NEW YEAR'S EVE....

Okay, I'm not a communist, or anything, but.... I really don't like New Year's eve. I just don't. I'm not sure why, but really never have.

We are heading over to some good friends' house tonight to have dinner with them and another couple who are also good friends. I know we'll have a great time and it's a Blue Moon- how cool is that? I just don't like New Year's. What's wrong with me?

Maybe it's the foreboding sense of dread... dread for what the morning will bring and how crappy will I feel??? Hummm that may bear delving into. Just may...



Happy New Year!!

A MOVIE!!

Just like regular people, my husband and I went to a movie tonight. We saw 'It's Complicated', It was good. Both the movie and the 'normal-ness' of the evening. Since he lives in Houston for a good portion of the week and I live at home... it's not often that we can do this kind of thing on a Monday night.

I cleaned my studio this afternoon. It had been the Christmas present holding tank for the last month or so. It really needed it. Really. Now it's time to get creative.... right. I am knitting said husband a sweater- that's creative isn't it??

Seriously, I'm getting ready to hand over a whole new bunch of digital designs for Paper Popsicles' January 15, re- opening as it's new self. I'm excited to see what they've come up with. Clever women, I'm thinking.

And, I did just finish illustrating a children's book. 'For the Love of Pancakes' really a darling story. Check it out here....you want it for your little ones... and it's my 15 minutes of fame.

Feeling a little cheeky, I am.

one more thing...

Since this blog is supposed to be about creativity..... my sister gave me a Slice... Isn't that awesome?? Not as awesome as Barbra, but right up there!



now of course, I need the carrying case.

IT'S OVER... TIME TO TAKE DOWN THE TREE!!!

Well, it's over. My house, was clean, now is a complete nightmare. Boxes, debris, stuff EVERYWHERE. Even the dogs are chewing a little on all their new rawhides and leaving them strewn about.

It was a lovely Christmas here. The kids seemed happy with their 'stuff' what's not to like about new netbooks and a dyson vacuum? My husband was his usual, non demonstrative self... guess he liked his stuff...who knows.

He did however give me a pretty damn cool gift. If you've read on here awhile, you know I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Barbra Streisand. Well, she auctioned off some of her personal possessions his fall and he bought me something. I OWN SOMETHING OF HERS.... How cool is that? How weird am I, for being so oddly obsessed with her? I was pretty much gobsmacked. So now, I need to decide where to set up the shrine!!!

It snowed today. Big time snow, all day snow. Totally screwed up our plans. But it's pretty so as with everything, it's a give and take.

Here's some scenes from the holiday that was... such as they are......

MERRY CHRISTMAS

ALRIGHTY THEN....

I THINK I am shopped out. I THINK I have everyone bought for.

I THINK.

What I know, is there are still a few things to wrap. There are still a couple things to finish (and then wrap). There is still a cake to bake. There is still a husband to get home and there is an ice storm brewing. There is laundry to be done, and a house to clean. There is a headache in my head, and I am overwhelmed. So, here I sit whining on my blog.....

I THINK I need to get over myself, and get up and get something done. But first, I must let the dogs out.....

WOW...What a movie

I saw 'Precious' with a good friend. All I can say is WOW. See it, there are parts that are hard to watch, but it is FABULOUS. If Mo'nique doesn't win the Oscar there is no justice. She was unbelievably good, in my opinion...

So there is my suggestion for your weekend entertainment. Unless, that is, like me you have Christmas shopping, wrapping, etc. to do. But hey, you DO still have 6 days.......

7 DAYS.... ARGHHHHHHHHHHH

Okay, 7 days... one week. ARGHHHHH I'm not ready. I'm not finished shopping. I haven't wrapped what I have. I still need something for my mother, among others and I am out of ideas. I haven't baked Christmas cookies (well, I haven't done that since I lost the best babysitter I ever had- she even baked AND decorated with the kids no less). I need another week, or two. Why don't I organize my time better? Why do I waste so much time? Why am I such a last minute person? Why am I sitting here on the computer when there is so much to do?? WEll, I tell you, this it what I'm going to do...

go see a movie with a friend. yep, that's it. I'm going to see 'Precious'.


Good lord, I have a week, what I am stressing for????

THEY'RE CREEPY AND THEY'RE KOOKY, MYSTERIOUS....

and ookie, they're all together spooky..

The Addam's Family *snap snap*

Over the weekend, my husband and I went into Chicago, for our annual Christmas extravaganza. This time, in addition to staying, shopping, eating and drinking, we partook in a little theatre.... and saw 'The Addam's Family'. This was a musical. I must say I was a bit skeptical about how the Addam's Family could be put to music- but it was. And, done well might I add. We totally enjoyed it! Such a fun fun evening. After the play, we went for a mid night dinner to Hugo's Frog Bar- we had the coolest table, set into a little private alcove- quite an intimate dinner!

We stayed at one of MY favorite Chicago hotels, The Drake. It's an old hotel, with charm of years past. Check out this room- we is livin' now, I'm thinkin....



Sunday after a leisurely morning lying about in the hotel swilling coffee we went off shopping and met our city girl and her beau for lunch. I was able to get a few Christmas gifts knocked off my list. Nothing for me though....

Oh, wait, I did get a cool 'sippy cup' at the theater.... the only way they'd let me take my drink in! What a racket!! *snap snap*

and one more thing....

check out this.....

Pretty damn awesome isn't it?? And NOT just because my kid did it... but because it is.

HP TOUCHSCREEN GIVE AWAY...

Why am I not the coolest blogger who gets a free HP Touchscreen for herself and one to give away. Because I'm me. That's why. But check it out - these blogs they are giving them away FREE!!

Mckmama

BooMama

NieNie

A year of slow Cooking

Kelly's Korner

Good luck- well, not to good, I want one!

A LITTLE WEEKEND FUN??????

NOT!

But so WORTH IT! As you know, we live in Victorian Hell... and my floors, although beautiful are hard wood and old. They were/are in need of refinishing. The kitchen was in the most need, and I'd been complaining about how it needed it FOREVER.

So, how could I balk at the suggestion that we do it last weekend? Even though the Christmas trees are up, and it house is all decorated? And that this is a dusty endeavor- a major dusty endeavor. So we researched, picked a new 'commercial' grade finish and spent the weekend addressing it.

The sanding process was grueling... my poor husband bore the brunt of it; but I helped.

Yes siree bob, I helped. My body had to be contorted into unnatural positions to sand the area UNDER the cabinets. Any my son, managed to drag himself off the couch and helped for a couple hours. But my husband and I spent the WHOLE WEEKEND - Saturday through Monday working on it.



Dust was EVERYWHERE- on everything- furniture, decorations, floors, window treatments even the dogs...



Now no on can walk on it in shoes until next Sunday and that's a pain. The dogs are conditioned to go out that door- they totally don't get it - I'm schlepping them in and out so their little toenails don't touch it. I have to have shoes on the porch, and cross the floor in my socks...it's snowing on the porch- so I'm just not too happy. But it is worth it. Really. It is......

It looks kick ass. I mean kick ass!! This is WHY I love my Victorian Hell- I do...mostly...really... don't I?


But now, the other rooms look really shabby... and REALLY need it. Terrific.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE....

My house is 'Christmasized' trees and all. We used to have a ginormous tree. It was magnificent; but, like all things it got old, and I got sick of assembling it every year (even though it was gorgeous) so I threw it out.

I bought the tall thin model... and it's okay- not as glorious and showy, but neither am I any more. So it is what it is...

Merry Christmas



Oh, and one more thing... I can't find my Christmas tree skirt????

PAZZLES

If you are in need of one, with all the accessories.. I'm selling mine on ebay. As I have a Mac- it doesn't work, the software isn't compatible. I've hardly used it- so have at it!!!
It's number 320457205365

and here are some photos!

The JACKET!!!

This post is one for my daughter... here's the promised photos of the most EXCELLENT jacket that only fits you! We must figure out some where for you to wear it!





I bought this a few months ago at an estate sale, and it's hanging on an antique cloak rack in my house. Is it not a work of art?? Boning and all...Imagine some poor Victorian woman sewing all those beads on by hand. Black beads, on black fabric... low lighting, I'm sure. Why my eyes hurt just thinking on it! But wow, sure beats the sweater I have on from Target. Big. Time.

Tradition recipe coming soon!!!

or email me and I'll send it to you!!!

TURKEY FOR ME... TURKEY FOR YOU......

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hosted again this year. I don't mind at all, it's a good reason to use my china and silver etc. I think when you cook you are somewhat at a disadvantage as to how things actually taste, but I felt like it was all good. At least it's over, and non the worse for the wear; with the exception of one of my crystal goblets that is no more. Wish I could recall what the pattern was called.....

It's always so fun to have everyone home. My middle daughter came in yesterday morning to hit the dentist and spent the night here. My 3 kids went out last night, and probably had too much fun.... based on the fact that my oldest daughter couldn't really eat much- it's hard to when you extremely hung over, you know.

my nephew J.D.

my sister and her youngest son

a truely terrible picture of my mom and my son....

my nephew with his new favorite thing.... spray whip cream!

So the dishes are done and put away, the leftovers packed away, and I'm dead tired. Just plain done in. I've got a prosecco headache, and really need to change into something a little more casual for the evening. I also need to peruse the Black Friday Ads... like I'd actually get up that early and shop... or would I?

RAMBLINGS......

This past week is over. Thank God. One I'd like never to revisit, thank you. Started the week with a funeral, ended the week with one. Watched my son carry the casket of his best buddy, and his best buddies mom all in the same week. All you mom's know, when your child hurts, you hurt... this was agony. I felt emotionally done in, let me tell ya. But, we are heading forward- my son is sad, but is doing okay, I think.

Yesterday, my husband and I went off to his sister's house, to finally divide up some of the things, my father in law didn't want that had belonged to my mother in law. My husband, his brother and his sister and 'us in-law spouses' took turns picking out stuff. Cool stuff.

My mother-in-law really had great taste. Her interest in antiques ran a parallel to my own taste, so I could have taken everything, but I had to share....

Stay tuned for the unveiling of the cool stuff.....

AND IT CONTINUES....

Yesterday, was the funeral. My son, and the other pall bearers each stood up and said something. It was gut wrenching.

Later, in the afternoon, Sean's mom died. She is finally at peace. I heard she said to her sister, when it became apparent that she wasn't able to go too see Sean one more time that it was okay, he'd been with her all weekend. Maybe knowing he was 'waiting' for her made it easier for her.

My 21 year old son is a pall bearer again- twice in one week. Although it is an honor, it is also a tragedy. This week needs to be over. These are things that shouldn't be experienced at this age.

Actually, at any age.

A NIGHTMARE.....

One of my son's life long best friends was killed last night.

First, this family is in need of prayer. The mom, who just turned 50 is dying. She has cancer, and it is eminent. Sean, the son, (my son's friend) has been a mother's dream. He's been taking care of her, spending time with her- hadn't been out of the house for well over a week, as he'd taken time off from work to care for her. But, last night, was different. He'd called my son, and they headed out to celebrate his brother's girlfriend's birthday. And, celebrate they did. These boys are good time boys- I'm not touting this behavior, just being honest.

They spent the evening at a local bar, known for it's burgers. Moved from there onto the brother's house for a continuation of the fun. My son, is good about letting me know if he's coming home or not. In spite of the fact that he is 21, he is great about keeping me in the know. (I think it was beaten into him, by me tracking him down in great worry) Anyway, he sent me a text, I didn't totally get the whole message, so just called him. He said he was staying with Sean, and would be home early in the morning. I felt unsettled and anxious, in spite of the fact that I knew he was okay- they were safe.....


I went to bed. Read for a while, and had just turned off the light, when my phone rang. It was my son. Was I still up? Would I mind coming to get him? If not that was okay.. but he'd kind of like to sleep in his own bed, he had to work, yada yada... I said yes, I would come get him.

We live in a little town, and the neighboring town, 5 miles away is where he was. I got dressed (sort of) and headed out. Got my son, came home, went back to bed and finally slept.

At about 7:30 a.m. my son came into my room and said. 'Sean is dead'... evidently, he decided to go somewhere after my son left- to see a girlfriend, for a ride, we will never know. it was a single car accident. No seat belt, he was thrown from the vehicle and dead at the scene. He was 21 years old. His whole life was ahead of him. He had planned to see to it that after his mom died, he'd stay in their family home while his younger brother finished high school. There was so much for him to experience. All lost now.

My son is 21 years old, and on Monday, will be a pall bearer for one of his best friends. This just isn't right.



Rest in Peace Sean- you are already missed.

THE TREE

I'M SO MAD.....

Really, really mad.

I have some neighbors to the NORTH of me. They are ignorant (sorry if I'm offending) white trash. We have 'gotten along' all these years, by being friendly, but distant. When we moved here, one of the 1st things I did was install a 6' privacy fence along the north side of my yard, ending at about the middle of my house; basically fencing in my back yard. Then I planted two blue spruce trees in the front, to, okay I am admitting it... block my view of hillbilly heaven. They are both probably at least 20' tall now.

They are purveyors of crap. Like always 'workin' on an engine in the yard, or gutting a boat, or adding on a lean-to on the back of their garage.... you get the visual.

Anyway..... the a fore mentioned blue spruces... one hung over, as they are wont to do, the property line. She took it upon herself to trim it. Now, LEGALLY she could trim JUST WHAT HUNG OVER ONTO HER PROPERTY. But.... the B*T*H came onto my property and cut the branches at the trunk. Up about six feet. It was tree mutilation.

My husband, who hasn't seen it in the flesh yet, called her... she said.... "I thought it'd look better to go back to the trunk than just trimmin it just to the property line"........right.

It. looks. dreadful.

I. am. sick.

and really really pissed.

So, I think it's time to extend the fence. Maybe to add electricity, or razor wire. (I want to make a point) I don't want to look at their white trash selves anymore. I want them to go away... back to whatever hovel they crawled out of.


doesn't it look awful?

PURSES

Here's a couple of my hand knit, felted purse 'creations' for your perusal....

This one was a donation to a church auction




and this one was a gift



It's probably about time to make another, maybe for a Christmas Gift or maybe for a 'me' gift. Who's to say.

IT IS SAID 'YOU CAN'T GO HOME AGAIN'

BUT I DID....

Sorta.

Growing up, we always vacationed on Lido Key, Florida. It was my dad's very most favorite place to be. A legacy that he has left us all.

Before my parents bought a condo, we stayed at the Sheraton Sandcastle. Many years we were there, my parents, younger sister and best friend, Cathy. I remember so many things about that time. Memories that came FLOODING back when I walked into that hotel.

My husband and I have extremely fond memories of Lido and the condo. We honeymooned there; took our children on family vacations there, went there with friends, and hung out there, just the two of us. He thought we should spend our last night of vacation there, and chose to stay in the hotel of my youth. I'll admit, I was a bit nervous, because, sometimes you shouldn't go back- sometimes it isn't like you remembered... or it is and it's too much to take... but this time, it was good.

Really good.

The hotel is basically the same- the tiki bar, where I remember seeing Harry Carey (what a loud obnoxious sort); the pool, that seems to be every bit as big and blue as I recall, the beach- gorgeous as ever. The rooms have been redone-actually the whole hotel has had a facelift... our room was lovely, complete with the balcony looking out onto the beach.

We walked, as always down to the 'point' past the condo, with so many happy memories, and sadly no longer ours. Came back to our hotel, swam in the gulf and plopped on our chaises enjoying the sun.






For a while, all was totally right in my world. How could anything cause any concern when you are by the sea and home?




So with that, I must say -thanks dad, for one of many wonderful things you introduced to us all!!

THE DOLPHINS!

We walked along the beach in Naples, enjoying the day. Sun blazing, breeze blowing, and the fabulous ocean smell. Suddenly, Sharon said 'look, out there' and sure enough there were dolphins!!

They were CLOSE! Really close! Like I thought too close, I didn't want them to be 'beached'. They were so cute! Playing and poking their heads out of the water.

I didn't have my camera, and running back just wasn't an option, so you'll have to visualize. I've been to the beach a zillion times in my life, but NEVER had dolphins that close.

However, the downside of this is I've had the Flipper song playing over and over and over in my head ever since.....

'they call him Flipper, Flipper, faster than lightening....'

remember????

I'M REMISS....

I know you've all wondered if I'd fallen in the ocean, been eaten by a great white, or just am too lazy to post.

None of the above.

My husband and I left my father in law's and went down to our friend's condo for a few days and she doesn't have internet. Yep, in today's world- what can I say? But we are back at my father in laws, and with modern technology!

She and I have been friends since we were little bitty girls; in fact her dad and my mom have been friends since they were little. Anyway, she and I talk periodically on the phone, and always pick back up where we left off. We call it 'catching up'!

She is a decorator, lives in a gorgeous condo ON THE BEACH. Pretty much paradise. We ate too much, sunned too much, drank too much, and laughed A LOT. I realize how much she means to me when I see her. Old friends are so precious. So, enjoy some views of paradise.

and, my Sharona..... and me!!!







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