I recently was hired by a local women's group to cut some vinyl for them. They are having an enrichment night and one of the projects chosen to do was a wall plaque. S'mee mentioned to the lady in charge that I cut vinyl and could probably cut what they needed. Yay.
So this is what I cut. (yes, i noticed in the pic that I need to weed out the center of that "a") I have given them the decal and they will adhere it to their medium of choice. I am now thinking of doing some things for the shop. Rather than make the plaques, I think I'll cut the vinyl and allow people to choose where they want to put them. Be it their wall, their cars, a picture frame, or even a slab of slate or other stone.
28 February 2007
Some vinyl cutting
27 February 2007
Set the politics aside
I heard that on Oscar night that an award, the gold statue itself, was awarded to Al Gore for the movie An Inconvenient Truth. AaaaaacccK!
I sit here an old style hippie, raised in the sixties and seventies. Milk fed the pablum of kumbaya and peace. Willing to take upon my share of waste and dedicating myself on a daily basis of greening up the spot I live in and taking care of mother earth.
This dufus, and yes I mean dufus, is not willing to give an inch. At one point he even said that it is okay to lie about global warming to get people's attention to the problem. That's when I turned a deaf ear to him. And then this news. He gets the statue because people thought it was the best documentary. Please. Iraq in Fragments, or My Country, My Country were worthy of the statue. It's a shame Hollywood couldn't see it.
Today I read this story:
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research, an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization, issued a press release late Monday:
Last night, Al Gore’s global-warming documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, collected an Oscar for best documentary feature, but the Tennessee Center for Policy Research has found that Gore deserves a gold statue for hypocrisy.
Gore’s mansion, [20-room, eight-bathroom] located in the posh Belle Meade area of Nashville, consumes more electricity every month than the average American household uses in an entire year, according to the Nashville Electric Service (NES).
In his documentary, the former Vice President calls on Americans to conserve energy by reducing electricity consumption at home.
The average household in America consumes 10,656 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, according to the Department of Energy. In 2006, Gore devoured nearly 221,000 kWh—more than 20 times the national average.
Last August alone, Gore burned through 22,619 kWh—guzzling more than twice the electricity in one month than an average American family uses in an entire year. As a result of his energy consumption, Gore’s average monthly electric bill topped $1,359.
Since the release of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s energy consumption has increased from an average of 16,200 kWh per month in 2005, to 18,400 kWh per month in 2006.
Gore’s extravagant energy use does not stop at his electric bill. Natural gas bills for Gore’s mansion and guest house averaged $1,080 per month last year.
“As the spokesman of choice for the global warming movement, Al Gore has to be willing to walk to walk, not just talk the talk, when it comes to home energy use,” said Tennessee Center for Policy Research President Drew Johnson.
In total, Gore paid nearly $30,000 in combined electricity and natural gas bills for his Nashville estate in 2006.
For Further Information, Contact:
Nicole Williams, (615) 383-6431
editor@tennesseepolicy.org
I will continue to be dedicated to caring for mother earth. I will no longer entertain the thought that Mr. Gore knows anything about the planet, or cares to. By their labors you shall know them.
26 February 2007
The Latest Dwell Mag
I picked up a copy of the latest issue of Dwell today. I have spent the better part of two hours going over some of the articles and ads found inside the magazine. I bought it specifically for the article on going solar.
You see, when we build in Arizona we will be completely off the grid. We are about 4 miles from the nearest "pole" and Arizona power wants $32,000 to bring one to us, and then we have the privilege of paying them monthly for their service. I don't think so. We will be using a variety of power sources. Once being a whole house generator. It will cost us about 1/3 of the cost of the pole and once it's paid for it's ours for good. It will run on propane. Then there is the solar panels and the wind turbine that will combine to provide the power we will consume.
Just a quick note to all: we are not wealthy Californians taking advantage of the real estate run up in prices. We cannot sell our home to build the Arizona house because we need somewhere to live. We will be boot strapping this venture and it will be long in coming. I only hope we can do a lot of the finish work ourselves. My wonderful sister has volunteered her husband and one son for the electrical work. The big guy was once a drywaller, so that will get done by him and sons-in-law. (yes if you're reading this, and want to come visit, you will heft a slab or two of drywall, guys) The biggest portion that we will not do is the framing and slab work. It will be something we can be proud of in the future, but we're not building a mansion by any means. We are building to meet our needs. I do not, nor have ever, needed to clean more space just so I can call it big. It will be larger than our current home, but mostly because we will be inviting all family to come stay if need be. There will be room for all of us, eventually.
So back to Dwell. It is a good magazine for information. There are many vendors in the magazine that I won't even be giving a second look. You see, I am frugal. I cannot ever see the value in paying $400 for a plastic chair designed by the next big "designer". I am perfectly happy with knock offs and pure form furniture from good sources. I am just not into "names or labels". In fact, Ikea has some of the best kitchen and bath resources around. Their bathroom designs are spot on and I love the wood counter tops they have available.
Favorite find this month in Dwell: Tex-Cote paint. It is 10 times thicker than regular house paint and can reduce the outside temperature of your home by tens of degrees. That's pretty good for desert dwellers. I would say a coat of that paint on the exterior of a home would pay for itself inside of a year. Good find.
25 February 2007
The Caveman got us
You know that commercial that says "So easy a caveman could do it". Well, I just got our bill for insurance. I decided we had been paying our current insurer long enough without a comparison. We are BYU Alumnus that receive a special "alumni" price with Liberty Mutual. Well, isn't it nice to find out that being a BYU alumni means nothing to the cavemen guys. It still got us a better price than the guys claiming to give us a great deal. How much of a difference?
50% Less!!!! Yes. I'm falling for the caveman. That's what you get when you're an alumnus of a university and believe that an insurer and your alumni group are getting you a group deal. They think you're more educated than the caveman and then take advantage of your devotion to your school. Caveat Emptor folks. The caveman has convinced me to use my liberty and persue happiness with him.
22 February 2007
Magnolia Blossoms
Five years ago, this month, our middle daughter got married. It was in March and we went looking for special flowers for the celebration. We drove down to a favorite nursery in Montebello, CA to see what we could find. This would be the first of three weddings in four years for us, and at this point we were just having fun with the anticipation of the celebration.
We looked around and knew we wanted something quite different. We would be using iris' and tulips for the centerpieces and wall ornaments. We looked and looked and stumbled upon the most unusual tree. It was covered in small little white flowers. I asked the proprietor what kind of tree it was. He said a Magnolia. I had never seen this variety before and was instantly in love. We purchased the tree and it became the welcome portion of the hall.
We set the tree in its pot on a stand next to the guest sign in area to block off a hallway. It was beautiful. The celebration was a success and memories were made to last an eternity.
The little tree joined our collection of plants at the front door. In five years, I think we have had 5 blossoms. It has been frustrating to see this gorgeous little tree go without blooms. It is always covered in leaves but no flowers.
Until this year. We have had quite a cold snap this year. It has been below freezing several mornings and several of the neighbors are stunned at the amount of plant death is in the neighborhood. Then as a small miracle the tree has chosen to blossom! It is full of beautiful white multi-petaled flowers! I guess we needed a good freeze to get this tree blooming. I am so glad, it has brightened my day for a couple of weeks now.
Read More......
We looked around and knew we wanted something quite different. We would be using iris' and tulips for the centerpieces and wall ornaments. We looked and looked and stumbled upon the most unusual tree. It was covered in small little white flowers. I asked the proprietor what kind of tree it was. He said a Magnolia. I had never seen this variety before and was instantly in love. We purchased the tree and it became the welcome portion of the hall.
We set the tree in its pot on a stand next to the guest sign in area to block off a hallway. It was beautiful. The celebration was a success and memories were made to last an eternity.
The little tree joined our collection of plants at the front door. In five years, I think we have had 5 blossoms. It has been frustrating to see this gorgeous little tree go without blooms. It is always covered in leaves but no flowers.
Until this year. We have had quite a cold snap this year. It has been below freezing several mornings and several of the neighbors are stunned at the amount of plant death is in the neighborhood. Then as a small miracle the tree has chosen to blossom! It is full of beautiful white multi-petaled flowers! I guess we needed a good freeze to get this tree blooming. I am so glad, it has brightened my day for a couple of weeks now.
Read More......
21 February 2007
The farm, Arizona
So we went on a weekend out to the farm. It looks as though we should be building this year and getting a bit of lavender in the ground. Yay!
Along the way out there we spied a few interesting things:
This is a scorpion statue in Mesa, We stopped there searching desparately for a Starbucks. I need hot chocolate! The statues line Main Street. Very cool.
We then moved on to take some shots around town and ended up at the Mesa Temple. There were some very nice photos waiting to be captured all over the grounds.
Proof that sping has not yet sprung in Arizona.
They have two really great reflecting ponds on the grounds. This is just one great reflection. I love palm trees!
We then hit the road to traveling 3 hours northeast. This is what is on the way:
They were everywhere in one part of Arizona. Other parts had Elk and pine trees but before you reach those, you pass through the cacti.
The farm is pictured above. Once you get there, you can drive another 15 minutes up the 80 and find the entrance to the Petrified Forest. Our land is covered in petrified wood. This picture is from the forest:
We don't have logs this large laying about on the farm. We have not yet turned the earth so you never know we may stumbled across a large log or two. We do have lots of small pieces though. If you've never seen it up close or would like a piece let me know, I could probably send you some. Read More......
Along the way out there we spied a few interesting things:
This is a scorpion statue in Mesa, We stopped there searching desparately for a Starbucks. I need hot chocolate! The statues line Main Street. Very cool.
We then moved on to take some shots around town and ended up at the Mesa Temple. There were some very nice photos waiting to be captured all over the grounds.
Proof that sping has not yet sprung in Arizona.
They have two really great reflecting ponds on the grounds. This is just one great reflection. I love palm trees!
We then hit the road to traveling 3 hours northeast. This is what is on the way:
They were everywhere in one part of Arizona. Other parts had Elk and pine trees but before you reach those, you pass through the cacti.
The farm is pictured above. Once you get there, you can drive another 15 minutes up the 80 and find the entrance to the Petrified Forest. Our land is covered in petrified wood. This picture is from the forest:
We don't have logs this large laying about on the farm. We have not yet turned the earth so you never know we may stumbled across a large log or two. We do have lots of small pieces though. If you've never seen it up close or would like a piece let me know, I could probably send you some. Read More......
19 February 2007
They really know how to to party
In Arizona! We were there for the Pesident's Day holiday (not at the cabaret). A good time was had by all. ;-)
16 February 2007
Medication that makes you go huh?
I have been watching a bit of daytime tv. I have been working on some new items for the store and have had the tv on while creating. Yesterday there was a commercial on a few times that I finally had to say "how dumb is that?" 
After listening to the commercial extoll the virtues of this wonder drug I began listening to the disclaimer. "This medication should be taken after 48 hours of your first symptoms. You may expect to experience side effects of nausea and vomitting..."
Okay yeah, I have nausea and vomitting. I think I'll take something to give me more of that!
14 February 2007
Sending Love
Here's wishing all of you out there in blogland have a nice Valentine's day. It's not just for couples you know. Go to the airport, sit in the terminal and you'll find love is really...
all around you!
13 February 2007
Just a little heat
We went for a drive a couple of weeks ago. We decided to see the effects of the Esparanza fire had on the property we almost bought about 6 years ago. The drive took us along the path of the fire. It stretched for miles and miles. I am amazed at how much acreage the fire covered in such a short time period. We finally came upon the street where the land was located. It had been consumed. Not just consumed but burnt to a crisp. There was one home completely lost and a few others that had been in direct harms way. If we had built a home there it would have gone in the fire as the land was completely burned. This is a picture of our would be next door neighbors' home:
The fence was melted. It was one of those beautiful no maintenance fences made of vinyl. I wonder if the fence was sold with a disclaimer about fires? The fence illustrates the heat in the area and also gives you an idea of the rest of the area's destruction.
Winter's back!
It's a cold and blustery day here. I have been baking and enjoying the indoors. The cat has been in and we're having a white trash dinner. Green beans and tuna casserole. Not my favorite, in fact, niether one of us could remember that last time we had it. It must've been when the girls were all at home. That was a good 10 years ago. Don't ask me why we're having it tonight.
Read More......10 February 2007
The best I've read on Anna NIcole
Tony Woodlief, author of San In The Gears, and my favorite writer on the internet, has written a compelling post about the death of Vicky Lynn Hogan. She is best known as Anna Nicole Smith. It asks us to examine ourselves, and our actions, everyday and become better than we are. To become who we were born to be.
I bring you,Sand In the Gears. Please if you've never read another link I've put out there, this one is worthy of you and your time. Thank you Tony. It made me think. I've got plenty of glasses, and an unlimited supply of water, I'll be ready next time.
09 February 2007
New way to get to Ozzfest this year
It has been announced by MTV news (not that I watch MYV anymore, I got this story from Ad Age) Ozzy Osborne has announced that this year's Ozzfest will be free to concert goers! Yes, that's right, Ozzfest, if you attend, will be free to go.
He says that bands won't be paid to participate, instead he is relying on sponsor ads to foot the bill for the concert. In order to get these tickets, you will have to go online to the Ozzfest website, then the fun begins. He said it's free to get in, but it will cost you to get out. This means if you are willing to jump through a few hoops of advertisers on the net, you get the tickets. Get your aliases ready!
07 February 2007
February's Hansel and Gretel
Okay, I have been perusing the blogosphere recently and come across a February theme. I am not sure if it the prolonged winter cold or the fact that St. Valentine is looming in the future. Occasionally all we need is a bit of inspiration. Let's go see if we can inspire each other.
What we'll do. Go to someone, or two someone's on you blogroll. Tell us who they are. Why you've blogrolled them. Then go to thier place and click on something in their blogroll that you're unfamiliar with, but suddenly awakens your faculties. If there are two or three that's great! Leave a comment everywhere you go, letting them know that you're trying to turn up the heat and demolish the February doldrums with their help. While your on your journey keep a list of where you've been and how to get back home ala Hansel and Gretel. A bread crumb trail so to speak. Then come back to your place and lead us along the path, inspire us!
I'll start out for you. This morning I was looking for inspiration. I clicked on all the usual suspects, made a comment or two and then said, I must be inspired! Along the my sidebar are some very talented people. Inspiration abounds! This morning inspiration came by way of In a Minute Ago. Unfortunately, I cannot make a comment at her blog! Arggh. Sharon B is certainly an inspriation. She is a stitch maven. She hosts an online class teaching people how to build a stitch libray. She is also a crazy quilter. Go see her stuff! The post on the Algerian Eye stitch is worth a half days' read alone.
At Sharon's I clicked on Ullabenulla. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but anyone who could take a childhood name game and make it their blog title had to be someone I'd like. Well, I was right! What a wonderful blog. Fresh, fun and visual. I love it.
At Ulla's I went one more place. I chose Two Lime Leaves. Kirsty is an Aussie and her pictures are gorgeous! She has a button on her side bar that says she's having fun with a year of color. It intrigued me. I am going to join that flickr group!
Okay, okay back to work I must go. So will you take me on your Hansel and Gretel trip? Leave a comment here and I'll come see where you are finding ispiration.
06 February 2007
Way Cool!
Styledash made my day. The traffic was up here at Cooper Chronicles and I went to my site meter to see who was tipping people off to me. It happened to be a really nice pice done by Deidre at Styledash. I was about half way down today's page just above Jeffrey, the designer who won Project Runway.
But alas, fame is fleeting. I hope everyone keeps coming by, and thank you to all of those who purchased nice little heart necklaces. The actual credit for the necklaces goes to Lisa. She was my inspiration!
01 February 2007
Heart Pendant
This is just one of the heart pendants now available in the shop. Just click on the link in the sidebar. Lots of hearts for your valentine.
Read More......
31 January 2007
Hat for the new baby
This is what I've been spending my time doing lately. All in all it took only about a day and a half's time. I found it easy to do and am pleased with the outcome. It's called the Baby Cupcake Hat. I wasn't sure if I should post it at Food Chronicles instead. ;-)
The pattern I used is from Carolyn Christmas' The Portable Crafter - Crochet. It is full of great little things to crochet. Next up- socks! I love my cozy winter socks to wear around the house. Carolyn has provided us with a sock pattern to crochet and I'm giving them a try.
I'll post the results. Read More......
The pattern I used is from Carolyn Christmas' The Portable Crafter - Crochet. It is full of great little things to crochet. Next up- socks! I love my cozy winter socks to wear around the house. Carolyn has provided us with a sock pattern to crochet and I'm giving them a try.
I'll post the results. Read More......
29 January 2007
Thank you, Barbaro
I am a huge animal softie. I love them to death and am always touched by their loyalty. Barbaro was no exception. From my childhood days of loveing Black Beauty, to this year's preakness, I have had a love affair with these magnificent beasts.
In the late 80s I had the opportunity to go to Los Alamitos Race track for a day of racing. My favorite place was was the Walking Ring. As the horses are led from the paddocks to the track, at Santa Anita, the horses can be viewed up close. The jockeys, in their silks, lead the horses out of the paddock, along with trainers, around the walking ring to give spectators a chance to see the horses in all their racing splendor. I didn't bet on a race, but the day was wonderful. I often wish I lived closer, I think I'd spend a few mornings a week at the workout sessions.
Barbaro's owners and doctors did all they could to save him. Even with the best of care his injury was too much to overcome. He had developed laminitis in all three uninjured legs. Today he was euthanized. He was truly suffering and the time had come to say goodbye. He may be gone, but he joins a group of well loved animals. Go graze in some tall clover, eat all you want, no worries about getting colic now! See you on the rainbow bridge bud!
26 January 2007
Valentine's Apron
The last item for the "box". I think Little Miss will love this. I whipped it up yeaterday morning. It was a fabric I found on sale and it was 60 inches wide. I bought a yard and probably have enough fabric to make three more of them the same size. Hmmm. I might even make one for myself!
I am also using this apron for the Jan/Feb Tie One On! Amy at Angry Chicken hosts a event every pther month called Tie One On. It's an apron appreciation group where she challenges us to make and apron and put it up for all to see. I have watched from afar for the last year and now with a bit of free time, I am participating. I look forward to the next few months of sewing some cute aprons, as the ones I currently have are very utilitarian!
So the first one's for Little MIss. I can hardly wait to see the pictures. Read More......
I am also using this apron for the Jan/Feb Tie One On! Amy at Angry Chicken hosts a event every pther month called Tie One On. It's an apron appreciation group where she challenges us to make and apron and put it up for all to see. I have watched from afar for the last year and now with a bit of free time, I am participating. I look forward to the next few months of sewing some cute aprons, as the ones I currently have are very utilitarian!
So the first one's for Little MIss. I can hardly wait to see the pictures. Read More......
23 January 2007
Scarf for Little MIss
After reading about the wonderful crocheting getting done at Bella Dia I knew I had to get going on a couple of projects.
This one was finished in a day and a half. It's for Little Miss of course. Who else needs a pink snuggly scarf? You see, she has this brand new convertible car, and it can be very cold in the winter! The scarf should help keeps things toasty while on her "drives". ;-)
Then it's on to the little cupcake hat for the new grandson. I have finished the band and am working on the body of the hat. That should be done in a day or so. Pics as soon as they make sense.
Than S'mee called and she needs a couple of crocheted flower pins. I'll whip those up for her tomorrow. I'll phtoograph the process, so it'll be a short tutorial for all of you who need to dust off your hooks and get started again. Read More......
This one was finished in a day and a half. It's for Little Miss of course. Who else needs a pink snuggly scarf? You see, she has this brand new convertible car, and it can be very cold in the winter! The scarf should help keeps things toasty while on her "drives". ;-)
Then it's on to the little cupcake hat for the new grandson. I have finished the band and am working on the body of the hat. That should be done in a day or so. Pics as soon as they make sense.
Than S'mee called and she needs a couple of crocheted flower pins. I'll whip those up for her tomorrow. I'll phtoograph the process, so it'll be a short tutorial for all of you who need to dust off your hooks and get started again. Read More......
Glass cabs
This is some of what I've been up to lately. Lots more where this came from! New items up for sale this evening at 3 hip sisters tonight.
here's another:
Read More......
here's another:
Read More......
14 January 2007
The Fours Meme
MeMe from Melissa and her sister!
This came to Melissa in an email, she asks that we all keep it chugging along. So S'mee, Pea, the youngest one, and the 1st should all give it a try.
A) Four Jobs I have had in my life!
* Grocery Store everything, started as a box girl and worked my way to carrying keys, counting the money and setting prices (chain wide)
* Baker this was by far the very hardest job ever, it takes precision and stamina
* Stock Broker, yes I was one, I love the financial markets, hated the job
* Cook, line chef so to speak
B) Four Movies I watch over and over (and over)
* Empire of the Sun
* Regarding Henry
* About a Boy
* Joe versus the Valcano
Unfair to list only four. I love movies. I watch movies everyday, from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The State of the Union oldies to War of the Worlds and Braveheart. It serves an injustice to choose only four.
C) Four Places I have Lived
* Port Huron, Michigan
* San Diego, California
* Long Beach, CA
* Provo, UT
This was the hardest of all to decide, you see, I have lived so many other places too! I could have had a list of probably 20 more.
D) Four TV Shows I Love to Watch
* Heroes
* Monk
* No Reservations
* Amazing Race
This one was pretty easy. TV isn't all it's supposed to be, anymore. I have a myriad of tv to choose from and keep the channel on the HGTV and Discovery network most of the time.
Four Places I have been on vacation
* Punta Chivato, MX
* Cabo San Lucas, MX
* Utah, Idaho roadtrips
* San Francisco, CA and the pacific coast
Four Websites I Visit Daily
* My Blog Roll, some of you more than twice a day just to see if you're ever going to write again.
* Little Cotton Rabbits
* eGullet
* Ethicurean
Four of My Favorite Foods
* Hot Chocolate, yes, it is a food
* Chili Verde, in a burrito with melted cheese and lots of green sauce
* Kalamata Olive bread from Con Pane with thin sliced roast beef, goat cheese
* Turkey, gravy and rice
Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now
* Anywhere warm!
* Lexington, Virginia
* Provo, Utah
* Rexburg, Idaho
What I've learned so far is that I could probably eat with Lisa any day of the week and Melissa and I could watch TV or go to the movies together, a lot.
12 January 2007
What to do?
That isn't a phrase that gets spoken around here ever. There is always something to do. I have been in the kitchen experimenting a bit lately. I have also spent a bit of time in the garage with the kiln. The shop will have some new items in it shortly.
This morning the fabric that I showed you earlier in the week finally got its turn. I whipped this up. It's not finished completely, but almost. I have to go purchase a couple of buttons for the back and get it hemmed. Then I can mail it off to little miss. It will make a nice Valentine I think.
Now to warm some pizza for lunch!
10 January 2007
Important site to visit before taking any road trip
I stumbled upon this site while surfing away a couple of days ago and find it to be one of the most important sites on the net. I see blog awards all the time for blogs that are funny, witty, informative, well written, all those good things. But this site, this site, is the mother of all blogs. Yes, it deserves a special place on the net. I believe because of the information it provides, it should be automatically be the home page for anyone purchasing a computer and planning to use the internet!
Yes. That. Important. This man deserves every award available, at least a link from all of us!
So what is it you ask? Well it has something to do with these:
Hmmm. How does this become the focal point of our lives? Well, you tell me. How many times have you gone on a roadtrip and needed to pull off the road to take care of "business" and had to pick at random a place to "go". Most times you end up in a germ infested creepy substitute of a bathroom. The floor moves from out of the corner of your eye, the "paper" is provided in a roll size that would take care of a travelling football team, yet, is empty. And, of course, the water is never hot, the soap dispenser is empty and forget about seat covers completely. To the rescue comes The Bathroom Diaries. Yes, nirvana on the net! You can now map your course via the best bathrooms in the world! The world! Yes, they have commentary on worldwide public bathrooms! You go to the site, choose your cities, countries, locations and check the reviews. You'll know whether or not to carry a bucket with you, with rubber gloves, Lysol and TP. You'll know if you can easily navigate yourself through the myriad of rest stops along the way and find that perfect location.
Yes, finally a place you can check and prepare for Elivs leaving the building!
06 January 2007
Around the corner and back again
This weekend has brought a few extra moments to go looking around the net for new people and things. These are some of the new people I've found:
Claudia has illustrations that speak to me. Her art is done in what appears to me as pen and ink. The reason I say appears, is that Claudia is from Madrid and her site is in Spanish. The art is gorgeous, I'll have to get my son-in-law to translate.
Dub and Sam is a crafty blog that caught my interest. It seems Jessica is a lot like me. She's a crafter that loves to experiment in the kitchen and is interested in lots of things. She has a great link list too!
Bemused and I could be fast friends. She loves to quilt. Her quilts are so nice. The poatage stamp quilt she's working on is gorgeous. She also has an interest in other crafty goodness too so don't count her out if you're not a fan of quilting!
If you have yet to discover Superbuzzy! you're missing out. I have been a fan of Mariko and Kelly for about six months now. They has some very cute sewing and crafting items from Japan for sale at great prices.
Anja Boretzki has stolen my heart! She has some wonderful crafts to share with all of us. I am dying to make the angels for Little Miss next year! And that Nativity! Is that too cute?
I envy all of you who are illustrators. And I have added Natasha to my list. All of you do such inspiring things. My love for illustrators began with Danny got me started, I quickly added Kim who has brought inspiration untold to me. Each of you I respect and admire for your abilities to share life through your illustrations. They are wonderful. There are so many others. Please include yourself in that admiration.
So where have you been lately? And who is inspiring you right now?
05 January 2007
Cute fabrics
I am a sucker for cute fabric. I learned to sew when I was about twelve years old and have sewn ever since. Embroidery, pattern adjustment, culottes(should tell you how old I am) were my first projects. All in one item, aaack!
One thing I gained from being taught as a yound girl, was the opportunity to fall in love with fabric. I cannot walk by a fabric store without wondering what wonderful things are inside. I keep myself from dropping in, because I also have the other disease called "stash filling". Yes, I suffer from that dreaded condition. I have a dresser full of fabric that has yet to be cut. Eeeck!
While the granddaughter was here she opened a drawer and found this cute stuff. She said dress?
I told her I would see what I could do about making her a dress or two out of it. I have a pattern picked out but I am not aure it will work with the pattern. I may go with a summer jumper instead. Any suggestions?
04 January 2007
Organize everything!
I have been spending the last few days writing a priority list. There are so many things to get done that I have discovered the need to begin blocking out my time as if I were at work. I received a couple of great items for Christmas from the big guy with help from the daughters that will take me to the next level on several items I am persuing.
This for example:
and this:
I cannot believe what support I get from the family. They really do work hard to help me in my quest to learn and grow and become. So with these new tools come the opportunities to learn and stretch the old brain a bit.
Two more blocks of time please!
03 January 2007
At the risk of offending everyone....
Oh I thought I did that with the new year's post. Nah.
What in the heck is on the HGTV channel at 7 a.m. PST? Craft Lab? My husband has left the house two days in a row, asking how did they get a group of grown women, and sometimes guys, to play like they're in first grade for tv? I kind of have to agree with him.
They make the most inane projects. Today it was melting crayons on paper and add embellishments and glitter. Then once it dries you can use it for a frame or a journal cover or wall art. If someone gives me a glitter covered journal, I'll get the message. Stop journaling. I get it. You know the glitter would drive me out of my mind being all over my fingers and I'd never touch the thing. Yep, journaling would end then and there. How about a nice moleskin instead?
Don't get me wrong. These are the first few shows. I am sure it'll get better, they just have to find their groove.
02 January 2007
Super Organizer Girl Is on Board
Well, it is the 2nd of January and all...
I have been waiting for some quiet time around the house to begin. AS seen before by all of you (well, maybe not all) I have a office/craft/photography room to work in. It has been a bedroom, but now since the girlie girls all got married, I changed it out to my creating room! 
This is my idea shelf. I have articles from magazines since about 1979 in those notebooks. Problem: how to find the article I want without fishing through a ton of notebooks? I finally figured it out. Scan! That's right scan. I am going to scan every article and put it in a folder according to category with an index. Yes! Then I'll have what I need when I need it all with a few keystrokes.
Most of these articles are from past Martha Stewart magazines, Better Homes and Gardens and House Beautiful. If you have a request for instructions from a long lost articles, let me know, I may just have what you're looking for.
I am still in search of an article from the early 80s. If I ever find it....
I took the plunge!
I went to haloscan a couple of days ago and noticed the recent news. The had a hack for the new blogger. Yes! It's exactly what I was waiting for. You see, I abhor the comments section on blogger. I cannot stand typing in code words for the opportunity to post a comment. Yuck. So I have been with haloscan for almost as long as I've been blogging. I paid the $10 ($10 wow that's all!) upgrade fee and I get to ban, and manage and change my template and do all kinds of neat things with comments.
When I read the news that some really great tech guy or girl over at halscan had figured the hack to get it to work with the new blogger I jumped at the chance to use it. That siad, as you can probably tell, there are a few bugs with the new blogger.
When yo migrate your site over, you lose all the cool extras you've added along the way. Then over the next few days, as I have been doing, you begin to remember all the stuff you used to have and begin adding them back in. It's not too difficult, but if you have a friend that's done it, give them a call or write them an email to check if you're doing things correctly.
Once you've made the migration choice, you'll get to see the bells and whistles, blogger has added. Cool stuff like being able to change your template colors and links, and all that good stuff pretty easily. I'm still not sold on the colors I'm currently using so you'll probably watch the changes with curious minds wondering when I'll stop. Possibly never. heh.
If you haven't yet managed to migrate, blogger is now saying the new blogger is blogger and the old blogger wants a vacation. I think that maybe, just maybe, they'll try to get you over your fears and have you make the change soon. Come on join the cool kids, drink the koolaid, or jump off that cliff, whichever peer presure slogan works for you. I know my sis has an aversion for lemming behavior, and doesn't like the "if I jump off a cliff will you?" mantra, but come on sis, I did it!
01 January 2007
Happy New Year
Forever, that sentiment has puzzled me. I was not schooled on the good fortune of a new year. Life began on your birthday, and your "new year" was on that anniversary each year. I say the "Happy New Year" greeting (feeling somewhat wierd) to those I meet in my daily outings, and here on the blog. Everywhere I visit are celebrations of the New Year.
As I try to figure out my lack of enthusiasm for this day, maybe it's that I listened too well to the teachings of the Old Testament when taught as a young child. The new year was celebrated with great anticipation in old testament times, mostly looking forward to the Jubilee year. It came in sevenths. On the seventh year, a Sabbatical was celebrated, farmers were to leave their land fallow until the next year. A rest period, kind of a type and shadow of the creation, I suppose. Then after the seventh sabbatical, the year of Jubilee was celebrated in the fiftieth year. Great things happened. Mostly with land ownership. Debts were forgiven and clean slates were made. A new approach applied and life was to improve.
Those are the things I remember being taught as I traversed the religious background of my childhood. We didn't have a definite religion, and visited just about anyone who had open doors when I was growing up. You name the church, I visited it, at one time or another. [I never did go to a Scientology place, as I didn't know about their existence until they purchased the land at the end of the valley. Yes folks, I live in Scientology land. The little robots(at least that what they seem like to me) are all over the place.] The year of jubilee came and went in our modern society yet debts were not forgiven. We've replaced the valued traditions of old with simple parties and "new beginnings". Salutations and celebrations have replaced true caring and forgiveness, especially empathy. The shadow of the creation has been replaced with the stark brightness of the new age, personal effort and amazing ability to intellectualize our existence.
Can you understand my confusion? I do care. The world needs a little more caring. From all of us. What I wish this new year, is a little more empathy, caring and concern. Instead of looking at the beggar with disdain, can we ask ourselves why? What put them there? Can we try, in this new year, to reach out more to others, really truly look them in the eye and ask the hard questions? You know the questions, the ones that will make you stretch forth your hand in fellowship, and true concern for the well being of others. The questions that look beyond the simple straight forward answers of "fine" or "just great" and move to real answers given because they feel your concern. Can we make each other just a little less anonymous, objectified? I think if we do, our lives, and the lives of those we reach out to, will be better.
So in this new year, I really do wish your dreams come true. That your empty longings will find fulfillment and that you will fill yourself with the love you are seeking. By giving, we receive. So give, give more than you ever expected, and reap the rewards you never knew existed.
31 December 2006
They came, we saw, they went home!
It was a flurry of activity at our place for the holidays. Everyone came home. The girls and their husbands we all here to celebrate together. They couldn't stay long as obligations such as rent and jobs take their priority these days. But wow, while they were here it was great. People were every where! Each room was filled with luggage or people or Christmas!
Presents were exchanged and everyone was pleased. The crowning glory of course was little miss and her entourage. Dora the explorer, the pony brigade, and oh what fun the advent calendar was! The Christmas morning surprise of her car was a highlight. I am not sure her father was very pleased as trying to get all the belongings and a car into their car for the trip home was quite a feat!
The best moments were spent talking and remembering and just being together. So many pictures were taken. Little miss waded in the pacific ocean for her first time ever and her beach girl genes were awakened from their sleep. She is a natural born Californian and will enjoy many many trips to the ocean. My ocean as she called it. There were tears as we left the shoreline, but promises to re-visit on warmer days ahead.
Our quarters were close, but no one seemed to mind. Next year they'll all be at the in-laws and we'll see them in "off days" as their in-laws did this year. It givesus ample time to have the house up and comfortable in two years for them all to come home again for Christmas, in a new home, with personal rooms for all. Plus a huge great room for fun and frolick!
24 December 2006
Merry Christmas Every One!
This was a Christmas card I sent years ago. It is still one of my favorites. I wish you all that you wish, no matter what it is, have a great time with those you love!
19 December 2006
14 December 2006
And now for some glorious news!
If you haven't already heard Andrea has had her baby! Go there and see the most beautiful baby I've seen in a while!
Andrea has been my favorite Superhero for years now. She takes such wonderful photographs and writes the most amazing stories of the life around her. I love her and I am so glad this blessing has finally arrived for them. He is welcomed with open arms by many far and wide.
13 December 2006
Time is short, life is fleeting
Every year for several years I have linked to this Advent Calendar. Leslie Harpold is its creator. It is cool, and "webby" and creative and can always lift your spirits during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It's something Leslie does because she can and she gets nothing but gratitude from all of us who enjoy it free of cost every year. I even go back and look at years past because they are so fun.
This year I began, as many of us did, to enjoy the daily updates. Then something strange happened. Hmmm. Saturday's not updating, neither is Sunday. Hmmmm. I missed Friday, maybe Leslie's having internet problems. Gah.
Well, today I began again in my quest for advent. Still nothing. Then a blurb at Not Martha about Leslie's death. What? I began a google search. How could this be? On the heels of the sad news of James and Kati and now this! There it was, friends, lots of them are offering their remembrances and piecing the story of her death together. She had been ill.
Emily mentions making a donation in Leslie's name at Modest Needs. I concur. Modest Needs is one of my favorite charities especially this time of year. I have been donating to them on and off for a few years and it always helps me remember that we are all in this together. It is the small acts of kindness shown, by people like Leslie, that bring sunshine into the lives of others. If you haven't yet dropped $20 in a donation pail, or even if you already have, do it again today. It'll make you feel better and is a great way to show Leslie that she made a difference. Make the donation in her memory, they'll let you do that.
So remember in a quick moment someone who makes you feel better, or loves you more than you'll ever know, or even an aquaintance over the net can be gone in an instant. Life is fleeting, make it count.
12 December 2006
Cool stuff to have on hand
I love stuff. Especially useful stuff. I have seen glass cloths everywhere. Microfiber has become the worlds biggest buzzword. They will replace papertowels someday I think, hope. I cannot remember ever voluntarily purchasing paper towels ever. Big waste of dinero for me, we've used them but the guilt factor is high when we do.
Now Method has packaged microfiber towels for sale in differing types for differing reasons. I have a stack of them and so should you!
They also have them available just for wood or everyday uses. They last at least 40 launderings, and can help you mop up even the most difficult of spills. Save a tree, man!
Ah, I love a warm bed. I got spoiled sleeping on a water bed most of my life. There is nothing better than climbing into a nice warm bed after a long day. However, since we bought the best mattress in the world, the only complaint I have is that it doesn't warm itself. I cringe with the thought of climbing into that ice cold bed! Eeeek! And I don't have one of those crazy, but loving, husbands that goes to bed and lays on my side five minutes before I do so it will be warm. No I don't. He does all kinds of other nice things but he has to draw the line somewhere. So what's a girl to do?
Buy one of these:
A heated mattress pad, it's a miracle of miracles. Now I can snuggle into my bed at night and it's warm and wonderful. The best part is that it is dual controlled so the husband, who for some reason, is always warm and toasty and can't stand the extra heat. Go figure?
The best thing is the savings it generates. You save on heating because the house doesn't need to be on high just before bed. If you outfit the whole house full of beds, everyone is toasty and you can leave the heat off at night. Program that thermostat to come on just before it's time to get up and everyone is happy. Not only the heating savings are possible, bu tthe doctor bills will be lower too. Leaving the heat on at night is directly correlated with wintertime colds. The heat is a breeding ground for all those germy germs that like to play in the wintertime.
Tidbits of information. What? I can't buy that. Of course not. But you can read them. One such as this: You know when you go to your favorite neato store? They always ask you if they can have your zip code. Oh very benign. "They're just checking to see where everyone comes from", you say to yourself, "maybe they'll build one in my town." Yes, it used to be that simple. Now, telemarketers are using that info, combined with your sales history to build a profile on you. You will begin to receive spam, mailers and all other kinds of "notices" to assisting in separatin gyou from your money. Think about it next time and decline, unless of course, it is for credit card verification needs.
See now that one didn't cost you anything!
What else? Well how about this:
I really like doll houses. But every one I've ever seen is flimsy or fragile. Well I watched this show on the home and garden network (the craziest show ever IMO) and B. Original made a dollhouse out of a bookcase. One of those small $29.00 bookcases at target or walmart or any other simple home store. 
It's cute, simple and sturdy. And think of the hours that small person will spend playing on their own! You'll be able to make some stuff of your own. Or maybe read a blog or two. heh.
My favorite item to have on hand? Carmex! This tiny little bottle can be found everywhere in my life. In my purse, in my little basket by the bathroom sink, in my car, in my husband's car, in my emergency kit. Why???? Well this little bottle,
is a cure all. It is specifically made to keep your lips soft and supple, but it works for all kinds of stuff. It is great if you have new shoes and need just a bit of lubricant on the back of your heal to keep from getting a blister. It also works if you have one of those creepy heel things, where your skin has gotten really dry, almost to the point of cracking. Put a glob on there and some socks overnight and you'll be amazed at how much better it is in the morning. It also has a SPF rating helping keep all that horrible sun damage that can occur when you're outside. Get some soon, you'll understand the addiction.
What stuff do you love?
10 December 2006
D is for Desmond
Okay this is so totally not in the Christams spirit, but I love it. Edward Gorey is an illustrator and writer who died in 2000. However, the Gashlycrumb Tiny's are still a draw to me. I had to do this test. Maybe you will too. My favoerite name is Desmond. So ecletic yet lasting at the same time. I could know and old man and a small child with the name and find it very fitting for each. So that's why I chose Desmond. What fun!
Which Gashlycrumb Tiny are you?
D is for Desmond thrown out of a sleigh.
Take this quiz!
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01 December 2006
I needed food, or something warm this morning. So of course, my first choice was Starbucks. A venti hot chocolate is my favorite. A blueberry scone. And all is right with the world. Well, until I realize that is probably is not all that healthy. Sigh.
Scone. Not your Utah variety scone, not evenyour english variety. However, Starbucks, for a run of the mill mass produced scone, does okay. Better than most chain grocery bakers. And no real bakery, I've ever been in, makes them. Except of course, Con Pane in San Diego which I stated my love for in the past. In fact now that I think of it, will it be Con Pane or El Indio for lunch on the 23rd? I think we'll go by COn Pane first and then see what we can pick up at El Indios.heh.
But to my main point of this post. I saw the funniest thing this morning. A woman driving down the block coming toward me. I HAD to notice her. Why because her hair was glowing from inside her car. I was the prettiest shade of red. Not just auburn wow were you born with that hair red. No not all all. It was the Merry Christmas kind of red. You know like this,
or maybe even this,
The kind of red that makes you want to hug her. And, invite her to church. She add so much to the otherwise dull and boring same old calico dress group.
What made it all the more noticable was that she was driving this:
Yep a minivan. Gotta love her.
30 November 2006
At the close
Well, NaBloPoMo is coming to an end tonight. No more daily posts on demand. Not that I won't post daily or anything like that, but if today turns into tomorrow...
We are one day closer to Christmas. Only 25 days until my family is reunited for the holidays. I cannot say how much I am looking forward to that day! They are all coming from frozen tumdra in one way or another and I am hoping for a nice warm Christmas here so they can thaw out and have some fun. We will all only be together for two days as some are going and some are coming in the same few days. So we will be packed in like sardines while they're here but I don't think anyone will mind. Except of course, the cat. He owns the roost and will be very vocal that his space is out of order.
Look out Angus, the kids are coming and that includes Little Miss!
29 November 2006
Ooooo Oooooo Oooooo!
The LA Auto Show opens Friday! Wowzer, I didn't realize it was that time of year again! Lookingat the map of the show, they have MINI in a much better place this year. It's with the BMWs of course but this year we are front and center instead of behind the corner of BMW. And, drumroll please....... we're right next door to Maserati! Totally cool.
I know, it should be my husband who is so interested in cars. Not. He likes that you get in them, turn the key and they take you from here to there. And he also likes that his big truck has a V8. That's about it. Nope. It's the girls in the family that salivate at cars. In fact I have a great pic of #3 hugging a porsche. :-) The girl's got good taste. Not those little 924s, or 044s either. It's a Targa or nothing thankyouverymuch! So right now it's a 2007 VW Rabbit. Delivery expected in January.
Others cars I'm expecting to see are the concepts. I love to see what some design guys are thinking. They are out there type cars but some of them actually get to get made! I remember when we were at BYU a few years back, ahem, ahem, the design team at BYU won a contest. They had designed the Fiero. It was cool back then. So you never know what you'll see and who is going to get to design the next big thing.
I probably won't get to go until next week, in case you're going look for the crazy woman at the MINI exhibit. She will be smiling away. I'd own two of those cars if someone could explain to me how to drive two of them at once!
Still, I just love cars. I'd own a VW, a Porsche, more MINIs, a Lotus Elise, and an Audi TT. The Alfa Romeo isn't bad either. I have a son-in-law that wants a Viper. I can hardly wait!
28 November 2006
It all started with Akeelah
I love documentaries. I enjoy reading history. I enjoy hearing about the lives of people around me. Like the people watching thing, I enjoy learning about people and the interesting things they do. So when I saw the movie Akeelah and the bee I had to grab it and watch it.
I have already stated in a different post how much I loved that movie. It was well written and the cast was well rounded. I especially enjoyed Lawrence Fishburne's portrayal of the educator turned tutor. I recommended this movie to everyone and antone looking for a fee good movie to see. I even saw it for sale at Starbucks. huh.
I then stumbled upon another movie on spelling bees. It was the bee season. Not nearly as good as Akeelah but still an interesting movie. I don't recommend you runn out and rent it or anything like that. The movie was convoluted and the story didn't seem to be as much about the bee as it was the mental illness of the mom, that illness not having anything to do with spelling bees.
Then this morning while gluing and cutting and folding, I popped Spellbound into the dvd player. It is a documentary that follows eight (don't call me on it could be 7) National Spelling champion wannabes prior to the big bee. They give you a glimpse of their lives, and their bee style. It was overall a great way to spend a morning. It was a cross section of the students across the US. Each of their stories was different and compelling. You found yourself rooting for all of them. What I loved was the way it was explained to the students that there was 248 contestants and 247 of them would misspell a word. It didn't mean they weren't champions but the contest was designed to have one "champion". One person who spelled all of their words correctly. One by one they misspelled words. All but one of them. One of the kids gets to the final, final. I won't tell you the outcome.
As each goofed up, they were interviewed. There weren't a lot of tears, in fact some were elated they couldn't participate again and the books could be set aside. It seemed to be a good experience for the interviewees. The reasons for participating were varied and compelling. Immigrant families, smart kids looking for a place to fit in, and then your average ADHD child trying everyone's patience was a bit of comic relief.
Also was included a bit on past champions and they even had the very first spelling bee winner, Frank Neuhauser, in the documentary. Yes, he was very old.
Go rent it. It was very good. A great history lesson, a great people studying film, and there were winners, and one big winner.
27 November 2006
Ah the spending season is upon us!
I have spent the btter part of today shopping. The crowds have dwindled down from my vantage point. Actually there qasn't a crowd at all! I love online shopping, I can comparison shop til I drop and still find a great bargain here and there.
That's my problem. I take all the fun out of shopping for most everyone. Because, you know, I one of those people. The kind that has to make sure I have turned over every stone before I can make a purchase. I cannot, for the life of me, impulse buy! I wish I could, but I cannot. I will pick up something I just love, and then walk around with it, trying it out. Silly yes. But it has to speak to me before I can bring it home. Just ask the daughters. They have all told me I've ruined shopping for them. I always say, before you buy clothing, of some sort, launder it twice - in your mind, then if you still think it will be just the perfect item, buy it. I'm just that way. Most of the time, whatever I have my arms wrapped around will not make the cut and it will be set down somewhere it doesn't belong. (I make sure those stockers always have a job!)
Online shopping has been a thrill for me. I love being able to read others' reviews and comparison shop prices. It is the best. The thing I miss though, is the crowds. Not! I do miss the people watching. There is something in me that loves and even craves watching other people in public. People do the craziest things sometimes. And then others are filled with emotion, sad or ecstatic, pouty or angry. I don't even really want to hear the conversations between them. I just enjoy the various stages of emotion you witness in the lives of the strangers wrapped around you participating in the 'seriousness' that is holiday shopping.
I may have to go to the mall just to see people in action, now that most of my shopping is done.
26 November 2006
November 26th
Four more days of constant blogging! It has been quite a month of posts. I was determined to get a post done everyday and so far I'm on track.
November is the last month of birthdays for our immediate family. Each of my daughters were born 23 months apart. Planned each one to the minute almost! The first daughter arrived a week late or they would have all been 23 months and three days apart. #1 decided to wait a week to arrive just after Thanksgiving all those many years ago...
The big guy was working nightcrew, working midnight to 7 a.m. everyday except for the two days a week he worked 4 to one in the afternoon. Oh yeah and then once a week he had to fill in for another guy who worked until 11 p.m. His schedule was so thrown off he didn't know if it was night or day most of the time. I was a week overdue and very much feeling every extra day of pregnancy. I went to bed about 11:30, the big guy came in about 1 a.m. after a long day of putting cans on the shelf. He was due back at work at 4 a.m. and was really exhausted.
At about 2 a.m. my water broke. I thought I had wet the bed. I remember saying to myself "Great! it's come to this, I can't even get through the night without losing control of my bladder! Wonderful!" Then the water just kept leaking out of me. Duh! It's not what I thought! My water must have broken. I wake up the big guy who is thrilled to be awakened at this horrible hour after a half over of sleep. He said maybe we should call the hospital and see what they have to say. We call and they find out we're about an hours drive from them and they say well, you better just come on in. We drove the hours distance and arrived with very little else happening other than a constant leak of fluids.
Labor proceeds. well, not really. Every time I have a contraction this little person decides they're coming out through my throat. Not the expected path for this one! Not at all! And then after what seemed like eons of hours of labor they finally decide to let me in on the secret. Which secret is that? Well the one that you learn that you're really glad it's not a hundred years ago. Because, if that were the case, you and your baby aren't going to make it out alive. You don't dialate. Not one iota! Zip, nada, zilch dialation going on there! But boy oh boy you're really good at labor, it's the most intense labor we've seen in a while. Yessiree bob, you're going to have to wait to have this baby because we're going to deliver it c-section. Huh? How much longer? Well, we have to wait until the doctor/surgeon arrives and makes sure you're really not going to dialte. Hours, hours go by. Doctors come and go. One comes in and does an examination that is so painful, the big guy tells the nurse if he ever returns he'll die. Never saw that guy again.
Finally my wonderful, kind, super doctor shows up and lets me know the decision has been made to do the section. Unfortunately I'm going to have to wait another hour or so because we've got change of shifts coming up. He must've seen the sheer terror on my face. I couldn't take much more. There wasn't pain medication given back then as they didn't want to interfere with the possibility of surgery. All of this pain was really getting to me. I pleaded with him, please can we just do it now? How long could it really take? He asked for a conference and they decided to go for it.
In the rush the prep nurse nicked my very pregnant belly and I was bleeding. Well, my doc told her she'd never work on his team again. It was too risky, and I could end up with a nasty infection because of her carelessness. Ick. I didn't but I bet she was more careful from there on in prepping pregnant bellies. Everything was done in short order, I was wheeled into the delivery room and quickly heard the ever famous SLAM! of darkness. I woke up later the next day and was told I had given birth at 10:33 p.m. I had had a little girl! Yay! A little girl. I simply went back to sleep.
Later I woke up again and they brought this wonderful tiny little girl to me. She was perfect. November 26th became a day of infamy in our lives. It was quickly joined by Oct 17th, and Sept 14th, 23 months and then 23 months later. They were the best things that ever happened to me. Three wonderful daughters.
My husband and I always told them that we would live a sparse life. That we had been blessed with them, and we would need little else. I think they always thought it was a guilt trip. Nah. It was true. I can think of nothing better to keep forever.
25 November 2006
Oh My Goodness
We decided today was the day to get started decorating the house for the holidays. We begin each year with the outside lights. Well, this year, we wanted to do something different. Usually it is the same old red and green lights lining the house. They were getting a bit old and tired after years of use so we decided to go out and see what was new.
My suggestion was to go to Target. My favorite place to shop. Well, the big guy decided we would probably get our best deal at the evil empire. I didn't refuse, but knew it would only be a stop along our journey in the quest for the perfect lights. I was right. The place was crowded and already picked over. How is it that a store can be continually picked over? How many people go through that place in a days time? A lot I suppose.
So onto the latest and greatest hardware warehouse. You know the kind, the HUGE warehouse with all the do it yourself stuff for guys and ambitious gals. They guaranteed on TV that if you needed it they had it. Well, only if you want to decorate in blue or white this year. They had plenty of blue strings of lights. They had plenty of white strings of lights. Can we get a multi-colored string here? Not today. Everyone who wanted multi colored strings had already been there and bought them all. Onward and upward!
Next stop Target. The big guy says, "okay I'm already sick of the crowds. Go in and find the lights, I'll wait for you here." So I smiled and said I'd be back in a bit and went forth to find the perfect lights. Well, the perfect lights that I would drop some cash on that is. Why is it the year I find the perfect lights they're in short supply? You see, the lights are only in 15 foot strings. I need at least six strings at that length. How many boxes were available? 3 boxes. eh. So I opted for my last years favorite lights that I didn't buy half price after Christmas because I already spent more than I should have on other stuff last season. Like these ones. Only not those ones. The ones I got didn't have the crystalized look, just the pearlized look. And, they were only $6.99 a string of 25.
I also picked a a few stocking stuffers and new sock hooks to add the sons-in-law stockings to the mantles and I was done. The crowds weren't as bad as I thought they would be and my wait in line was only about four minutes. I count myself very lucky from what the news is reporting elsewhere in the general area.
We arrived home, did some quick yard work, and then hung the lights. Yay! I have the tree and the outdoor lights up. Yay. It's only November 25th! That is a fete for me, Usually I'm still hauling stuff out of the garage on the 23rd of December. It is so nice not working during this holiday season!
Except for the glass work I've been doing. I'm in a holiday show on December 5th and my new shop on the net will be open tomorrow! You can see how I've spent my days the past few weeks there! Go to www.3hipsisters.com and click away! Right now there are a few "we're contructing this site signs" but it will be up and running tomorrow!
24 November 2006
Stranger Than Fiction
I really like Will Farrell. I am not sure I like all of his movies, but man, who can forget Spartan Coasters? He's a funny guy, and usually is prepared to do just about anything for laughs. That said, we decided today to go to the movies.
I. Loved. Stranger Than Fiction. It was well worth the ticket price. At times I wondered if anyone else was getting the hidden humor because there is so much of it in the film. I love going to the movies to laugh. This movie doesn't disappoint. The fact that the main character is an IRS agent is enough to make you giggle. The cast, directing, filmography all worked so well together, I simply enjoyed the afternoon.
The supporting cast includes Emma Thompson, Queen Latifa, Dustin Hoffman! and Maggie Gyllenhaal. What's even more hilarious is they've added this great character played by Tom Hulce. For the longest moment I couldn't place him, who is that guy? Then I just kindof laughed, it's Amadeus! He was in one scene, but his role was so well defined, it was very believable that he would be employed by the IRS.
Emma Thompson. Wow. Usually she is so put together. The perfect English miss, or missus. Last year she wowed us in Love Actually, this year, her depressive, chain smoking state is incredible. To me it was quite a departure, and a pleasant one at that. She let you into her world of tortured writer, for a glimpse of the pressure, and really gain some insight and empathy for the process.
If you have an afternoon, and need to laugh, and then need to cry just a bit, this one's for you. It's worth the time and the money!
23 November 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
All of you guys! Thank you for reading the daily drivvle I producce and taking time to comment on occasion. Thank you for enlarging my view of life and my neighborhood. Have a great day spent with family and loved ones. Remember, life is short for some, so make sure everyone you care about knows it.Never let them leave without telling them how important they are to you.
You are important to me. I appreciate you all. Now go eat some turkey!
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