granddaughter with her Irish Step Dance troupe performing at the UAH International Festival.

Aubrey and Gramma

Rachel and Emma

Me and Aiden

My oldest son, Daniel

Avery in Halloween garb and make-up.

Getting a feel for being a leprechaun.

I don't think Emma is a fan.

Can you tell that this one is a mess?

Ready to Trick or Treat.

Horror At Homecoming....Our 7th Annual Murder Mystery Night

2011-10-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

Mayhem High, is in the middle of a winning football season, school pride is running rampant....GO TEAM! Not only is competition fierce on the football field, but the students are battling it out for grades, popularity, class ranking as well as the coveted title of homecoming king and queen.

The cast of characters include students and faculty. Principal Simpson, Vice-Principal Patterson, Teach Tanner, Coach Walters and Dr. Talk, the school counselor make up the faculty.

Students attending the dance include Peter Prez, Sarah Social, the organizer of tonight's soiree, Debbie Taunte, Clerical Katie, Bobby Backer, Sally Spirit, Cindy Sensational, Kevin Kicker, Gabby Backer, Larry Lineman, J.J. Smart, Dolly Dancer, Ryan Rival, and Roy Rivers, an alumnus who just can't stay away from the young chicks.

The faculty makes sure Dolly Dancer's attire meets the school dress code.

Dr. Talk cuts a rug with Dolly.

Bobby Backer is thrilled to be chosen Homecoming King.

The seniors at Mayhem High think their future is bright....until the unthinkable happens...the homecoming king has been murdered! Who could have done it?

Is there a doctor in the gym? Does anyone know CPR?

But sadly, it's too late for Bobby... Why would anyone murder Bobby? Who could have done it?

Once again, a good time was had by all while we tried to uncover the murderer.

Seasonal Change is Afoot

2011-10-13T22:26:00.000-05:00

My work window on the world needed a change.

Designed for those moments when it's a good thing to take a mini mental vacation.

I'm feeling fall-ish.

2011-10-11T06:31:00.000-05:00

Damocles Sword no longer hangs over my bedroom.

If you enlarge the photo you will see a guy working his way up into the leaves to tie a rope off near the top.

The tree is on the ground today. but a hawk and numerous squirrels don't have homes in the sky anymore.

2011-10-05T21:58:00.002-05:00

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

2011-09-27T22:28:00.000-05:00

Why don't people read things?
Why don't service people return phone calls?
Why do people think they can get away with lying?
I was in a very bad mood today.
I said a few curse words, but thought even more.
Maybe tomorrow will be better.

ps. this is me trying to be optimistic...

Turn Turn Turn

2011-09-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

Autumn isn't here yet, but it is on the way! I realized last week that one of the trees that fell had the prettiest yellow leaves each Fall. It's sad to think it won't be there this year.

Remembering

2011-09-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

This is a drawing I made shortly after 9-11 inspired by the images I'd seen on TV and in the newspapers.

Today is the anniversary of 9-11, the first attack on US soil in my living memory. It was a sad sad day. I'm remembering the victims and their families today.

May God bless them all.

The GIft I Wish I Could Refuse

2011-09-07T19:01:00.000-05:00

Lee left me with a little reminder that a tropical depression can pack quite a punch.

It's 2 trees down, not one. I didn't know that until I was able to walk out into the yard after work last night. The one on the ground is from the neighbor's yard behind me. It probably pushed my tree over. The tree behind the bedroom is holding it up, but it is bending this way.

I talked to the tree service I used the last time a tree fell, but I'm not sure when the they can get out here. People with trees on the roof come first. I hope I don't have a tree on my roof by that time!

I've moved into Rachel's room until the leaning tree is no longer looming over the house.

To Austin and Back

2011-09-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

I returned home last night from a week in Texas where Rachel, her kids and I visited with "my cousins" as Elijah happily called them. A happy time was had by all!

We had no idea about the wildfires burning around Austin until we arrived home last night. The fires have been sparked by the horrible drought conditions in Texas this summer and high winds which were a result of tropical depression Lee in the Gulf of Mexico. The temperature, when we arrived there Sunday before last, was 112 F. It felt like you opened the door on a hot oven outside. We drove home yesterday along the upper edge of Lee. I think we made it through Jackson MS just before their deluge of rain began. The rain reached us here in mid Alabama overnight and it has been raining continuously all day. Too bad this storm didn't head toward south Texas. They would welcome all the rain with open arms.

Here are a few of the things Rachel and I saw the afternoon we drove around downtown Austin site-seeing.

Looking up Congress Ave. towards the state capitol.

You can tell how old this area is by the size of the trees. Most trees don't seem to grow this tall there.

Also, the area right around town is hilly. Most of the rest of the city is flat by this Alabamian's standards.

I wish I could give you the history behind these beautiful houses, but I can't. Sorry.

These painted cows were placed all around town. Each must have been done by a different artist.

One of the highlights of our trip was the night we went to a production of the Wizard of Oz in Georgetown in an old art deco style movie theater. The acting and costumes were great. Both the children and the adults loved it!

As fun as it is to get away and visit with family, I have to say like Dorothy....There's no place like home!

Mom, I'm Working on My 5 a Day

2011-08-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

Zucchini Ravioli Lasagna

I recently read a recipe for this somewhere. I didn't save it, so I made it up this past week. It turned out to be very good. I've had a slice every night. (I don't cook very often) There is one for supper tonight and I frozen more for later. I've never been able to un-learn how to cook for a crowd...thus the super sized casserole.

Here's how you can make it if you wish to try it or better yet...if you like to hide your vegetables under something delicious...like me.

2 jars ready to use spaghetti sauce
1 lb of hamburger browned
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
1 family size pkg of 3 cheese ravioli
2 large zucchini
celery seed, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes and seasoning to taste.

Brown meat. Add seasonings and cover the bottom of a large casserole dish with meat sauce. Then mix the spaghetti sauce and cooked ravioli. Place a layer of meat and ravioli sauce in the dish and top with thin sliced zucchini. Put cheeses on top of this. Then add another layer of all ingredients ending with meat sauce only. Top with cheese and bake for about 30 minutes at 350. The zucchini will be slightly al dente.

Bon appetit!

Funny Story

2011-08-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

As I said in the last post, last Saturday I hosted a bridal shower for my nephew's fiance at my home. Around 20 or more people attended. About 20 minutes into the party the phone rang. Rachel answered it for me. In a minute she came over and said my next door neighbor had called worried. She wanted to make sure that no one had died...so many people were over at my house.

I mean really???? Is that the first thing people think when you get old....not that you're having a party, but that you died???

It's official. I'm old....nearly dead in fact!

The Party's Over

2011-08-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Yahoo!

Yesterday's beach themed bridal shower was a big success.

Today, I'm spending the day in bed.

: )

....Like Weeds

2011-08-13T18:46:00.000-05:00

Because I haven't taken any pictures in a long time until today....

I thought you might like to see how much these two have grown.

A Recycled Missive

2011-08-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

I belong to a mailart group and I thought those you who are crafty and those of you who love crafty stuff would like to see this neat recycled letter-holder-booklet that I recently received in the mail.

Security envelopes were recycled by slitting the edges and turning them inside out. A portion that included the window was cut. In this particular book 6 envelopes were used. They were fastened together using star shaped brads. The back of the brad was disguised using small stickers.

The edges and insides were embellished and postcard sized images and letters were added by slipping them into the pockets formed by the envelopes.

Finally, the booklet was inserted into a envelope made from a page torn from an old thrifted book. And in this way, a fun piece of mailart was created!

I Like a Good Story

2011-07-31T22:44:00.000-05:00

If one of these ladies were you, which one would you be: the one with the story to tell, the doubter or the curious one? I think I would be the mildly voyeuristic curiously amused one.

Your job is to tell me how this tale ends.

Ready, Set, Go!

Progress...

2011-07-24T23:19:00.000-05:00

I loved the days when the newspaper used to be full of hand drawn advertisements. I used to try and copy the artwork all the time. I learned a lot about figure drawing that way.

It's sad to me that newspapers and magazines might become obsolete in the near future. I wonder what people will regret losing to progress 50 years from now.

Going up....Mood Elevator

2011-07-18T22:34:00.000-05:00

There's something about flags fluttering in the wind that puts me in a good mood. What are some of the little things that lift your spirits?

I'm Not Sure...

2011-07-07T18:13:00.000-05:00

....what's on her mind.

Any ideas?

More Photos from Pepper Place

2011-06-29T18:24:00.000-05:00

This kid found a front row seat for himself!

Love this color scheme.

Just looking makes my mouth water and my thoughts wander toward bacon and tomato sandwiches...mmmmm!

We had to try Sassy's Homemade Amish Recipe ice cream.

Love that sweet smile!

My final purchase...a mixed bouquet of sunflowers and stuff from the Jones Valley Urban Farm booth.

This Weekend I......

2011-06-26T13:41:00.001-05:00

Met 2 fellow bloggers.

Daryl from New York and Virginia from right here in Birmingham.

Daryl and Mary, flew into town this weekend to visit Virginia (Mary is both woman's travel pal). When I found out, I had to run down and meet them all.

Thanks Mary for taking this photo!

Wandered around Pepper Place Saturday Market with 2 of my Texas granddaughters.

These 2 girls were in town to meet up with their granddad and Bebe for a road trip. But first, I had them for a quick visit. They were off early this morning on their adventure. Have fun girls!

Oggled an assortment of fruits and veggies and bought a cantaloupe for 2 dollars.

Don't these peaches look delish? I don't know why I didn't buy any.

Brought home a bouquet of sunflowers that was 2 pretty!

I couldn't leave with taking this "Patiently Waiting" photo for Daryl.

I hope these 2 pups didn't get 2 hot in their fur coats. It was blazing hot by the time we left.

A Few Random Thoughts

2011-06-15T22:07:00.000-05:00

“Today, I’m going to nurture my inner martyr.” I don’t know who wrote this, I’m just sorry it wasn’t me. It’s the perfect description of my mindset…but in a humorous way.

My sense of humor has always been self-deprecating. People are always telling me to stop to putting myself down, but I say if we can’t laugh at ourselves, our foibles, then life is too serious and perhaps a bit sad as well. I believe that being kind to others is of the utmost importance, but using yourself as a target of ire or cynicism is okay…who am I hurting that way? I’m not hurting myself. I know the truth about myself. I have good traits and bad ones. If I dwell on the good ones too much my head swells to the size of a ripened melon…better to see myself as I am, a person who struggles with a myriad of things, just like everyone else I know.

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

There is nothing like sitting in a darkened theater, munching popcorn, watching the trailers roll and knowing that you are about to be transported away from the mundane things of life and into a world where the possibilities are endless. I A-D-O-R-E going to the movies!

Last night, Rachel went with me to see Midnight in Paris, the new Woody Allen movie which I thoroughly enjoyed. You can read a review of the movie here. I’d encourage you to go if it sounds like your cup of tea. My point in bringing it up is to recount to you what happened afterwards.

After spending 2 hours walking along the streets of Paris with the characters in the movie, Rachel and I walked out of the theater, happily chatting about our day (it was my birthday and she and the children picked me up at work, took me to a middle eastern restaurant for lunch and then we met again in the evening to see the movie, my request). It was a great birthday, perfect for me.

The night was lit by the silvery light of a full moon. Even though the day had been a scorcher; the night was comfortably warm with a wonderful breeze. We talked for a few minutes, I hugged her and we said our final good nights and happy birthdays, then I left her at her car and I continued walking to mine, thinking what a fine night it was, remembering the scenes of Paris at night, comparing those magical scenes to my own in a favorable way…until I realized that the lights of Paris at night in no way compare to the well lit Wal-Mart parking lot which was where my car was parked.

I just have to say…when a movie makes a Wal-Mart parking lot feel magical and romantic, then that is movie magic at its best.

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

Ever see anything that makes you ask "Why?" The scene below did it for me.

I want to know how this happened. Did someone get tired of their feet hurting, open a window and toss out an offending pair of shoes? Did a spouse resent the fact that their partner had spent money on another pair of shoes when something else was needed? Did someone tie a pair of tennis shoes together, stand in the street and throw them into the air to see what might happen? Were they dropped from a small engine plane as it flew overhead?

How did this happen? How did those shoes get there?

Inquiring minds want to know!

And that folks is the extent of my wandering thoughts for now.

Just Not Feeling It

2011-06-05T08:57:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't posted in over a week and feel no inspiration to do so anytime soon...I think I'll take a break....just until the muse visits me again. In the meantime, I will be keeping up with what is happening in your corner of the world.

Be sweet now!

Not in a Long TIme

2011-05-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

I did something today I haven't done in a long time....

I drew something.

I drew it while I ate lunch and then added the hues in Photoshop tonight.

I should do that more often.

Say What?

2011-05-21T08:07:00.001-05:00

I'm getting a much needed haircut today.

What are you up to the weekend?

Two Sagas and a Belly Laugh

2011-05-19T06:35:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this?

PBS describes Series I as a " story of a love polygon that shifts like a kaleidoscope."

Watch it....you'll want more. Series II is available as well. It takes up the story with a new generation of Forsytes.

When you're done and you find you crave more drama watch Downton Abbey.

It will leave you wanting more as well. Never fear, a second series is in the making.

When you've finished both of these great stories, but find you are in need of lighter fair....try this.

You'll laugh.

You'll be hooked.

Yuck!

2011-05-16T22:43:00.000-05:00

The word of the day from Merriam Webster is......

mucilaginous\

adjective

1 :	sticky, viscid
2 :	of, relating to, full of, or secreting mucilage

Example: The snail leaves a mucilaginous trail as it slides along the leaves and branches.

Recently, I told Elijah about slugs...how, during the summer, I used to walk outside at night and accidentally step on them in the dark. I made a face and said they were yucky. He thought that was funny and has repeated it to his mother more than once. "Slugs, Gaga, yucky." (I'm Gaga...his name for me) That's how he talks. He gets right to the point.

Once you step on a slug, you'll never forget the slimy goo that's left behind. I'm not the only one who's had to deal with cleansing a foot of squashed slug am I? (rubbing the afflicted foot repeatedly in wet grass is the preferred method of getting it off) If you've ever done it, you'll know that they are certainly mucilaginous!

Or you could wear shoes and never have to worry about having a slug crossing your path....that is as long as it isn't a human type slug....shoes are no protection against that variety.

Food for the Soul

2011-05-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

Perfumes are the feelings of flowers. ~Heinrich Heine

The oak leave hydrangeas are in full bloom here. Summer is approaching too fast.

I want Spring to last longer!

Random Photo Day

2011-05-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

I think it's time for another random photo day...so here goes....

Our shared Mother's Day

Lovely patina

Can you see the big Piggly Wiggly head in the window?

Never seen one of these before...hot air beer bottle.

Easter afternoon.... my parents with 7 of their 15 great grandchildren.

Old Town Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery

Peach water tower in Clanton, Alabama

Bonus....linens on a clothesline...one of my favorite sights!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T08:52:00.000-05:00

Rachel and I are off on a Mother's Day celebration of one another this afternoon....we're treating ourselves to lunch and a girl movie.

Happy Day to all of you mothers out there!

nananabooboo!

2011-05-05T22:28:00.001-05:00

This morning on the way to work, I came over the hill and saw this
....had to smile
....and turn around
to take a picture for you!

Amazing

2011-05-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

My son and his family returned home today. Power was restored to their corner of the world, so they packed up and headed up the interstate late this afternoon. It was fun having them here even if the circumstances weren't optimum.

I had no idea how many communities were hit by tornadoes on the 27th. Slowly, the news has trickled in. Everyone has seen the devastation in Tuscaloosa, but there are so many other places that were hit hard as well.

We were blessed. None of our friends or family were lost in the storm, but so many others were affected. It's amazing to see the way people pull together in times of trouble. People giving of their time and money and know how.

I'm so proud of my community. Alabamians are amazing.

Yesterday's Tornado

2011-04-28T10:36:00.001-05:00

For everyone who has asked, me and my loved ones are okay. I'm sad that I'm not able to say that about so many others in our state.

I haven't been able to speak with my son in Huntsville, but my ex says he texted with him last night after the storm had passed. I suppose their cells have lost their charge and there are wide-spead power outages and power lines down there according to the news so the landline isn't working.

For the first time in my life, I actually got into the closet under the basement stairs...instead of just going down into the basement. The storm tore a wide swath of destruction all the way from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham and points east of me. It seems like it wasn't on the ground out my way, but did touch down further northeast of me again. They say it was probably 1 to 1 1/2 miles wide.

Please keep Alabama in your prayers.

update....my son just called from Madison. Can you say RELIEF! If they can get the gas they will be driving to Birmingham later today to stay with either me or the ex.

What's Your Style?

2011-04-25T06:05:00.000-05:00

Anybody here watch the HGTV show named Secrets of a Stylist? Decorator Emily Henderson is the host. She quizzes her clients and diagnoses their design styles. I love the names she comes up with, like Eclectic Cool, or Mad Men Bohemian for their decorating preferences. I would love to know what name she would assign to my this and that style. Maybe I would be Frustrated Artsy Mod English Country. What do you think she would name your style?

I'm a lover of stuff. Especially when it is artfully arranged on shelves or hanging on the walls.

The pictures on the wall are actually framed book covers, which I think is a clever idea for a different kind of art.

I love color, so I'm always attracted to rooms with rich hues and shades.

But most of all, I love rooms that are flooded with natural light. There is no substitute for big windows and wide open spaces.

What about you? What kind of room would you be at home living in?

2011-04-23T20:22:00.000-05:00

He Lives!

Slam the Door Please!

2011-04-20T23:24:00.000-05:00

photo courtesy of this blog

In my mind there is a certain romance in the idea of a home with a screened door that looks out into a lush green garden or out onto a wide front porch or even out onto a busy sidewalk.

photo courtesy of this blog

A door like this seems to say, "Welcome. Come on in. I'm happy to see you."

Imagine standing behind the screen watching children running happily through the sprinkler on a lazy summer afternoon or slipping out into the backyard through the door to check clothes on the line for dryness.

If you have no problem imagining life from behind a wooden screen door, then you will understand why I had to tear this page from my copy of Summer Cottage magazine and pin it to the wall of my cubicle.

Every time I look up and see this photo I mentally step through the door. I hear the creak of the door opening and the sharp slam of it as it swings shut. I step from the world of work straight into a world where time slows down, where children can be heard laughing and yelling, where wet clothes flap in balmy breezes, where a neighbor stands to ask if I'd like to come over and chat with her on her porch.

Life happens on the other side of a screened door.

Invitation

2011-04-17T00:58:00.000-05:00

Thought you might like seeing how the finished product turned out.

Doodling

2011-04-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

I spent a great deal of the day today, thinking about and doodling around with ideas for babyish looking owls. I volunteered to make invitations for an upcoming baby shower, thus the babyish owls...I think I'm ready to settle for a cute owl instead...

Do you have any idea how hard it is to be original with owls as the subject matter. Owls have a basic shape. That doesn't change. Big eyes, pointy ears, wings, claw feet...you get the idea.The one at the bottom looks babyish...but not owlish enough. That's why I decided to be satisfied with cute.

Whooooo will care? I'm just gonna draw an owl and move on with the card making!!!

Written on a Bad Afternoon

2011-04-10T22:43:00.000-05:00

Frozen

Bug eyed

Caught a resin of circumstances

Suspended there

Watching days unfold and pass into obscurity

Unable to act

Positive…change will not come

Mind shrouded tight

Paralyzed by the inertia of depression

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

Molecules strung taunt like a tightrope snap imperceptibly.

Eyes that twitch reflexively go barely noticed.

The day drags. Boredom mounts.

She expects her brain to explode before eight hours are up.

Fly Away

2011-04-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

Cares fly away in the wind

Cobwebs of doubt swept skyward

Floating so high they're forgotten

In a moment of time

When nature brushes the heart

With the lightness of a bird's song

Mystery Solved

2011-04-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

I think everyone recognized my favorite intrepid girl sleuth, Nancy Drew!

Nancy first appeared in 1930. Her creator was Edward Stratemeyer, who was the founded of the Stratemeyer Syndicate. He created The Hardy Boys series in 1926. Drew's character was conceived to capitalize on girls interest in the Hardy boys adventures and mystery stories. The books were an immediate success.

Wikipedia states, "A cultural icon, Nancy Drew has been cited as a formative influence by a number of prominent women, from Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Conner and Sonia Sotomayor to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former First Lady Laura Bush."

Did you know that over the years, both men and women have written these mystery stories? Mildred Wirt Benson and Harriet Adams, Stratemeyer's daughter, are credited as being the primary writers of the series. All the writers who wrote under the pseudonym, Carolyn Keene, have my dying appreciation for instilling in me a life long love of reading.

Super Sleuth Monday

2011-04-04T06:11:00.000-05:00

Okay.....today is official talk back to the host day.

Whatdidyadothisweekend?

Go shopping?
Buy anything?:
Visit with friend?
Catch a movie?
See a street fair or art show?
Go to church?
Sleep in?
Discover a cure for cancer?
Kiss a baby?
Write the next great American novel?
Attend a party?
Mow the grass?
Shovel snow?

Your turn. Talk back!

ps Can anyone guess the identity of the girl in the photo? I took her picture on my weekend ramblings.

Sugar and Spice...Everything Nice

2011-04-02T09:07:00.000-05:00

I found a letter in my mailbox from one of my granddaughters this week.

She wrote an adorable letter complete with illustrations. And funny misspellings. That's three things she takes after me....love of snail mail....drawing....not being able to spell. But she is young yet...there's still hope for her spelling skills.

Thanks sweetie! There will be one in the mail to you soon.

Some Funk for You

2011-03-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

A Tribute......as seen at a very funky Mexican restaurant tonight.

I haven't seen one of these since the 70s....is that a Smurf?

Mellow Mushroom for lunch?

How about a traditional English Tudor to prove we haven't gone all crazy down here in the South?

Sweetness

2011-03-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

Look how curly his hair is getting.

I can't resist those curls because they remind me of son #2's hair when he was that age.

Eleven grandchildren ....one with curls....but still not as curly as his uncle's were.

Think Outside

2011-03-23T05:59:00.000-05:00

Granddaughters

2011-03-21T22:37:00.000-05:00

The oldest and the youngest.

Random Photo Day

2011-03-20T23:14:00.001-05:00

Seen as I sat at a traffic light. He posed long enough for me to grab the camera.

Enlarge this one so you can get a good look at what's looking back out at you from the windows.

As seen one afternoon last week. I love the play of the light on the leaves and limbs. It sparkled.

Interior Decorator Position Available

2011-03-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

Work space in dire need of total overhaul on a very limited budget. Looking for just the right person. Must love your work and be willing to design on a dime....literally!

While I'm busy interviewing potential designers and considering their space planning and furniture layouts...here's a look at what I've tried to do with the space:

In lieu of a window, I've tried to bring some outdoors inside.....I'll need more if I'm going to succeed.

It's Nice to be Green and Other Things

2011-03-17T03:00:00.003-05:00

Just a little something I see everyday.

*************************************************************************
Hope you're having a verdant St. Patrick's Day!

(This is a mosaic re-post from last March 17th.)

Today is my baby's 27th birthday. Happy B'day son!

More Springish Signs

2011-03-15T05:33:00.001-05:00

The forsythia is blooming in the backyard....or the yellow bell as we call it here in the South.

Saturday-on the deck in the late afternoon sun.

Watching this fellow play with sticks.

Listening to chimes.

Sitting on dining room chairs-because I gave my outdoor set away.

Being gifted.

Trying to take pictures of this little fellow, but the sticks just kept getting in the way.

Cut and Paste

2011-03-13T21:52:00.000-05:00

I cut and pasted a little postcard today.

I also made two little books, to use as letters, out of game cards and tags and bits and pieces, but I sealed them both in their envelopes before I thought to make photos.

I'll have to make some more, because they were cute.

Pinball Wizard

2011-03-12T11:29:00.000-06:00

Anyone old enough to remember when we played pinball instead of video games?

The memory came to mind this morning via a strange route. Let me start at the beginning. I wanted a big weekend style breakfast...waffles with bacon and butter and lots of syrup. As a nod to healthy eating, I decided to wash some blueberries and top the waffles with them.

And that is where it all began. I grabbed a full carton of blueberries to take it over to the sink. Hmmmm, yeah...it wasn't closed. Blueberries spilled out all over the kitchen floor, rolling willy-nilly over and under everything. So, I retrieved my new nylon broom and began sweeping them into a pile....well, I began trying to sweep them into a pile.

This is the point in the story where the blueberries take on a life of their own. Each movement of the broom propelled berries in every direction. Some went forward, some backward. Some shot under appliances and some rolled back out into view again. Some got stuck in the bristles of the broom only to break loose and shoot off independently at the very moment I thought I finally had them all ready to sweep into the dustpan.

It was then that I was reminded of the late 70's. We were standing in the pizza parlor waiting for our order to be done. While we waited we fed the pinball machines, playing game after game. I was no expert. I would pull the spring and silver balls would be propelled upwards. Then I would snap the flippers manically trying to prevent the balls from dropping into the slots at the bottom of the machine which would end the game.

This morning as my broom propelled blueberries randomly around the kitchen floor I was reminded of the sight of those long gone pinballs and the dinging that each would make as it hit a target.

Finally, I corralled the wayward blueberries, tossed them in the trash, washed the ones that were left in the carton and topped a plate of steamy waffles with them. They were good and so was the memory.

Who Sits Around Thinking of This Stuff??

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Email forwards....who writes these things?

Is it a bunch of people?

Or is it just one frustrated writer?

I usually don't read them and I never forward them,

but this one made me smile.

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

A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre.

After careful planning he got past security, stole the paintings and made it safely to his van. However he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas. When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied, "Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings...."

"I had no Monet

To buy Degas

To make the Van Gogh!"

See if you have the DeGaulle to send this on to someone else.

I sent it to you because I figured I had nothing Toulouse.

Magpie 56

2011-03-07T22:52:00.013-06:00

for he who loves it

and she who does not,

the strength of the clove

welds its power to part

unless both get smart
neither will win

give up, just dig in

otherwise, repelled one will be

And forever will think

"Life really stinks!"

Lucky Me!

2011-03-07T18:54:00.000-06:00

Check out the collage packet giveaway gift that arrived in my mailbox today from collage artist, Susie LaFond. My two favorite bits are the orginal piece of her work (see bottom right corner of photo) and the old ledger page. I love that penciled handwritten list. I'm crazy about the fabric heart too...and the wax paper bag of flowers...and the fabric tie....and.....well, everything. Thanks Susie!

Make sure to take a moment and wander around her blog, Gathering Up Bits Of The World. She makes wonderful handmade journals, some of which she sells in her Etsy shop. You'll probably be inspired to sit down and start journaling today.

As Seen Near My Home

2011-03-05T13:39:00.000-06:00

For years I have intermittently driven past this abandoned store. It suddenly dawned on me a couple of weeks ago that it wouldn't be there forever and if I wanted pictures I'd better get myself over there and take them. Which is what I did last weekend.

Magpie Tales #55

2011-03-02T22:41:00.000-06:00

Killing Words are Death to Love

Sour to the core

Mean flavored

Acerbic and without love

You sucked the sweetness

From my soul

Leaving me

Tart and biting

….Too much like you.

I recently realized that it's been too long since I tried my hand at one of Willow's writing prompts. Why don't you give it a try as well?

The Very Pink of Perfection

2011-03-01T22:50:00.001-06:00

Springtime....when trees wear pink icing instead of leaves.

Are these cherry trees? I don't know.
All I know is that I couldn't resist taking a photo of this pretty line of trees that was lining the edge of a local Chevron station.

Eleven, Eleven and Under

2011-02-28T23:01:00.000-06:00

It's very hard to take a picture of eleven wiggly children.

My newest grandchild has been my unofficial grandchild for the past couple of years. She is AH, second on the back left. She is both cousin and sister to her new siblings. So left to right, back row- their ages are 11, 11, 9 9/10s, 9, 8, 6, front row left to right 3, 3, 2, 7 months and 3 1/2 months.

Tonight is the first time in years that I have been with them all at the same time. First thing on the agenda was photos. Next was pizza. Then there were birthday presents for two and Christmas presents (the ones that never got exchanged between cousins this past year). Last, there was gooey cake!

A whirlwind of activity can happen in three hours...take my word for it!

Yesterday I Piddled

2011-02-27T00:32:00.000-06:00

I never got dressed. I spent the day wandering through the house putting stuff away, washing dishes, playing on the computer and working on some crafty projects. It was a heavenly Saturday.

I made this tag and altered the surface of some advertising postcards that came in the mail recently. I've got plans for them later.

Today, I will have to make up for the time I "wasted" yesterday. That's okay. I loved every minute of it.

There's Grafitti and Then There's Grafitti

2011-02-25T23:41:00.000-06:00

Some people aren't happy if you feel good about yourself. I guess they're just haters.

ps...see my guy in the corner?

But that's okay because I found another one.

This and That

2011-02-23T18:32:00.000-06:00

I went to a scrapbook class last weekend and I made this cute little board book. I've got to find pictures of the boys to fill it up.

I'm not 100% happy with this sketch, but I'm determined to get back into the lunch hour groove.

Pretty little daffodil, you weren't here when I left this morning, but there you were when I came home this afternoon.

Why?

2011-02-21T22:38:00.000-06:00

I'm always curious when I see an old house like this one.

Who lives there?

What does the inside of the house look like?

Why is the kitchen stuff sitting out on the front porch?

The Eye of the Beholder

2011-02-19T08:32:00.000-06:00

One job in the banking industry + President's Day = a long weekend.

It's a beautiful thing.

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

These signs have been popping up all over town. Graffiti? I don't think so. I like them.

While You Were Talking.....

2011-02-16T22:29:00.000-06:00

I drew something the other day.. It was the first time in a long time. It's not much, but it is something.

I keep meaning to put a sketch pad in the car, so I can draw at lunch.....like I used too.

ps. the strange head gear was a pair of sunglasses

Seeing Red

2011-02-14T20:53:00.000-06:00

I stopped on my way home from work to let Rachel shine a flashlight into my eyes. Are my pupils the same size? My head hurts. Yep, I almost gave myself a concussion for Valentine's Day.

How you ask? I fell out of my chair. You know one of those chairs on wheels that you can slide around the office floor. But, if you lean over too far, sometimes it will slide out from under you. You know the one? Yep, I fell out. Banged my head so hard on the desk it stunned me a bit.

I'm okay. Not much harm done. Happy Valentine's to me!

(before you say it....I was told to go to the doctor if I thought I needed to....I went to Dr. Rachel's...just to get a second opinion)

But, it worked out well, because I got to kiss someone(s) I love. And someone I love had made a present for me.

A handmade card (see the pretty picture and the scribble scrabble handwriting?) from my little buddy and something yummy were in a pretty bag labeled GaGa. That's me....GaGa. Elijah named me himself.

He and Mommy made the lollipop together today. I have it from a reliable source that the pop tastes like Ghiradelli white chocolate and peppermints. I'll eat it later. I'm not through looking at it yet.

My Week in Pictures

2011-02-13T13:43:00.000-06:00

Monday was pretty. I ate lunch in a new spot.

This lookout is the starting point for Vulcan Trail. The walking trail follows the old route of the Mineral Branch of the L&N Railroad as it used run along Red Mountain.

The parking lot looks out over the south side of the city.

Can you see that pretty brown church in the middle of the photo? I work about 3 or 4 blocks south and 1 block west of that. (which would be right below the spot where I'm parked almost)

It is located directly below the new man in my week days.

This is what he looked like on Thursday. If you click and enlarge you might be able to see the mantle of snow he was wearing across his chest.

We had a nice dusting of fluffy white stuff over night Wednesday.

Lucky for me, the streets were clear. No ice, so I had an easy drive to work.

Every night this past week I found some time to work on this afghan that I'm working on for one of my sister's children. (Taylor, if you read this DO NOT TELL!)

Twenty years ago, I made one just like this for myself and one for my sister. A few years ago I found out that my sister's kids loved it and fought over who would get to use it. I hadn't used mine in a long time, so I gave it to the oldest sibling.

Now I'm making one for my nephew and then I'll make one for my niece. Believe it or not, I never get rid of any crafty stuff and I was able to find the crochet pattern I'd used for the original ones.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day crafting to my little heart's content. I was inspired by an empty Bisquick box and this post to make Rachel a little Valentine's gifty.

And yes, these photos were taken in a parking lot. I forgot to snap a few shots before leaving home, so I took a few after I'd picked up a big bag of pink M&Ms for her.

Check out this link for a cute green-crafting idea using brown paper sacks as gift bags.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Babies

2011-02-12T09:40:00.000-06:00

Spring is on the way....and so are some new succulent babies.

Open The Door....

2011-02-09T22:48:00.000-06:00

To Something Exciting....

...And take Me with You!

Gramma's Brag Book

2011-02-06T10:22:00.000-06:00

Just a few pictures to show off the babies:

Elijah celebrated his second birthday yesterday. He is all into Cars, so that was the theme of his party. If the present is an indicator of the future then I would like to make a few predictions about him.

1. He will drive a fast car...probably a red one.
2. He will be an early reader. He already recognizes most of the alphabet and knows many of the letter sounds.
3. He will be artistic. He loves to color, can draw a circle, knows a face needs eyes, nose and mouth,and tries to draw letters.
4. He will enjoy any type of tinkering that requires the use of tools.
5. He will probably be an inventor or a space explorer. I am extrapolating this from the fact that he loves it when his daddy helps him make robots out of Playdoh.

Okay...so I'm a bit too proud of a Gramma... I feel the same way about the rest of my Grands as well....doesn't being a grandmother entitle you to think yours are the best and brightest? And the cutest?

Speaking of cute....Emma looked like a cutie-pie in her hair bow yesterday.

She is almost three months. She smiles and giggles so I'm predicting she will be a happy contented adult when she's all grown up. That is certainly my wish for all ten of them.

This Is How We Do It

2011-02-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

What do we do in Alabama when it sleets and makes the roads slippery?

We get off work early so we can creep home in bumper to bumper traffic.

And what happened to the sleet you ask?

Why, it turned to rain.

Plain old regular rain.

So how long did it take you to make the 30 minute drive home you ask?

Oh, just a mere 2 hours and 45 minutes.

And what did you do for 2 hours and 45 minutes
while your car barely rolled along?

Well of course, I rolled the windows down and took pictures.

A girl has got to amuse herself in whatever way she can find.

No freeways for me....I chose the route with only one overpass or bridge.

The long slow route.

But I did see this pink house.

Don't you wish you were me?

It's Complicated

2011-01-31T06:53:00.001-06:00

Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes


*For those of you who asked for an explanation of the photo....it was my crystal paperweight combined with a number of decanter stoppers. I purchased the crystal stoppers at Henry's place in Ohio over 10 years ago. Henry bought and sold antiques. Somewhere around Canton or Lima (really can't remember where) there is a two story house packed to the gills with stuff. I dug the stoppers out and gave them a new home in Alabama.*

Mid-Life Paradigm Shift

2011-01-29T09:07:00.000-06:00

paradigm shift
Part of speech: n
Definition: a fundamental change in approach or assumptions

The most unfortunate thing happened to me when I was 43. I got a divorce. In most ways the divorce turned out to be a good thing. The unfortunate thing was the timing, because it fell smack-dab in the middle of the years when a woman enters THE CHANGE.

Because of the combination of these two majorly defining events, I've never been able to decide if I lost my mind because of the divorce or through the gradual loss of my womanly hormones (I never would have called them this when I was young, but now I know.....they were my best friends).

The thing I do know is that somewhere along the way, I stopped reading for pleasure. Beginning with The Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew, I had been a voracious reader from the time I was in the third or fourth grade onward. I devoured every book I came across. When visiting at other kids homes, I read their books while they played. From the time I was ten, I walked to the library by myself and returned home with the five books they allowed (my local library was miserly with the number of books they let children check out).

In my twenties and thirties, I read historical novels, trashy novels, biographies, true crime stories, best sellers, mystery stories, long books, short books, children's books, non-fiction books and how-to fix myself books. I read a couple of books a week, maybe more. And magazines and newspapers....I read them from cover to cover.

One of the things my ex disliked about me (and there were plenty) was the fact that I read so much. He thought I should be doing more productive activities. One thing I will never forget he said to me near the end of our marriage was, "you're a smart person...too bad you had to read so many books to get that way." My mind boggles to this day when I think of how much that statement says about him, not me.

But sometime during the decade of my forties, I lost the concentration needed to stick with a book until the end. The paradigm shift was so profound it left me without an escape from reality or an effective way to decompress after a trying day or the ability to feed my needy soul. It added much to the overwhelming changes that I went through during that ten year span.

After 26 years, I had to learn how not to be a wife. I started college. I got my first job outside the home in 25 years. I watched my children leave the nest. I learned how to live alone. (but I've never learned how to cook for one...when I cook, no matter what I do, it always turns into enough to feed six people)

I missed reading so much until I thought of listening to audio books. For at least eight years that's how I've ingested most of the books I've read, with maybe one or two exceptions each year. Slowly, slowly over the past year or so, I've started reading before sleeping once again.

So, all of this explanation to ask those of my readers who are of a certain age.....have you experienced anything like this phenomenon? I'm wondering was it going through THE CHANGE that started the loss? Was it a chemical imbalance due to depression brought on by the major life changes I experienced? Or could it have merely been the fact that my eyesight was changing and I simply couldn't see the page as well anymore? (I still concentrate on reading better once my contacts are out and I am able to hold the book inches from my myopic eyes....hence my enjoyment of reading in bed.)

Maybe I'll never know why, but I am happy to think that perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe I will be a voracious reader again one day. Maybe I will feel like my former smart informed self once again.

Maybe there is a better paradigm shift waiting for me in the future.

Day Three

2011-01-26T18:04:00.000-06:00

It's the end of day three and I still like it, which is great since it's this job or bust. I wish I could sit and chit-chat all night, but I've got to wash underwear. The clothes basket has reached critical mass.

I'll be back soon and pop in on all of y'all real soon!

Steph

Day One

2011-01-24T20:33:00.002-06:00

The first day at a new job is something that usually gives me a tremendous tension headache. So, I think it says a lot when I say I didn't have to take the two Excedrin I tucked into my purse this morning. There is much to learn, but that will come with doing. My fellow employees were warm and welcoming. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxing. I think I'm going to like this job.

My long time readers will remember how I used to park near the woods during lunch at my former job. Listening to the wind blow and watching birds fly around helped me detox from the noise and activity inside. After spending a quiet hour in the car (maybe even taking a power nap), I was always able to return to work refreshed. The new workplace is in the middle of a business and entertainment district....no woods...no isolation....what to do for lunch?

Well friends, I think I found my new lunch time sweet spot.

I drove over the mountain to pick up a carry out lunch and on the way back I realized how close and convenient this parking lot would be for my daily outdoor rendezvous. I've got Vulcan's ample rump for my northerly view and this vista for my southerly view.

Until and unless security guards tell me to move along, this is where you will find me around noon anytime I've had enough....any time I need the peace and quiet one can only find in a mountaintop parking lot.

Ta Da!

2011-01-21T08:35:00.001-06:00

After 8 1/2 months without a job, I am once again gainfully employed! I start on Monday.

No more spending all morning in my pjs.

No more staying up really late and sleeping until all hours.

No more doing as I please when I please.

The trade off is a regular payday! And security! And a nice place to work!

I'm happy. I was beginning to think that it would never happen.

Never, Neverland

2011-01-17T18:23:00.002-06:00

Hello. My name is Stephanie and I'm a mess. Even when I clean out drawers or closets. Even when I purge and purge and purge. I am and shall always be a mess.

My craft area will never resemble this neat rolling caddy. Paper stacks will continue to topple over no matter how many times I carefully rearrange the items.

The floor will be littered with reams of cut up magazines pages. My trash can over-floweth yet, everywhere I look there are excesses of bits and pieces.

I could vow to stop saving torn out magazine pages, snippets of pretty paper, canceled postage stamps or pretty advertising, but it is a vow I cannot keep. I'm helpless in the sight of PAPER!

Just looking at this drawer makes me feel defeated! There is no way I could keep a drawer looking this pristine for even one day.

Buttons would jump over the edge of the bowl in wild abandon just as soon as I closed the drawer.

Once I piled the half dozen pairs of scissors I own in the drawer, the pretty emptiness of the space would be forever ruined.

Why you ask do I own a half dozen pairs of scissors? (it's really more than that)

Because I hate not being able to find a pair when I need them. Besides, I keep using the cloth scissors on paper and ruining them. Then I HAVE to buy a new pair.

This last image makes me feel like laughing. Who could keep a stationary drawer looking as neat as a pin?

Maybe you, but surely not me!

Disclaimer: In no way do the above images represent, either now or in the past, any storage spaces in my home. Photography custody of Better Homes and Gardens.

One Week Later

2011-01-16T09:43:00.001-06:00

It's unheard of.

It's surprising.

It proves that it's been cold here.

It's been almost a week and there is still snow on big patches of my yard and deck.

It also proves that I have a army of squirrels that live in my backyard. See the acorn shells littering the deck? They have been hard at work all week, excavating their winter cache. The deck railings are covered with nut casings as well.

But, there are signs of hope.

Spring is on the way!

Random Thoughts

2011-01-13T18:52:00.000-06:00

This is my new desktop background. I need to see green growing things.

It's been four full days since it snowed. My yard has the same coverage today as it did on that first morning. This may be no biggie for those of you who receive regular snows. Not for us here in the South. Here, it's snow today...gone tomorrow usually.

I learned something. You can call the Highway Dept. and request that they send out a truck to sand your street.

Today, I drove off my hill for the first time this week.

I had a job interview.

I think it went well.

My fingers are crossed.

It's time for me to go back to work.

I better get my closet cleaning done tomorrow....just in case.

Just a Day in the Life

2011-01-11T14:28:00.000-06:00

Their sled makes the sound of ice crunching, as the little boys across the street ride it down the hill in front of their house.

The phone rings. I talk to Rachel awhile.

I hear the neighbor boys yelling and crying.

I look out the window to see them fighting a big black dog who is determined to steal their sled. One brother runs to tell Mom, while the other loses the battle with the dog.

Dog walks proudly down the street carrying the purple saucer sled in his mouth.

Mom looks out door as boys tell her all about dog.

Door closes behind boys. Apparently, Mom has told them to go get sled back from irrant dog.

Slowly, they walk through snow covered yards.

Big black dog wanders up onto neighboring porch sans sled.

Right before disappearing over the hill, I see big brother raise his arm and point. Little brother waits while big brother runs to retrieve sled.

Mission accomplished.

Folks, this little scene has been the excitement of my day.

I am in my pajamas for the second straight day.

I'm slowly taking the ornaments off my Christmas tree.

Yes, I do know that it is January 11th.

2011-01-11T00:11:00.000-06:00

War Eagle!!!!

Rapscallion (get ready for a rant by me)

2011-01-09T17:23:00.001-06:00

Merriam Webster says that,

The word "rascal" has been part of English since the 15th century, but on its own it apparently didn’t quite capture the disagreeable nature of the wily knaves of yore. By the 17th century, English speakers had modified "rascal" to create "rascallion." But it seems that even that term didn’t sound quite mischievous enough. By the century’s end, "rascallion" had been further altered to create "rapscallion." Today, "rapscallion" is still commonly used as a synonym for "blackguard," "scoundrel," and "miscreant." "Rascallion" is still around as well, but it’s very rare.

Mark Twain says,

Them rapscallions took in four hundred and sixtyfive dollars in that three nights. I never see money hauled in by the wagon-load like that before. By and by, when they was asleep and snoring, Jim says:

"Don't it s'prise you de way dem kings carries on, Huck?"

"No," I says, "it don't."

"Why don't it, Huck?"

"Well, it don't, because it's in the breed. I reckon they're all alike,"

"But, Huck, dese kings o' ourn is reglar rapscallions; dat's jist what dey is; dey's reglar rapscallions."

"Well, that's what I'm a-saying; all kings is mostly rapscallions, as fur as I can make out."

"Is dat so?"

"You read about them once -- you'll see. Look at Henry the Eight; this 'n 's a Sunday-school Superintendent to HIM. And look at Charles Second, and Louis Fourteen, and Louis Fifteen, and James Second, and Edward Second, and Richard Third, and forty more; besides all them Saxon heptarchies that used to rip around so in old times and raise Cain. My, you ought to seen old Henry the Eight when he was in bloom. He WAS a blossom. He used to marry a new wife every day, and chop off her head next morning. And he would do it just as indifferent as if he was ordering up eggs. 'Fetch up Nell Gwynn,' he says. They fetch her up. Next morning, 'Chop off her head!' And they chop it off. 'Fetch up Jane Shore,' he says; and up she comes, Next morning, 'Chop off her head' -- and they chop it off. 'Ring up Fair Rosamun.' Fair Rosamun answers the bell. Next morning, 'Chop off her head.' And he made every one of them tell him a tale every night; and he kept that up till he had hogged a thousand and one tales that way, and then he put them all in a book, and called it Domesday Book -- which was a good name and stated the case. You don't know kings, Jim, but I know them;

-excerpted from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Did you hear about this? Our national obsession with political correctness has got to stop!

I figure the guy (Mark Twain scholar, Alan Gribben) who recommended changing the "N" word and the word "injun" in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to less offensive wording might be called rapscallion by Mr. Twain himself.

Gribben says he was merely trying to prevent the censor of the book by schools so that more school children will be able read it. Doesn't the erasure of Twain's use of racial slurs dampen, even weaken the lesson of the book? Twain used those words specifically to show how wrong the treatment of those who are different from us is.

What has happened to logic and discernment and good sense? We live in a crazy world, if we aren't free to hear the truth, if we think there is anything wrong with The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn just the way Twain wrote it. Children should read the book. They should be taught the meaning of the book. In doing so, they will learn something about America's history and the way we should think about our fellow man. Hopefully they will gain a clearer understanding of all of mankind.

If there is a real problem with people calling for censorship of the book, then in my opinion it lies with people who make judgment calls about books they have obviously never read.

'Classic.' A book which people praise and don't read.

-Mark Twain