hippychick

I Was Framed, I Tell Ya!

2011-09-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

My local MDA did a lock up fundraiser and one of my clients volunteered me. I've never done anything like this before, so in the spirit of goodwill, I agreed.

I thought it would be easy. Overall, it was, but due to a postal snafu, I didn't receive my info packet until about 3 weeks before the event and then began raising bail in earnest. Imagine my amazement when I raised about $537.00! I definitely hate raising money and kind of "softballed" it by sending out occasional emails and posting link info for online donations on FB. When I remembered, I mentioned it to clients. I might consider doing it again, if for no other reason, because I feel I'd go into it with a better plan of action next time.

When I arrived at "lock up" they took my photo. Thought I'd share for kicks and giggles...

Liz Owen's My (not so) Storybook Life

2011-09-29T22:25:00.000-04:00

My fellow blogger (am I considered a fellow blogger if I haven't blogged in a month? Ahem.), Liz, over at Mabel's House has done something that I am, thus far, only dreaming of doing.

She has written AND published a book!

I read the excerpt on her blog today and I kept scrolling down and suddenly, it stopped. I mean, how rude! I wasn't finished reading! In fact, I was just getting started!

Here:

Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

See? Don't you want to keep reading?

But. Liz, in all her graciousness is holding a drawing for her book and I aim to enter it.

But you know what? If I don't win a copy, I'm going to my local or semi-local bookstore and hunt down my very own copy.

ASAP.

The Edge of Light

2011-08-17T08:07:00.002-04:00

I find myself at the edge of the light on either side of the day.

Hours,

they were but moments,

passed in between.

I teeter on this edge

before falling into the abyss of sleep.

Swimming across

to reach an identical edge in the obverse.

This half light

half drapes objects

in a murky, milky mist

before dropping a

complete cover of darkness

erasing all lines.

Light unzips the night

like a movie running backwards

I watch

as dark reverses to light.

When I stop looking--

Suddenly,

I can see.

Half a Day Mayhem

2011-07-26T14:25:00.004-04:00

Morning.

Thinking I have to be at work later.

Finding out I have to be there earlier.

Discovering a deluge of rain has begun.

Remembering the umbrella is at work.

Thankful for rain boots as I RUN two blocks through the rain.

Saying an unexpected hello to the State Board Inspector.

Ditto to the expired license. (Whoops.)

Telling a client they can't have the appointment they want because it's in my lunch hour.

Realizing lunch hour can be shifted.

Making a client very happy once brain kicks into gear.

What a crazy morning!

The Next Adventure

2011-06-28T07:46:00.005-04:00

I survived another school year.

Which is a good thing, because I had run out of school lunch combinations. (Would you like crackers or cheese with that PB&J?)

Our daughter has attended a small Christian school the last 2 years. We have loved it. Fantastic teachers, fun & educational field tri

ps, an overall well-rounded education.... What's not to love?

Well, tuition comes to mind.

Actually, we felt it was money well spent. We received an excellent return on our investment. But it became a bit of a stretch for us financially.

So a germ of an idea began to grow.....

HOMESCHOOL.

The more we thought about it (and we REALLY thought about it, because we were really looking forward to the 2nd grade teacher.), the more excited we became with the possibilities. We found that it became less about the lack of finances and more about customizing our girl's education.

As I considered it, here are the conclusions I came to:

Ultimately, the responsibility to educate our child is up to us, the parents. As Christians, we feel this strongly and find instruction for this in the Bible. (Deuteronomy 6:6,7; Deuteronomy 11:19; Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4) I do not feel that others cannot teach my child, but the main responsibility lies with us.
By homeschooling, we will be able to customize our daughter's education. In a traditional classroom, students are "contained" at their grade level. I've found that students tend to be at different places in their learning journey and by homeschooling, I can meet my daughter where she is in any subject and nurture any specific interest that grows along the way.
It will help to nurture our family as a whole. Our extended families are about 8 hours in either direction. When in school, we are locked into traveling only when school is out for holidays (if the holiday is long enough and coincides with a weekend.) This greatly limits visits with family and opportunities to travel together on personal family trips.
We just love our girl and enjoy being with her! I realize daily that she is growing up soooo quickly and want to take advantage of every moment we can spend with her.

I realize that not everyone can homeschool or even wants to. It is not my intent to become a crusader and evangelize everyone to the homeschooling method.

But that day may come.... :-D

When the Motivation and a Weekend Get Married

2011-04-16T17:16:00.006-04:00

Spring seems to bring out my inner motivation.

Well, for a couple of days, at least.

And if I can line up my motivation with my weekend and a few spare minutes, sometimes a little creative magic happens.

I got stupid excited over this little ensemble. It's a clay pot that I set on top of a column of pots that are glued together. It was meant to be a birth bath that my father-in-law created, but the saucer that made the "bath" fell off, so I was left with the column. It is sitting on top of a concrete paver that has cut outs and wasn't too steady, so I scrounged up a random floor tile (being junky has *some* advantages, I guess!) and it fit perfectly to add stability. I had planted several perennials and this vertical placement added some interest. I just l-o-v-e it!

Here's a closer look at how they are glued together:
My husband did me a "favor" and planted some honeysuckle in the front yard....
I'm not complaining toooo much. It smells deeee-vine!!
My rose bush was my biggest surprise. (This is my favorite photo of my roses.)
I counted over a dozen blooms on one bush! (My husband's sure fire way to make sure I get a dozen roses every now and again, I guess!)
Close your eyes and breathe deeply.

Can't you just smell it?

The Gift of Friendship...No Matter How Brief

2011-03-28T16:58:00.008-04:00

We call that person who has lost his father, an orphan; and a widower that man who has lost his wife. But that man who has known the immense unhappiness of losing a friend, by what name do we call him? Here every language is silent and holds its peace in impotence.
Joseph Roux

I knew her 3 weeks and 4 days and then she was gone. Taken by a rare form of thyroid cancer. Although I physically only spent time with her twice, I feel as devastated by her death as if she'd been a lifetime friend.

I met Mary Ann in NYC March 5th. She was at Hope Lodge for cancer treatment. I was traveling with someone who knew her and worked with her. Although she is from my town, I didn't know her so I went along to visit her as a nice gesture.

She appeared, looking the very picture of NY chic in her knee high riding boots and flowing coral cardigan. She gave us a tour of the Hope House, (that is, the areas where visitors are allowed) which gave the sense of a home-like hotel. An institution that offers many lovely home-like touches, but is still way to perfect to be home.

We then took a walk to get water at the corner store, which led to an amble through the streets. We visited a vintage shop, Saks, she lit a candle at St. Patrick's Cathedral, we watched the skaters glide across the ice at Rockefeller Center, and shared a hot dog from a street vendor.

Nothing remarkable, but it changed everything.

It was one of two life changing meetings that happened to me that weekend.

About a week after returning home, I received news that she was returning home for terminal care. The cancer had taken over and there was nothing to be done. I was anxious to see her and prayed that I might. My friend called me and said that she was given 3-10 days to live...and that she wanted a haircut.

For pity's sake...a haircut?

This I could do.

We arranged the time for Saturday after I finished a wedding and went to Mary Ann's house. She was considerably weaker in that short 3 weeks; tan from jaundice and a bit wobbly on her feet. The cancer, which had now spread to the brain, left her momentarily foggy when searching for words, but I could still see the woman who captured my heart.

We spent a wonderful 2 hours visiting, hugging, crying and laughing. It was wonderful, but I was achingly aware that I had most likely given her her last haircut. (And she rocked it!)

The following Tuesday, I received a call at work telling me that she was in Hospice. As soon as I finished work, I went over. I doubt she knew I was there, but I met her sister and visited with her husband (of 30+ years) who touched my heart as he tenderly attended to Mary Ann's needs.

The call came the next day that she had died at 2:45 am Wednesday morning.

I've been amazed at how deeply her death has affected me since I've knew her for such a short time. I feel I almost don't have a right to grieve her as deeply as I do.

But in spite of the pain, I am grateful for the gift of her life which touched mine, no matter how briefly.

Life Changing Meet-Ups (Take II)

2011-03-15T21:04:00.008-04:00

I had no idea that this trip to NYC would prove to be so unforgettable.

For the first time, I hadn't planned everywhere I wanted to go. I didn't have a list a mile long of stores and museums to visit. I had no agenda.

Unheard of, for me. Especially, in NYC.

I mean, this is a mecca for someone like me! Craft, hobby, art stores, book and magazine shops, museums, libraries, gardens.... I can easily find more to do than I have time for.

But this trip, I saved room for a little "Que Sera Sera".

I traveled with my business partner, to attend a hair show and her sister and her daughter tagged along to see NYC. Sis is in education and was telling us that her school nurse was in NYC for specialized treatment for a rare form of cancer and that she really wanted to visit her, did we want to come along? D and I looked at each other. Well....that could be awkward, but it would be a nice gesture, since she was so far from home.

So we went.

Have you ever met someone for the first time and found that, before you knew it, they had completely captured your heart?

I felt a connection to her right away. As we chatted, I found her so approachable.

We visited a vintage clothing store where we gasped at the price tags and the clothes of yesteryear. We tried on hats and held up ridiculous purple dresses (trimmed in fur!) and mused about their former life.

Later, all of us strolled through Saks and when she spotted a dog (in. the. store.), she walked over to give it a pat while the rest of us were numbing our olfactory organ by sniffing perfume.

We came across St. Patrick's Cathedral and walked in to the breathtaking interior.

Then, I got the best souvenir of the entire trip:

I don't know why it never occurred to me to have a photo of the two of us taken together. Maybe because I didn't feel I had a right. Me, a virtual stranger...

So instead, I sneaked one.

I showed her the photo and told her how special it was to me.

We continued our walk for a bit and then she had to catch the bus back.

It was a tearful "so long" for all of us.

But now, I look forward to the day she's back home, where she belongs.

And until then, I'll be praying.

Serendipity, Soakings and Starbucks

2011-03-13T12:59:00.004-04:00

So, it's taken a week to slow down my cosmopolitan lifestyle long enough to stop and blog about it.

At this time last Sunday, I was at the International Beauty Show in New York City on a rainy day that would last The. Entire. Day.

Despite the Day of Deluge, it was the best trip to NYC I think I've ever had.

I love NYC. There's an energy there that you will find no other place on earth. When I arrive, I seem to find a piece of myself there...waiting.

After visiting several times now, I feel pretty comfortable traversing the city and I felt no pressure to "see" everything.

That left plenty of room for serendipity which I enjoyed in full measure. I just never fully grasped how this trip would change my life forever.

My virtual, online life and my "real" life collided.

@TanyaDennisTanya Dennis

@hippychick_ Do I count as a "must-see"? ;) My NYC faves are the MET, people-watching in any park, and, if you see a show: "The Lion King."

24 Feb via web Unfavorite Retweet Reply

...and so it began...

I didn't see the MET, the park OR Lion King, but I DID see this sweet face:

Tanya was/is SUCH a gift. She drove into the city from the 'burbs in the POURING rain, JUST to see ME!

You know how there's that awkward moment when you first meet someone as you wonder where do we go from here?

None of that happened. We hugged as if we'd been reunited instead of meeting for the first time.

We went for a "modestly priced" (the concierge needs to be educated on the meaning of the word "modest"--ACK) Italian dinner around the corner, chosen mostly for it's location because of the rain. Fortunately, it was delicious, and because we both LOVE food, well, that was a WIN.

Discovering we both love coffee, (WIN WIN) we decided it wasn't a big deal to walk in the pouring rain to find a good cup o' joe over which to chat. We figured there would be a Starbucks on a nearby corner and when we saw a man walking down the sidewalk hunched over a Starbucks cup, we simultaneously accosted him.

Poor guy.

After he pointed to the building right in front of us, he scurried off. ( I swear, he looked over his shoulder to make sure we didn't have designs on HIS Starbucks score.)

Although we succeeded in capturing our own cups of coffee, the chat would have to adjourn to the hotel lobby as Starbucks was closing. (RUDE.)

We talked of everything friends talk about. And I'm sure we could have talked all.night.long. because we had only got started it seemed, when she ruefully looked at her watch and had to start home.

Another hug, and she was off.

I went smiling up to my room and looked at my phone when it hit me...

After all that and WE DIDN'T TAKE A SINGLE PHOTO.

(What kind of bloggers meet and don't take photos? The kind who forget their cameras. *sheepish grin*)

So I called her and found she had just arrived at her car. She drove around the block, parked in front of the hotel, jumped out and we shot our pic in 5 seconds flat.

As I've smiled at the memories we made that night, I've marveled that such a feeling of closeness could be cultivated in such a short time.

Like I said,

A gift.

New York and All That Jazz

2011-03-02T13:40:00.003-05:00

I"m going to NYC this weekend for a the IBS hairshow.

But let's be real.

We all know that I'm going for the gastronomic delights that NYC has to offer.

So far, on the must eat list:

Norma's for breakfast.

Grand Central Oyster Bar for lunch (?) snack(?) dinner(?)

And quite possibly, The Central Park Boathouse.

The airline will probably charge extra to fly me home.

The Butterfly Project

2011-02-26T19:37:00.004-05:00

My husband has a part in a local stage production of "The Diary of Anne Frank". The cast and crew have asked the community to participate in The Butterfly Project. (Click the link and you will find out how you too can participate!)

This was a wonderful (and easy!) opportunity for me to express myself creatively and be a part of a bigger picture.

Here is some information about the project and the two butterflies I am submitting for the exhibit.

Who's Your Grammar?

2010-12-20T19:38:00.003-05:00

I posted a status on Facebook today that sparked a record (for me) 18 comments.

What would incite such scintillating conversation?

Grammar.

Oh yeah. I live on the edge.

In the process, I learned of this website. (Herein is the link to the particular issue that plagued me.) If you want to learn some dirty little literary secrets, go take a peek.

Looky What the Dog Dragged In...

2010-12-08T16:27:00.003-05:00

To those of you who remember me remotely, I have not, as otherwise suspected, fallen off the face of the earth.

And....good news:

We now have the computer of our (my husband's) dreams. The iMac has come.

*cue the heavenly choir*

But.

He doesn't want it on the internet. That lasted about a day. Or less. As a consolation prize, he purchased an iPad for me. A wi-fi iPad, to boot.

I knooooow!!!!

I don't need his ole stinky computer anyway.

Except to edit photos and stuff.

But that's all.

I promise.

*snort*

Just So You Know I'm Still Here...

2010-09-24T16:15:00.006-04:00

Life, since I last posted, has shifted into fast(er) forward.

We are borrowing a laptop, so we still don't have the (end all, be all) Mac yet. It's coming, one day...

In the meantime...

This year we lost all three of the cats we'd had for the last 15 (ish) years. We have CoCo left, whom I rescued out of the middle of the highway a year ago. A week before we left for vacation, we put down our last old cat. We had a week to enjoy the relief of being a one pet family. And we were not even home.

On the last day of va(stay)cation we went to a friend's house to "play" with the puppies her dog had.

You know what's coming don't you...

We now have a 2 pet home. But I swear a dog is like having

6 cats. Except 6 cats would be a WHOLE lot easier! (I've never had to walk a cat.) All I do anymore is, take the dog potty, walk the dog (2x a day!), get the dog out of the trash, tell her to get down, stop biting, etc. I've also never washed a cat.

Dogs, are clearly high maintenance.

But then I see this face.

Exactly.

Looky who posted on her blog...

2010-08-09T16:43:00.003-04:00

So, in addition to my normally spotty posting recently, I now can't post much even when I want to. Lightening struck a couple of weeks ago and took out the only computer we had. It wasn't much, I admit, but it would still surf the internet when it took a mind to. We are now in search of a computer. Definitely getting an Apple this time, but we can't just run pick one up in the same way we do when we run out of milk.

In addition, the riding lawn mower has bitten the dust. That doesn't have a whole lot to do with this post other than to point out that my house and everything in it seems to be crumbling around my ankles.

On a brighter note, we got a puppy. (IS that a brighter note?! Doesn't seem so when I get up at 1am to let her out to tinkle.) I have tons of photos on my phone, but can't upload them...ya know...no computer. If I figure out how to do it from my phone, you'll be the first to know. I promise.

Peace out.

Love and Loss

2010-07-20T06:56:00.005-04:00

This has been a hard year for us where cats are concerned.

Last fall, we began putting our cats outside. One of the cats thanked us by promptly leaving. For good. That's always hard because there's no closure. Did the cat go somewhere and die? Get hit by a car? Take up with someone else? I'll never know what happened to my beautiful golden eyed, silver Monaco. But it seems appropriate that, just as she walked into our lives 14 years before, she would walk out as well.

We got Monet as a kitten, and not too long afterwards, were given her half brother, Tiger. Monet was the "alpha" cat, not only bossing around the other cats, but us, as well. A couple of months ago, a pack of three dogs came through my yard and killed my girl.

Last year, a white cat started skulking around and helping himself to my cat's food. He was very skittish and I was torn between chasing him off and trying to tame him. Guess which won out? I put food out for him so he'd leave my cat's food alone and began the slow process of taming him. Turns out he was a huge mushpot who, while he never let me pick him up, sure did love being petted. Earlier this year, he got sick and a couple of days later died of an unknown cause.

Tiger was just happy to be here. Content to sleep and eat, he did nothing to rock the boat, but he sure didn't appreciate anyone rocking his boat. Once he got comfortable (wherever that was) he didn't want to be messed with, thank you. Unless it was time to eat. Again. That's why, last Saturday, I knew something was wrong when he turned up his nose at his breakfast. I immediately took him to the vet. After a week of tests and finding what was NOT wrong, we realized there was nothing more that could be done and made the difficult decision to euthanize him.

So now, we have gone from 4 cats, to 1 in rather short order. God knew exactly what I would need when he had me pluck a "black sock" from the middle of a busy highway a year ago. My little tripod legged Coco is just a year old and full of love, affection and playfulness.

A balm to my grieved heart.

Ride 'Em Cowgirl!

2010-07-12T07:46:00.003-04:00

Summer seems to be sweeping me away...

We have been busy with day-to-day things that somehow consume every available moment so that there is no time to blog about potential bloggable moments.

I have a new worry that has developed in the last two days: my oldest cat, Tiger seems to be very sick. I took him to the vet Saturday and he has fluid in his abdomen. Why or where it came from seems to be the big question. Could be anything from an inflamed liver, to a virus called FIP, which is untreatable. He has refused food since Saturday. I lost Tiger's half sister a few months ago to some dogs who attacked her in our yard.

To say my heart is heavy and distracted would be an understatement...

If Self Loathing Could Be Raised to an Art Form

2010-06-22T08:03:00.001-04:00

Discipline.

The word makes me cringe. Only because I lack so much.

Do you ever just step outside yourself and take a good, long look at who you've become. Yeah, I try not to, either.

But today I did.

Frustrated by the many good things I want to do...and don't, mostly because of a lack of discipline.

Writing, painting, running, homemaking, gardening, cooking, knitting...blogging... I have so many interests, yet it seems that all I can accomplish is going to work and spending a few short minutes/hours with the family in the evening.

If I do find time to devote to my pursuits, I find myself meandering around getting ready to do it until I actually run out of time to do it.

I look at men and women who lived 40-60 years ago and didn't have the advantages or shortcuts I have today, yet they accomplished so much. (Maybe because, many of my advantages have turned into more distraction than anything...)

I envy those who are driven by their creativity.Those who create almost compulsively. I have just enough creativity to make me crazy. I want to create, then, if I have opportunity, I sit like a lump wondering what to do and where to start. If I happen to have an original, creative thought, it usually arrives at the most inopportune time. Like when I'm in the middle of working.

You want to know when I find myself the most motivated?
When I either get disgusted enough, or guilty enough with myself. "Ooooh, haven't been running or exercised in 3 days! Aaaand you're not eating well! You're thickening up there! Better move it!" *Cue guilty panic.*

"Just do it." Says the now cliche advertising tag line.

Some days, that's easier said than done.

Unabashed Pride

2010-06-16T07:48:00.003-04:00

My first attempt at a Picnik collage.And a rather unabashed display of pride in my daughter...

A Heady Rainbow...

2010-06-08T07:25:00.003-04:00

Proof that I Paint...at it.

2010-06-07T08:28:00.003-04:00

Wow. You can tell school's out around here...I actually have time to do blog posts in the morning! Everyone is still in bed and I have some quiet time to myself.

I've been meaning to share this for awhile...well, you know how that goes...

This is a painting that I'm working on. Truthfully, I haven't worked on it in weeks. Haven't touched any paint in weeks. *sigh*

It's just some fun doodling. No real plan to get here or wherever else it's going.

Serendipity painting...

Quality Time...with Me

2010-06-06T16:33:00.003-04:00

Sunday afternoon...

A thoughtful husband who insisted I rested. He also made sure everyone else was resting so the house was quiet for awhile...

Time on the computer... it's not the Apple of my eye, but it works. (So far...)

A hot summer day at the computer just cries out for an icy glass of Coke. The Real Thing.

A Coke and a Blog.

I think there's a new SuperBowl ad there somewhere...

The Adventure Continues...

2010-06-04T19:57:00.007-04:00

More photos from Alabama...it really was pretty up there. I'm enjoying going through the photos again... I really didn't want to leave.

Doesn't this look like a portal into a magical place? Portal

Old Shed
Pine Bough Frame
Gate
Creek My First Time fishing! Cleaning the catch! My Job...Turning on the water to rinse the ick.

Oooh...He's a CUTIE!!!

Ahem. Moving right along....

Deer (?) Skeletons

I Went Down Deep...

2010-06-03T21:11:00.007-04:00

Memorial Day weekend found me and my family traveling with friends.

Sounds lovely. Especially since my friend volunteered her 15 year old daughter to help watch my daughter.

I began picturing myself languishing about and alternately living it up like Don King.

Then Jean says, "Oh, and bring your machete."

WHAT?!! Where are these people taking me??!!

Turns out, we were headed deep into the woods of Alabama.

Creek behind Hezzy House
Hezzy House backview
Hezzy House frontview

No. My side is not hurting me. (Unless you count the machete

poking me in the ribs.)

BTW: That machete wouldn't cut hot butter. Nor would it bruise

the leaf of a briar bush.

But it pains me to think about it, apparently...
To be continued...

An ALMOST Interesting Post...

2010-06-02T07:52:00.004-04:00

I feel that we are on the verge of getting a new computer for my husband. This cheers me greatly because perhaps, then, I wouldn't have to worry about uploading my pics onto this computer because he's in the middle of some project that I might screw up because I was uploading pictures.

Case in point: This post is NOT going to regale you with my AWESOME Memorial Day weekend hijinks because I CAN'T UPLOAD MY PHOTOS RIGHT NOW.

Darn.

Suffice it to say, I had a MARVELOUS time at an idyllic location buried deep in the back woods of Alabama.

It was a weekend full of fishing, fireflies, tramping through the woods (machete in hand), horseback riding, playing in the creek, rowing across the pond and generally sitting around sighing with satisfaction.

And just as SOON as I can, I'll post some pics.

Conflicted

2010-05-26T09:20:00.004-04:00

I love to read. I read voraciously, which has given birth to a love of words. I love to put words together in a creative way to say something rather ordinary. (I practice this on my Facebook statuses which is the best place I've found to say something without saying anything at all.)

Somehow though, it's never occurred to me to BE a writer.

Then a friend tells me about her great idea for a book.

She asks me to help her write it.

Gulp.

I can't even string my own thoughts together halfway coherently; what makes me think I can translate someone else's ideas into a story?

She gave me an assignment to write a short story. Because, as she puts it, "we gotta get OUT there."

So I did.

And I love it.

But it scares me.

I think it's a good story. But I think I would be completely embarrassed if someone actually read it. Something that was supposed to be suspenseful ended up a little more sensual than I thought it would.

And now I completely get when a writer says their story took on a life of it's own.

Back to the storyboard.

Remembering the Poor and Neglected...and That's About as Far as I've Gotten

2010-05-22T06:54:00.007-04:00

Oh blog, how I've missed you.

There has honestly been no extra time to pay you the attention you deserve.

Or me for that matter.

Remembering to just breathe.

Sometimes, even that is a tall order.

I Joined the Club

2010-05-09T16:48:00.006-04:00

Don't you just love our matching Mother's Day tattoos?!! :P

I really enjoy visiting blogs. Due to the gifts of writing and creativity bloggers can have, I feel as if I've gotten to know these authors personally.

Last night, I actually did.

I found out one of my blogging friends, Michele, lives in a town about 45 minutes from me. Michele has two blogs. I really enjoy I'm not Cheap I'm Thrifty because who doesn't want to hear about someone's great bargain finds?! Trading Ashes for Beauty is her "life" blog.

When we realized our proximity, we began hatching a plan to meet live and in person.

Fast forward several months....

I got a Facebook message yesterday telling me she was on her way into town! I was so grateful that I had a rare day with nothing on the schedule! My daughter and I (poor daddy was working) met Michele and her family for dinner and just jumped into conversation like we'd done it many times before! It was SUCH a lovely evening! The most disappointing part of it was when it ended!!!

We both agreed that we HAD to get together again...I just hope it's sooner rather than later!

The Beginners Beginning Guide to Couponing

2010-04-24T14:45:00.007-04:00

Let me say, right off the bat, that most of the information here comes from a coupon workshop I just took led by Jenny Martin from Southern Savers and from the information on the website. So jump on over there and check out her easy to navigate site. (Uh, right after you read this post.) I am receiving NO compensation from Jenny or Southern Savers by writing this post.

I've been clipping coupons for my grocery shopping ever since I got married over 20 years ago. However, in the last month, I think I've realized how to save money more effectively with coupons.

Excuse me...did you just say, " I don't have time to clip coupons?"! (Yes you did. I heard you.)

That's like saying "I don't have time to save money" which we all know is just stupid. As with any new activity, you're not going to be proficient right away. It takes practice. But I betcha if you do this ONE time and save a significant amount of money, you.will.be.hooked. I saved $100 at the grocery store on my first try and now I can't wait to go play the "grocery game" again.

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It's super simple.

You are going to maximize your savings by buying an item on sale and pairing a coupon (or two) with it. That's pretty much it in a nutshell.

Now if you're going to do this, here are some basic things you need to know.

You need coupons.
You need to know what's on sale.
You can't have brand loyalty.
You don't HAVE to go to a bunch of different stores to save money. (But you might want to go to more than one.)

Coupons: Find them in the Sunday paper (larger city papers have the most to offer) or online at sites like coupons.com, redplum.com and smartsource.com. You can also buy coupons online. One reputable source that I'm most familiar with is The Coupon Clippers . Now why in the world would someone BUY coupons?! Yeah. I wondered that too, so I asked. Here's what Rachel from The Coupon Clippers said: "Well, because many places the newspaper costs $2.75... if someone wants, say 10 of one item (i.e., 10 packages of Marcal toilet paper), they'd have to spend $27.50 buying 10 Atlanta Journal and Constitutions.... and then do all the pulling out of the coupons and then the cutting. Whereas, they can just pay us $2.00 and we'll ship them 10 coupons for the $2 off Marcal Toilet paper. So, it saves them time and money. Instead, we buy the papers and do the cutting.

If you spend $6, you're going to save $60 at the store, if you do not double the coupon value."

Knowing what's on sale: What I love about Southern Savers is, Jenny posts the absolute best price on items. She doesn't just list items in the sale flyer, because not every item in the flyer is really on sale. She's doing the work for you.

Items are usually on sale once every 6 weeks. This is called the sale cycle. So when you find an item on sale at it's lowest price, you will buy as many as you need to last you six weeks, making sure to pair a coupon with each item. That might mean one box of cereal or three, depending on your family.

Now there are slightly less than a jillion ways to organize coupons. My favorite lazy way is to get my coupons out of the Sunday paper and write the date in marker on the front of the insert and file it in an accordion file according to month. Each week, I check Southern Savers for the grocery specials which lists the coupon needed for each item and then I go through my inserts and cut my coupons. Easy, peasy, lemon cheesy.

Hopefully, this has piqued your interest and encouraged you to TRY. It is not hard. It takes a little time and a little thought, but it is SO worth it.

If you're curious to learn more, go here for Jenny's Get Started Guide.

I'm betting the first time you save some money or actually get something FREE, you'll scoot over here and tell me and the rest of the world about it, won't you?

WON'T YOU?!

I thought so.

Yarden Bounty

2010-04-22T06:52:00.003-04:00

This weekend my husband took a stroll through our yard and this was the result. While others with more decorating savvy would have pulled out the cut crystal vases; hubby, always resourceful, pulled old drink bottles and small bowls from the cupboard. (Perhaps this also speaks to the fact that there are NO cut crystal bowls in the house?) So this week, as I've fixed lunches and grabbed dishes from the cupboard to piece together meals, I've caught the gentle fragrance of roses wafting up.

It somehow adds a bit of gentility to our otherwise helter-skelter lives.

Media Cabinet Revival

2010-04-20T14:08:00.005-04:00

Wow.

Two--NOT one, but TWO remarkable things have happened today.

One. I figured out how to transfer pictures from my phone to my computer. ALL.BY.MYSELF.

Please hold your applause....

Because you will be amazed to hear that I finished, yes FINISHED a project.

I know. I know.

What? You don't believe me?

I got pictures.

Check it:

Media cabinet--Before:

(Definitely in need of a revival. No?)

Cardboard squares cut to size.
Fabric cut to cover cardboard.
Glued fabric to cardboard with decoupage glue.
Inserted into picture openings.
Cuteness...

How bout them apples?!

In Memoriam...Monet

2010-04-19T06:41:00.004-04:00

It's been a hard weekend, folks.

I started down my driveway early Friday morning to find my cat lying there having been mauled by dogs.

I got Monet when she was a kitten. We picked her out of the litter, my friend telling my husband, "Oh, this one is a sweetie. Very loving."

Snort.

She became MY cat. She hissed and complained at anyone else who was near. Tolerating them but little else.

My husband graciously allowed her and her half brother, Tiger, and a beautiful grey cat called Monaco, to live indoors for many years; then hubby got fed up with having to dig me out from under the cats at night to sleep with me. :D

The older the cats got, the more digestive trouble they began to have and hubby lost it when someone lost their lunch on one of his cameras. (Can't say as I blame him...) So, outside they went.

Monet always greeted me as I arrived home. Meowing loudly to inform me of the days events. After I went inside, she would hop up on the warm hood of the truck and sleep.

Most mornings I could count on her sitting in my kitchen window staring at me as I made coffee, making sure I realized it was time for breakfast.

Making coffee has never been so lonely.

Although she was 15, she was feisty and wasn't showing signs of aging. I am so angry that she was taken from me in such a violent way.

And that we were helpless to prevent it.

My brain is at odds with itself. Wondering at the depth of grief I have-- "It wasn't a human, it was an animal." "This is part of the circle of life." -- is at war with-- "She was my baby." "She was a family member."

So while I'm trying to reconcile all this in my head, Tiger and Coco (remember the three legged kitty?) are getting lots of extra strokes and hugs.

Sometimes, the Only Way to Go is to Stop

2010-04-05T07:40:00.003-04:00

So I got sick this weekend.

It really wasn't a bad thing.

It just made it more of a challenge to work on Saturday.

But Sunday?

Oh, blessed Sunday.

It seemed sacrilege to stay home from church on Easter Sunday, but actually observing the Sabbath and having a day of rest did so much for my soul.

My girl and I read the paper (funnies first), had monkey bread, read all 4 Gospel accounts of the Resurrection (could you IMAGINE being Mary and suddenly recognizing someone who you thought was dead was now ALIVE and standing before you?!), we sat on the couch awhile watching a few videos, I read, I rested, we took a walk, we painted, we had mac and cheese for supper and called it a day.

And now-- it's spring break!

I still have to go to work, but not having to wake up a family and motivate them toward the door and the day....

makes me feel like I'M on VACATION!

A Novel Life

2010-03-31T06:36:00.003-04:00

Wow.

If yesterday had been a book, it would have been a thriller with all sorts of plot twists.

There was the irate client issue to resolve. When I tried to deal with her Friday, there was no talking to her. I referred her (gladly) to my co-owner and tried to brace her for the storm to come. Except when she came in this time, she wasn't irate. She was rational and reasonable and will probably be a new client. Win?

Then there was the matter of my schedule which played fruit basket turnover. Last minute cancellations led to frantic calls to people on the waiting list which led to the 2 hour lunch that opened up shrinking to 15 minutes. (That's O.K., I'd rather be busy. But my tummy does have a bad habit of demanding food every so often.)

Then, my final client of the day, whom I looked forward to because I knew would be a basic, simple highlight, surprised me by saying, "I colored my hair a few weeks ago and I want to match it and brighten it up with some highlights."

Le sigh.

T'was not a big deal, in fact, it paled in comparison to some of the other doozies I'd faced recently, but it did considerably tax my last two remaining brain cells...

But in the midst of the flurry of activity and the apparent emotional unbalance of some people, I watched God pave the way and details fall into place.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Funny...I Never Thought of Taxes as "Fancy"

2010-03-29T08:20:00.003-04:00

Spring

when a girl's fancy turns to

trying to

CATCH UP

a year's worth of tax information

and get it to the accountant.

Throw Back

2010-03-27T16:21:00.001-04:00

This is my favorite commercial of all time. (I think...well, today it is.)

There's My Plan, or We Could do My Plan...

2010-03-25T20:48:00.003-04:00

Yes, this week has been challenging. Our school had a memorial service for Jessie on Saturday. My husband and I wanted to go, although neither of us had met her. I think we were feeling a sympathetic grief as parents. DH was invited to play the piano at the service which gave him an invitation and opportunity to Do Something.

I didn't go, since our daughter didn't know the girl and I was dealing with my own drama that day. It was the first free day I'd had at home and I was all motivated to move heaven and earth (or at the very least, rearrange the dust around the house), and I woke up with a tension migraine. I was puzzled, aggravated and frustrated. Puzzled, because I'd had a massage the day before. Aggravated, because "how dare my body rise up in rebellion like that?!" (And after all I had done for it!) Frustrated, because I had no time to be sidelined.

You know what? I've spent the whole week griping about that. About how my weekend didn't go as I planned. About how I don't have time to do what I need to do and then, when I do have time, this happens.

Why?

Why am I still whining about this?

Because I don't like not being in control.

It makes me mad when I think I've orchestrated my circumstances to my specifications and a monkey wrench knocks them off kilter.

I fret because I know that another weekend will have to roll around again before I really have time to Get Things Done.

And then, there are a myriad of other things to fret over, so my mind turns thoughts over and over like so many worry beads.

Then I am reminded of the verse in Matthew 6:27 that says: "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

I'll give it another shot this weekend. I'll do what I can where I can and leave the rest to another day.

And maybe I'll have time to make a cool necklace out of those worry beads.

Sacrilege

2010-03-17T06:21:00.003-04:00

Going about my daily life seems sacrilege.

As if I don't realize life has stopped.

Yet I rise, make coffee and go about my day as if nothing has happened.

Sacrilege.

Life has been arrested. But no bond has been set because, no amount of money can buy it back.

Yet life goes on.

Sacrilege.

As a society, we've grown to expect things instantly. Coffee, cash, food...but not death. Yet it happens more instantaneously than anything else on earth. Something we'll never get used to.

Sacrilege.

She wasn't my daughter, yet I find that can't grieve enough for someone I didn't lose.

In honor of Jessie, a 15 year old student at my daughter's school who died unexpectedly last night.

It's Not ALL About Me...or...My Husband Makes Jewelry!

2010-03-07T18:49:00.002-05:00

Being and artist, I am so blessed to be married to a man who is also an artist. My husband is a multi-talented man. He is a photographer, writer, poet and has newly discovered a talent for jewelry making.

Here are his first creations.

The earrings are not pre-formed. He snipped and bent each piece of wire by hand.

The necklaces are from a pre-made metal choker. Hubby took pre-made pendants and embellished them with wire attaching them to the choker.

I am most proud (and impressed) with the bride and groom choker. This is completely his original design. He used a pre-formed choker to spiral around his choker base and then attached the charms. I've already put in my order for one! It will be fun looking for just the right charms for it!

I'm so proud of him! It's been interesting to collaborate on some things with him. The difficulty I find is, since I'm an artist too, I want to run with my idea instead of giving him creative freedom to do his project!

Rainbow Leaves

2010-02-24T08:30:00.003-05:00

I'm sure I've posted this photo before, but it's one of my favorites and the advantage of this being my blog is that I can post whatever I want. Again.

*grins*

Wild Child

2010-02-23T08:41:00.003-05:00

I'm looking through a book called 1001 Ideas for Color & Paint and have been inspired to concoct some color combos for different rooms in my home.

Up first--the master bedroom.

Lime walls, Charcoal floor (painted concrete) with black and white accents and pops of primary colors.

This is my creation over at COLOURlovers

Color by COLOURlovers

Snow "Clothes"

2010-02-14T15:22:00.004-05:00

Since I live in the south, I don't see snow much. (Read: ever) So seeing snow this past weekend has filled me with a bit of wonder. I've looked back over my photos and am struck with how snow changes a landscape. It covers imperfections; softening them, making them beautiful.

It reminds me of Christ and His righteousness.

I look at myself...I'm rough, imperfect and incapable of changing myself. But Christ's death on the cross changes my landscape. His righteousness clothes me, washing my sins "white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18).

When I see my whole front yard covered in snow I think of Isaiah 43:25 which says: “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.

When I look at the tree branches, once stark and naked, now draped in snowy robes, I think of Isaiah 61:10 which states, "I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels."

I'm so glad that God uses His creation to remind us of Himself! (Romans 1:20)

South Georgia Snowscapes

2010-02-13T20:39:00.004-05:00

I kept hearing that it was supposed to snow but I think I was born in Missouri and my mom never told me, because I couldn't believe it till I saw it.

Then it started.
This was the sight the next morning: Snowy dreamscapes.

It was fun while it lasted, but I'm glad it's a novelty around here.

Gerbera Daisy

2010-01-24T18:32:00.003-05:00

Started playing with editing this daisy and began to realize the possibilities are literally endless!

I've Discovered Who I REALLY Am...

2010-01-20T07:33:00.003-05:00

I've always had a cat (or three) around. For me, they are easier to care for than a dog who just seems needier. (I love dogs too, don't get me wrong, BUT...)

And the funny thing is, each cat has their own personality, but it's always some combination of:

Aloof.

Independent.

Affectionate.

Bossy.

Coy.

Sulky.

Cuddly.

Oh my gosh.

I think I'm a cat.

Just the Same as Me!

2010-01-17T20:38:00.003-05:00

So I have some time to myself and am, of course, trolling the internet, trying not to think about these.

Which, my recipe is more, take a bite of this and then a bite of that.

Clearly, I need to be distracted.

So I found this. Which got me all excited.

She likes color too!!

Generosity

2010-01-13T08:46:00.008-05:00

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17

See this book?

(photo from ecrater)

I've been on a bit of a Julia Child bender since watching Julie and Julia. I checked out Julia Child's biography from the library and also found this book: From Julia Child's Kitchen. I have fallen in love with it. It is full of notes, explanations, basic instructions, definitions and, oh yeah, RECIPES! I mentioned on Twitter that I was reading it and this sweet lady mentioned that someone had given her a copy and she was going to make a purse from it. My heart stopped. "Nooooo!!!" I screamed. (She assured me that she only uses the cover of books and leaves the guts intact.) She offered me the book. THE BOOK!!! I breathlessly accepted and received it yesterday. I've been walking around reading snatches of it, cradling it like a newborn.

Hopefully, I can get unbusy enough to experiment with some of the recipes. I can practically smell them simmering...

In the meantime, go to Zaties on Etsy and have a look-see. That'll give me time to start some stew.

The Flower

2010-01-12T07:50:00.003-05:00

{Click on the photo for a clearer view of the poem.}

Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook

2010-01-10T17:22:00.005-05:00

I love cookbooks. I'm growing quite a collection. (And as soon as I figure out how to upload pics from my phone to my blog, I'll illustrate a post with photos. But for now, be a dear and use your imagination.)

So I jumped at the chance to review a cookbook for Thomas Nelson. Especially one with Fast & Frugal in the title.

There's a lot to like about this Dawn Hill's Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook. There are slightly over 300 pages with a solid 294 pages of recipes. The book is laid out well and I think this is it's strongest point. Categories are well represented. Recipes are simple with clear instructions. A sidebar lists supplies and grocery list needed for the recipe. Also listed in the sidebar is a suggestion drawing from another recipe in the book for a total meal. The grocery list ingredients are divided into categories. Dietary information is listed at the end of the recipe with all of the recipes being low-fat and low calorie. Sodium is high in only a few of the recipes.

The cover photos and each photo dividing the sections of the book look professionally done. The food looks appetizing and the lighting is well done. The good news is that there is a photo to accompany many of the recipes. The bad news is that these photos look amateurish with unflattering angles and poor lighting which makes the food look plain and unappetizing. Also, some of the recipes seem as if the author is grasping at culinary straws just to have a recipe.

Now that I've griped about the things that irked me, know that there are some decent, basic recipes in there. Unfussy, filling and balanced meals abound in Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2010-01-03T12:41:00.003-05:00

OK, So posting this didn't quite go as I envisioned, but you get the idea...

2010-01-03T12:35:00.001-05:00

Speaking to My Heart

2009-12-31T07:09:00.003-05:00

In the past few years, I've discovered Stampington Publishing. If you love creativity and artistic expression, go over and sift through their magazine offerings. Their product is professional and high quality.

One of my "must-haves" is Artful Blogging which unlocks and opens the door to many creative bloggers that I would have never found just trolling through the internet on my own.

In the current winter issue, while soaking up the inspiration laid out among the pages, I came across an article about Carmen Torbus and her blog called, Distracted by Design.

Part of the article was a partial post from her blog--a poem. As I read it, I realized it spoke exactly what I feel.

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

Feeling Tender and Vulnerable

by Carmen Torbus

Sometimes I sit and dream.

I think of all the things I'd like to do.

I put off the stuff that needs to be done

trading that time for daydreams.

Thinking of conversations I'd like to have,

with old friends,

current friends and

with friends I've not yet made.

Wondering where the other people like me are.

How do I find them?

How do I connect?

I long to sit and laugh,

sip coffee, or hot cocoa, or tea,

while making a mess with art supplies,

or just chatting about nothing in particular,

or the meaning of life itself.

Deep conversations,

light conversations,

no conversation,

just being.

I don't want to just be a dreamer,

I want to be a doer.

I want to paint.

I want to write.

I want to take pictures.

I want to talk.

I want to listen.

I want to have a tribe of my own,

and be a part of the tribe of others.

I want to be a part of something bigger.

Something good.

Something powerful.

Make a contribution to the world.

Somethimes I think it's me that gets in my way.

Is it fear that stops me?

Lack of belief?

Lack of motivation or energy?

Lack of work?

I sit back and watch others do what I know in my heart

I can do too.

Sometimes envious, or jealous, wondering what the

secret is.

Wishing I could know what they know,

I cheer them on

Pat them on the back.

Encourage

Congratulate

Sit in awe of.

Recognizing their potential,

their strength,

their capabilities,

their talent,

their accomplishments.

What is the missing piece?

How do I reach my full potential,

my strength,

my capabilities,

my talent,

so that I can realize and accomplish my dreams,

and contribute.

I suppose I'm not alone in my desires,

my dreams,

my paralysis.

I suppose the only way to find out is to "do" while

continuing to dream.

I suppose I don't have to know how, I just have to start.

(used by permission)

See the original post here.

Art Journaling

2009-12-28T21:38:00.003-05:00

art journal page December 2009

Yep.

That pretty much sums it up.

If it's artistic

creative, I want a piece of it.

A little thing I like to call...

Creative Schizophrenia.

I'm Might Be Rolling Into Next Christmas...

2009-12-22T07:39:00.006-05:00

Time to start some Christmas cooking and so far, all I can get out of hubby, is that he wants Buckeyes.

Like momma used to make.

(photo: allrecipes.com)

I've never made Buckeyes before, but I trolled the internet for recipes and I'm going to give it a shot.

He better savor each and every little ball, because after reading the directions, we may not be doing this again. Not sure how much patience I'll have rolling those balls.

(Recipe from allrecipes.com)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners' sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth.
Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 331 | Total Fat: 19.4g | Cholesterol: 16mg

Looking for a Piece of Quiet

2009-12-19T07:35:00.004-05:00

Tap, tap, tap.

*checking the keyboard to see if it still works*

So is life moving at the speed of light for you too? It seems all I've done recently is work and sleep and start the cycle over the next day.

I'm looking forward to Christmas. We are not traveling and as far as I know, won't have any company either. It will be a lovely, restful day. Can't wait!

For now, I'm just trying to maintain status quo. I've been reading every chance I get. (A practice I've had since I learned how.) I'm working my way through some Madeline L'Engle books. I have Wrinkle In Time and picked that up (and couldn't put it down) and that led to a trip to the library for Meet the Austins which I THOROUGHLY enjoyed. I wanted to BE part of that family!

Today will be full of going out and finding Christmas surprises and later on, seeing Christmas lights and sharing a bit of Christmas cheer with some friends.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

A Little Something for Sunday

2009-11-22T10:47:00.003-05:00

After I ran at the park Friday, I noticed the sun filtering through everything and lighting it with a lovely glow.

Cuz I Still Obey My Momma

2009-11-17T06:39:00.004-05:00

So since we haven't heard from either side of the family requesting the glory of our presence for Thanksgiving, we decided to stay home.

Not a hard decision. I like to stay home every chance I get.

Unless I want to go somewhere.

Which I didn't.

Then my mom calls me at work in the middle of the day last week.

Once my heart stopped pounding loudly and I could hear what she said, I realized she was asking me if we would be home for Thanksgiving.

Which we would, coincidentally.

Once she and dad make their tour around the state attending 50th wedding anniversary parties and visiting other family members they've decided to crash our Thanksgiving party.

And bring half our living relatives with them.

I don't mean to be unkind, but I'm glad our numbers have dwindled over the years.

Cause as it is, I'm going to have to make Thanksgiving dinner stretch by making lots of desserts.

Maybe I should tell them to bring a couple more...

I'm Not Her Drama's Mama

2009-11-11T05:27:00.004-05:00

I don't even know where to start with this.

I try to follow the "Golden Rule" when dealing with people, treating them as I would like to be treated. I (and my salon) try to pour into people knowledge and fairness and we work hard to accommodate their needs, wants and whines. We aren't perfect and there comes a point

when you have to say "no more" and draw boundaries.

But I'm always surprised when people don't act in kind.

A hairstylist recently left our employ. A new salon is opening in town and the "grass is greener". I wish her well.

I was unprepared for the drama that has ensued.

We have been calling the clients who used her and letting them know that she is no longer in our employ and telling them that we would like to get their address and send them a gift certificate.

She used Facebook to tell people that we are "bribing her clients, just ignore it." Her husband wrote on her wall complaining that we were "Indian givers" because we took away her week vacation. (Because she wanted to come and go as she pleased and was no longer considered a "full time" employee. We explained that and she consented.) There's more, but I won't belabor the point.

This is a girl that I took under my wing right after she got out of beauty school. She used me as her hairdresser while she was in high school and then came to work for us after she finished. I apprenticed her.

I never expected her to do a full attack of our salon.

To say I'm reeling is and understatement.

I don't know whether to walk away and ignore it, or launch our own attack/defense.

For now, I'm praying for wisdom and guidance.

Because I don't think the Golden Rule has and "except when" clause.

Well crap.

Describes Me Perfectly

2009-11-07T18:47:00.002-05:00

Kinda the way I feel after working today without an assistant.

Chocolate + A Plan = Foolproof

2009-11-02T13:38:00.004-05:00

I think I've hit upon a creative plan. A way to incorporate my art into my tobusytobreathe everyday life.

It's an idea that a professor of art recommended.

It indirectly involves chocolate.

Which makes it all the more brilliant.

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda

2009-11-01T07:50:00.004-05:00

Yesterday.

I coulda cleaned bathrooms.

I shoulda swept the floor.

I woulda washed clothes.

I coulda cooked a meal.

I shoulda showered.

I woulda washed my hair.

But.

There was the Farmers Market. The Library.

There was art waiting to be created.

There were ideas flowing.

There was sunshine.

There were cats to be petted.

Clearly, something much more important came up.

Heart Cry

2009-10-31T10:23:00.003-04:00

This is representative of the times I feel my voice gets lost in the shuffle. Millions cry out to God every day and I sometimes feel like a tiny, insignificant dot in the midst of the vastness of humanity.

There are Bible verse references floating through the space which echo my cry.

A Girl and Her Cat

2009-10-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

Accomplishment?

2009-10-26T06:32:00.003-04:00

Up.

I dress to run.

I pause at the door listening to the house breathing it's sighs of sleep.

I see the couch adorned with all manner of clothing.

"Working out" takes on a whole new meaning.

I revel in the luxury of completing tasks.

Alone.

Unbidden by others.

In the accomplishment of one thing, another goes undone.

Don't Stand There Arguing. Go Check it Out.

2009-10-24T19:51:00.002-04:00

This chick, That Girl,--- whatever you call her...

She's funny.

Grieving....

2009-10-22T08:24:00.004-04:00

Thompson Family Photo
Why?

My Life is Thus

2009-10-19T07:50:00.002-04:00

I run.

On the one hand, this is great. I've been getting exercise and working at being consistent. I've run 3 miles, two weekends in a row and am feeling quite smug and self-satisfied. During the week, I'm working on a MWF running routine with weights on TTh. Sounds reasonable, eh?

The second aspect of running has to do with life in general. Weekday mornings start with my early morning jaunt to the gym, then the "game" of beat the clock begins. Rousting a child from bed, packing her lunch, breakfast, clothes, teeth brushing and practically shoving her and her dad out the door to school feels like a day's work in itself! Usually there's a small window of time left to get myself ready and to work. I'm growing frustrated/coming to terms with the fact that other things I love/enjoy have fallen to the bottom of the priority list.

Every now and again, I'll snatch at something I love (like blog writing) grabbing a small piece and wondering how long it will be before I get a more satisfying creative meal.

Until then..

Sanctuary

2009-10-14T06:52:00.003-04:00

Christ Church

St. Simons Island ~2008

This I Do for Me

2009-10-10T09:00:00.003-04:00

I have fretted and fretted over my blog recently. I haven't seemed to have the time, resources or inspiration to post recently. I feel like I've posted just enough to maybe string some readers along. I've felt guilty for not updating because I feel an obligation to my blog. And to the readers, maybe?

I figured if I couldn't do a "proper" post, I just wouldn't post at all.

I long to be inspirationally artistic like Teesha. Consistent and relevant like Inthefastlane. (Love her most recent "I am" post.) Engaging like Mabel's House. Sweetly industrious like Posy Gets Cozy. Witty like I Should Be Folding Laundry. My list of comparison is endless. It's like I'm in high school again.

I had an insight into myself this morning.

My husband has said it before: "You're an all or nothing kind of person."

I totally get it.

So, I've decided. This blog is for me. Oh, I really want you to share it with me, and I love receiving comments, but I gotta get back to the freedom of blogging. Blogging what interests me, no matter how small, or unfortunately, infrequent, a post it may be.

Blogging Break Means My Brain is Broken

2009-10-06T14:36:00.003-04:00

*Yaaawwwn*

You still there?

I'm amazed.

I have combed the fine lines in my brain for material to write about and all I got was furrows in my brow.

Also, sharing the computer with my hubby eats into MY time on the computer. Big time. If I can move heaven and earth, guess what he's getting for Christmas?!

Then again, maybe Twitter is eating up all my good material. You know, all that microblogging.

Thanks for hanging around.

I'll be back.

One day.

A Little Virtual Happiness...

2009-10-01T13:30:00.003-04:00

Because she makes me happy.

Dreamy

2009-09-27T18:05:00.003-04:00

My girl and her cousin.

Omigosh, I r e a l l y like this.

Can I get an amen?

My Girl

2009-09-22T06:56:00.003-04:00

I'm hurting for posts these days and my laptop is preoccupied with my hubby who has been working on a project. Said laptop is also getting on up there in age as evidenced in how slowly she's been moving of late. I feel fortunate that she found it in herself to give me this picture...

A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller

2009-09-17T06:06:00.004-04:00

Moriah married the man of her dreams.

Levi Miller, unfortunately, had other dreams. Dreams that didn't include Moriah. Or the Amish life he had grown up in.

Members of a closeknit Amish community, Moriah was looking forward to her life with Levi. Her wedding is picture perfect and soon after she finds, to her delight, that her dreams are fulfilled when she discovers she is pregnant.

But Levi leaves Moriah and the Amish before she can tell him of the good news.

Gabe Miller, Levi's twin, has loved Moriah since they were children. His heart breaks as he sees Moriah pregnant and abandonded.

But what can he do? The Amish Ordnung does not permit divorce. Even if Levi never returns, Moriah can never be his. Must he be content to love her from afar?

Hurt and betrayed, Moriah struggles to trust a God who also seems to have abandoned her.

For some reason, I'm drawn to books with Amish settings. Maybe I'm drawn to the portrayal of a simpler life. The Amish seem to live such quiet, orderly lives.

I love Kathleen Fuller's characters. She presents a very human side of the Amish showing deep emotional struggles. She also places real life scenarios into the story. Unrequited love, betrayal, hurt and bitterness are not glossed over in A Man of His Word. The parallel story line of Tobias and Rachel provided a bit of lightness to all the heavier drama the main character, Moriah, was facing.

I look forward to Kathleen Fuller's next Hearts of Middlefield book, An Honest Love.

Birthday Adventures

2009-09-14T07:01:00.007-04:00

I wasn't quite awake, but mommy and daddy said I there was an birthday present for me to open before I went to school. Even though my birthday wasn't until Saturday, mommy said I could have this present early! Hurray! Knowing you have a birthday present sure helps you wake up quicker! Daddy is holding our cat Coco. Coco really wants to "help" me open my present.

Ooooh, what is it?! Coco says, "It's CRACKLY PAPER!"

It's a dress!! With birthday balloons on it!!! Mommy won this dress from Chigger Hill Cottage! Mommy said Ms. Rhonda made it all by herself! Wow, Ms. Rhonda is really smart to know how to do that!

"IT'S CRACKLY PAPER!!"

And look what else!! A cool bow to go with my dress! (Uh, daddy, no offense, but I think I'll let mom put it in for me.)

Daddy, maybe it would look better on you if you were wearing the bow...

See, Daddy? Doesn't it look better with the bow?

Here I am, all ready for school.

School is always fun, but today was extra special because, I was THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!!

Mommy and Daddy brought BALLOONS! Just like on my dress!

They also brought cupcakes for everyone in my class! My favorite part is the icing. I got a blue one, 'cause I always get blue.

Do you like my blue lipstick?!

I'm wearing my pink class shirt under my dress. You can't see it, but this is what is on the back! We drew our faces and wrote our names. We are all really good artists!

Part of my favorite part of Friday at school is going to the treasure chest!!

Wow! I had so much fun celebrating my birthday with my friends at school!

--A note from mommy...

You really MUST go check out Chigger Hill Cottage. While you very well may get a cavity looking at all that sweetness, you should definitely risk it because there are some cutie-patootie outfits for your girly-girl. Her prices are reasonable and her handiwork is very well done and professional. Tell her Hippychick sent ya.

Wishes...

2009-09-09T09:56:00.002-04:00

That pretty much describes how I feel today.

Unfortunately, that's not how the day is going...

Le' sigh

Fearless by Max Lucado

2009-09-08T06:07:00.004-04:00

What is your greatest fear?

Is there really a way to live fearlessly?

Our lives are filled with fears. Fear assails us from every side. It robs us of joy, relationships and many times people take their life because fear swallowed them alive.

Max Lucado's book, Fearless, exposes fear as a powerless ploy Satan uses to cripple a person's walk with Christ. Max reminds us in his imitable style that faith is the key to disabling fear.

Each chapter identifies fears we struggle with on a daily basis and dismantles each with reminders of who God is. Far from a dusty, hard to swallow lesson in theology, Mr. Lucado weaves his words in such a melodious fashion, you find yourself drinking in more and more hope with each turn of the page.

After reading Fearless, you too will be encouraged and hopeful to live and fear less.

Avenue of Oaks

2009-09-02T08:41:00.002-04:00

St. Simon's Island, Georgia

I May Already, Actually Be a Winner!

2009-08-31T08:15:00.004-04:00

So excited!

I just won this!

I'll post pics when I receive it. (Of course.)

Go to Chigger Hill Cottage. Quick, quick--like a bunny!

Saturday Morning

2009-08-29T08:34:00.002-04:00

Just a dreamy Saturday morning around here....

Applesauce Cake with Caramel Sauce

2009-08-23T08:04:00.003-04:00

Applesauce Cake with Caramel Sauce

2 cups Whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 Tbs brown sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp allspice
3/4 cup maple syrup ( I use pancakes syrup)
1/4 cup safflower oil (I use Smart Balance)
2 lg eggs
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350.
Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients. Add wet to dry. Pour into a greased 9x9 pan and bake 30 - 40 minutes.

Caramel Sauce (From the Joy of Cooking -- Caramel Icing

Stir until sugar is dissolved:
2cups brown sugar
1 cup cream or 1/2 cup butter plus 1/2 cup milk. (I chose milk and butter method.)
Cover and cook about 3 minutes or util the steam has washed down any crystals that may have formed on the sides of the pan.Uncover and cook without stirring to 238 or 240 degrees.
Add;
3 Tbs butter
Remove icing from the heat and cool to 110 degrees. (I couldn't wait that long and made it to about 150.)
Add:
1 tsp vanilla
Beat the icing until thick and creamy.(I gave it a good stir, but didn't beat.) If it becomes too heavy, thin with a little:
cream
until it is of spreading consistency.

Things That Make Me Say...Hmmm.

2009-08-21T09:53:00.004-04:00

I don't think anything strikes terror in my heart quite like the words: "You are hereby summoned and commanded to lay all business aside and personally appear in the courtroom..."

Jury duty.

It's not that I don't want to perform my civic responsibility. I think I would find it a fascinating experience, especially given all the mystery novels I enjoy. I'd like to see the real deal.

Because I am the sole income provider right now and it would cause financial hardship,( I have to be physically doing hair to make any money) I trotted over to the clerk of the court to fill out an excuse form.

As the day loomed and I hadn't heard any response to my request, I began to wonder if it was my responsibility to search out that information.

Enter one of my clients.

It so happens that she is a retired judge. I'm not one to curry favor and try to play my connections to avoid responsibility, but I asked her if she knew the answer to my question.
"Would the clerk get in touch with me or did I need to call them?" Judge asked me a few questions and took it upon herself to call, then reported to me that because I had a child 5 or under, I automatically was excused.

Didn't mean for sister to bail me out of jury duty, but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?

Yesterday found me "up to here" with life. I felt seriously overwhelmed and was hatching a plan to hide for the weekend.

Then I checked my messages.

"YOU ARE TO REPORT FOR JURY DUTY IN THE MORNING." She stated it twice in case I couldn't believe my ears. She was right. I couldn't.

I went into frantic panic mode. What if they select me? What if I'm out of work for a whole week? How am I going to pay the bills?

Fearless. Fear. Less.

Verses I've recently been meditating on came to mind and I took it upon myself to remind God about them.

YOU said..."Aren't two sparrows sold for only a penny? but your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31 emphasis mine.) AND: "I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough." (Matthew 6:25)

I chose to trust.

I showed up for jury duty.

I stood in line.

I practiced not fretting.

I forgot and fretted.

I presented my papers.

The clerk was quizzical.

"You're not on the list."

Hmmm.

Now why did I get that phone call? Was it just an honest mistake? They meant to call someone else and dialed my number instead? Or did God orchestrate that to teach me a valuable lesson?

I don't know the answer to that. I do know that it is not up to me to provide for my needs. I forget that and try to take care of everything by working hard and fretting over stuff.

It's times like this that make me remember...

I have a Heavenly Father who has it well in hand.

Are You?

2009-08-18T08:30:00.003-04:00

Are you fearless?

I'm not either.

But based on what I know, I should be.

This book is a reminder of those things.

Stay tuned for what's up next in the next Thomas Nelson review....

The Man in the Marriage

2009-08-11T08:25:00.003-04:00

My husband and I are firstborns. If you know anything about birth order, I can stop right there. If you aren't familiar with this concept, just know that both of us are convinced of our rightness in any given situation and compromise is a foreign addition to our vocabulary.

It makes marriage challenging and often messy.

I marvel that we are still together after 23 years of marriage. I must admit to times of fantasizing of living life apart; thinking it would make my life so much simpler and peaceful.

But occasionally, I catch a glimpse of the reason I stay married this man.

We were putting our girl to bed. As is our usual custom, we/she read a story from her Children's Bible. The story was about Jesus walking on water. We were imagining how He did that. That sparked a scientific conversation about water striders and surface tension.

As he expounded, I realized in a flash--this man has so much knowledge. Knowledge that has long since leaked out of my brain.

Later, I was lying in bed and my reading was accompanied by the sounds of Hubby playing the piano and singing.

Tears sprang to my eyes as I realized that, while I may be a very capable woman, I am not the end all, be all.

And there is no reason why I should try.

My husband adds so much to my life. Sometimes, so much more than I ask.

But. He completes me.

The X and Y of Buy by Elizabeth Pace

2009-08-10T07:00:00.005-04:00

The X and Y of Buy is chock full of information to guide you on how to customize your sales presentation based on the differences in how men and women think.

I have never been part of the corporate world, so I wondered if I would gain much benefit from The X and Y of Buy.

Most of my selling is aimed at trying to sell my husband on the fact that I need (another) new hairstyle.

Using scientific evidence, the X and Y of Buy shows that men and women think differently. But you knew that. But did you know that those differences also affect their approach to buying?

Although this book is technical in nature, it's format is easy to read and understand. I found myself underlining gems of information.

You'll find this book valuable as you discover the secrets of why men and women think so differently.

Especially if you want to sell your husband on your latest hairstyle idea.

Early Morning Picnik

2009-08-08T06:26:00.007-04:00

"Somebody" woke up earlier than they wanted to this morning. "Somebody's" bladder decided that for them.

Ah, the joys of aging.

But I'm making wine out of my sour grapes.

Remember this photo?

I did some basic (read: very basic) editing with Photo Shop. Yeah. I have LOTS to learn about Photo Shop.

But then...

I (re)discovered picnik.

I did lots of cool things with the basic, online tools they have available.

Just think what I could do with the premium package!

BWWAHHAAHAHA!!!! *Rubbing hands with glee*

P.S. They did not pay me for this free solicitation. BUT THEY SHOULD!!! :)

A Lesson

2009-07-27T07:41:00.003-04:00

It's Monday and my thoughts are a jumble.

My mind is a battlefield. Positive thoughts fighting for frequency with dark, worrisome thoughts.

I'm trying to remember to "let the peace of God rule and reign in my heart" and that "the Lord is my refuge, my rock, in Him will I trust".

I'll be on vacation next week.

You'd think I'd be over the moon, but all I can think is that I will go a whole week with no income. As a hairdresser, I only get paid for the work I do.

It's stupid, really, to be fretting over that. I look back to 6 years ago at this time when I was on strict bedrest with my pregnancy. At the time, mine was the only income--and it was non-existent. In all, we went 6 months with no income except for disability--- it took FOREVER to get paid--- and because of God's grace and mercy, we lived through it without losing our cars and house.

This whole scenario reminds me that I want control of my life. I want things planned, laid out neatly and comfortably. While I do need to plan things like our finances better and more efficiently, I can't rely totally on my ability. It is not up to me to provide for our family. It's up to my Father God to take care of us.

"Behold, God is my salvation;

I will trust, and will not be afraid;

for the LORD God is my strength and my song,

and he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

Posting the Lazy Way

2009-07-23T21:32:00.002-04:00

Good Gravy! I just got slapped with a wet salmon - really - I have not updated this since you last visited... You would not believe how much more of a drama I could make that. I'm a blogger so I will though!.

I am hopped up on caffeine with setting fire to people wearing Crocs, being distracted by the shiny, just generally being a nuisance to anyone unfortunate to cross my path, my day is passing in a blur from dawn to sun down and beyond. I am putting money aside so I can run away. perchance.

I will try to remember I promised you I will update you with my nefarious activities as soon as I get a chance. Seriously! Don't hold your breath though, you're likely to turn blue..

Courtesy of The Lazy Bloggers Post Generator: http://www.aussiebloggers.com.au/blogpost.html

An Epiphany

2009-07-20T19:50:00.001-04:00

The other night, my mind was wandering. I was idling fixing everything in my life. I move furniture, paint walls, organize my closet and fret over things I should have done better in these mind mazes of mine.

This specific time, I was thinking of the vacation I have coming and how I really can't afford a vacation but it will be well worth my time to take some time off. Otherwise, I may be paying for therapy in the very near future.

It occurred to me that if I will put away $20.00 a week, I will have $1040.00 at the end of the year! I've not been going out to lunch much, preferring to run home and grab some time with my family. I work 4 days a week and eat usually eat out with a friend once a week. If I add the money I would have used eating out say, $10.00 a day, I could have $2600.00!

That would make a rather decent vacation, don't ya think?

In my next daydream, I believe I'll go to...

Aww. Something else I have to figure out.

For My Husband...

2009-07-17T20:27:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you make me angry. So much so that I can’t see straight. Can’t see past the moment.

Recently, I’ve just been looking at you and thinking how happy I am to be married to you. One day, I was walking behind you in the hall and we were having a disagreement and oddly, I wasn’t angry or frustrated at that particular moment.

All I could think was:
Damn. You are so fine.

Living Life 30 Minutes At the Time

2009-07-15T08:01:00.003-04:00

*SIGH*

That about sums it up for me right now.

I find myself distracting myself with inane things, raising procrastination to a fine art.

I'm tired.

I'm burnt out.

I'm overwhelmed just thinking of all that needs to be done and frustrated that I can't get it done quickly.

I'm very impatient.

I find myself with the mindset of "let's get this done and get on to the next thing". Perhaps my job feeds that mindset. Every 30 minutes, I'm doing a color or a haircut. My job is wonderful. I love the variety and creativity of it.

But real life is not always that interesting.

There are projects around my house that are more mundane and won't be done handily in a 30 minute window.

Neither, apparently, will they be done in the space of a weekend.

I've found that a weekend holds just enough time to "get ready" to do a project, but not enough time to actually complete anything.

So I'm gearing up for...HOUSE CAMP '09.

This year for vacation I will accomplish several things--I hope.

1. Rest. No getting up at the crack of dawn and scrambling to the gym and then on through my day.

2. Plan. Map out the projects I have and break them down into manageable sections. (Preferably in 30 minute windows.)

3. Progress. Be able to look back at the end of the week and feel good at what's been accomplished.

4. PLAY. REMEMBER THAT I'M ON VACATION, FOR PETE'S SAKE!!

Now I'm going to go figure out how to procrastinate my procrastinating!

The Fifth Element

2009-07-11T19:15:00.002-04:00

So we were supposed to my parents over 4th of July but my girl seemed to be getting sick. Runny nose, headache, cough. It seemed to be minor, but not know if it would worsen and knowing that it's awful being far from home when your sick, we decided to stay home.
Going to the grocery and the office supply store was our biggest outing. We didn't go to the fireworks and I'm glad we didn't. Today I discovered that it's highly probable that my girl had developed Fifths Disease.

http://www.fifthdisease.org/index.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/skin/fifth.html

Symptoms flu-like runny nose, sore throat, headache. A rash develops several days later usually appearing on the face, first looking like sunburn or slapped cheeks, possibly spreading to the trunk area and developing a lacy type pattern. As a rule, it is contagious before the rash develops. The rash worsens with heat, exercise and stress.

Fifth disease (also called erythema infectiosum) is caused by parvovirus B19. A human virus, parvovirus B19 is not the same parvovirus that veterinarians may be concerned about in pets, especially dogs, and it cannot be passed from humans to animals or vice versa. (From kidshealth.org)

Treatment includes pain reliever, rest and fluids.

My child also has a congested cough which I didn't find in the list of symptoms in my research. I don't know if it's related or not, but it has, at times, been severe, causing her to throw up.

Thankfully, she doesn't seem all that sick--except for that awful cough.

I've been surprised at how many I've spoken with have never heard of Fifths Disease. In fact, I hadn't heard of it until about 6 years ago when I was pregnant with my girl. I just spoke with a good friend today who has 6 (count 'em!) kids and had never heard of Fifths.

Spread the word and maybe...
You won't have to "take the fifth". ;)

Apron Making Mania

2009-07-07T08:10:00.008-04:00

This why it takes me all day to do anything...I have to stop and take pictures of this preciousness:

This is Coco. He's the cat I rescued out of the middle of the highway about 2 weeks ago. He has a broken leg (not shown here) but that has not slowed him down in the least and he is rip-roaring through the house at top speed. His purr is bigger than he is. I could eat him up with a spoon and go back for seconds.

But I digress....

This is really what I did on Sunday between cat kisses...

Project Apron!
I had planned on a VERY SIMPLE square apron that simply tied around the waist for my little girl.

But NOOOO!

"I want an apron that comes up here!" Patting chest area. "But not around the neck, 'cuz Daddy said nothing on the neck, I might get hurt!"

Sigh.

I aim to please.

I'm not known for my planning, measuring and general perfection when it comes to sewing. My motto is "Guess and Go!".

So I eyeballed the fabric, folded it in half, drew a chalk line and cut.
I trimmed the sides to even it up a bit more...

Folded over the edge for a small hem snipping notches in the rounded edge for a smoother finish.
Not bad so far...this might actually work!

Since I couldn't put anything around her neck, (grump, groan, growl) I cut two small strips, folding each edge to center and sewing to make a strap which I then attached to the bib and the back. (Here it is shown pinned before sewing.)
For a tie, I had the idea of using ribbon, so I raided my stash and found some orange satin ribbon which I sewed to the front leaving long tails free in the back for wrapping around the waist to tie in the front.

Here's my little model who is so pleased, it pains her to think about it...(this is her "I'm smiling so pretty for the camera" smile.)
After she went to bed, I added a couple of pockets at her request.
I was inordinately pleased with how it turned out. It went quite smoothly aside from a bobbin adventure about midway through. I misplaced my sewing machine manual and had to go online to find a video on how to wind the bobbin on my machine. Then I had to futz with remembering how to get the bobbin back in and rethread my machine. (Sew often?! Uh. NO.)

While still flush with this success, I'll have to keep in practice.

If nothing else, so I can remember how to work the machine.

My Dream Job

2009-06-30T08:05:00.003-04:00

One of my twitter "tweeps", Monica over at Daily Dwelling, made a comment last week about being a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson publishing. Intrigued, I made a comment that I would love to do something like that. She kindly gave me the info and I went exploring.

Apparently there are two qualifications.

You must be able to read and give an opinion.

*snicker*

If I'm awake, I have an opinion. And after spending most of my life having people ask me to keep my opinions to myself.... well, you could understand how giddy I am that someone is asking--perhaps begging--for my opinion on something.

And reading... I read the cereal box at breakfast. I read in the tub, while I blow dry my hair, on the treadmill and as I go to sleep at night. Shoot. If I could figure out how to read while I sleep, I'd not only be a millionaire to all the other over-achievers, I'd be a happy girl.

Can you see why this has the potential of being my dream come true?!

I'm looking forward to being a reviewer because I think it will stretch me. I tend to gravitate to the same type of book. Light, fun to read, entertaining. Although I have the luxury of choosing the book I'd like to review, it may not be a book I'd choose normally.

Case in point:

I wouldn't normally choose a book like this, but I'm drawn to it because I have to be a bit of a salesperson as a hairstylist. It will be interesting to learn about the science behind what makes men and women make buying choices.

And for once, I won't have to keep my opinions to myself. :)

Putting Myself Out There

2009-06-28T18:24:00.002-04:00

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