9 Lives and Times of Thomasina

Phone Phun

2012-01-31T18:42:00.003-06:00

Not.

I did not stop by the phone store to pick up a phone, or change my TV and internet service. I just was not in the mood. Who wants to hear what I should get, when it wasn't what I wanted? I just want to pick out a phone and just be done with it. So no stop there. At least not tonight.

Technology is something. Who ever thought a phone could do what it can do? I am still so old school I think a phone should just ring. No need for a GPS, just get a map.

The good thing in all this--I realized I could get cell phone discounts thru my employer. I spent most of the day trying to read and figure out the website where I could get these discounts.

Let's just say, another is another day.

Monday Stuff

2012-01-30T22:09:00.003-06:00

Decided to join the 21st century (12 years late) by the toss of my land line phone. Forget the fact I have not had a dial tone for close to two weeks or so on said land line. I refuse to pay a tech to make a house call and dish out out dough. I already know the only one of my three jacks is jacked.

....and with a new hi falutin' cell phone I could Facebook anyway and anytime I want.

So I did comparison shop. I am amazed if a phone even rings anymore. Seems like an afterthought. I cannot see spending hundreds of dollars on a phone. So I am not. I remember when I had to carry a dime for the pay phone! I was told I could keep my home phone number. Might take a couple days--yet it is possible. Happy there. I think I found a phone. I have Plan B if need be. Feel pretty good of my possible choice.

Maybe this whole 21st century won't be so bad after all.

Stay tuned.

Saturday Sun

2012-01-28T18:41:00.007-06:00

Chilly Dallas day, yet my cat MaxMaxx was able to catch a spot of sun. MaxMaxx is my "Big Baby Boy." I think he still believes he is a kitten, even tho my back breaks when I try to pick him up. :)

After I ran my errands, which included to buy a new vacuum cleaner, I came on back home. MaxMaxx was pretty much in the same position. And a new vacuum cleaner was nowhere in my purchases. New lipstick was. Yet no vacuum cleaner. Hmm. Imagine that.
Saturday is OK fine for the cat and me.

Let it Be

2012-01-27T20:41:00.000-06:00

Friday.
And it is.
Not much more
Need be said....

Thursday Thought...

2012-01-26T20:14:00.005-06:00

Hmm.
As I gaze at my new 40 gallon gas hot water heater
Which I paid my hard earned saved cash for-
I still continue to believe this is an item only
Parents and grandparents purchase--
Certainly not me.
I guess I did need it.
Hot water is a great thing.
However my mind swims with
Thoughts of what I could have used
Those green papers for--
Ya know--a FUN purchase-
Like a bunch of Blue Bell ice cream as I
Watch my new 60 inch flat screen TV.
Sometimes being an adult can be overrated.

Thunder on Tuesday....

2012-01-24T20:23:00.002-06:00

Rain with a bit of a light show accompanied by thunder boom every now and then. The best thing is, my car gets a free car wash....:)

I had planned to do stuff around the house. Just clear up and put out stuff. Yet the rain dampened my spirit.

I sat on my love seat and cat sleep on the arm of said seat. His head rested on my shoulder.

How in the world could I disturb a snoozing cat--Especially when all I was going to do was mop my kitchen floor?

Rain on.

Sunday Say You...

2012-01-22T21:42:00.004-06:00

The day: GORGEOUS! Another Dallas day with a high temperature in the mid-70's. I got a Coffee Frappucino from Starbucks. While I devoured my beverage, my cat Noir took in Sunday from an open window. Only the window screen separated Noir from the outside wilderness. I wondered what went thru my cat's mind? What went thru my mind is how I wished I had more whipped cream on my Coffee Frappucino.

Sunday: GOOD!

Saturday Stuff

2012-01-21T18:43:00.003-06:00

While I got up early this morning, to head to my 8 am class on a Saturday, these two boycats did what I wanted to do...stay IN bed! I made it class. Was bit late, because I found the building, yet not the room as quickly as I wanted. The class itself, will be great--it's over The Old Testament. Since I'm now a student at faith based university, I am required a class on the Old and New Testament. The instructor was fun. The class, about 10 of us, were in every demographic. And the biggest surprise of all--the class is listed to last from 8am to 3pm. It didn't--at least today it didn't. We got out at 11 am--which was great! Also this class meets every other Saturday. I've not had a class like this--so stay tuned.

With the surprise of getting done with class at 11am, I had more time for errands and grabbed me some lunch. Once I got home, I did some homework. I told myself I can't let the homework get so ahead of me....And now?

Well, it's only 7 PM, yet I am done for the day. Tired. Yet fulfilled. I hope these boycats left some room on MY bed.

Friday Frapp

2012-01-20T22:38:00.004-06:00

76 F was the temperature in Dallas as I left work today. Yep. I decided the weather was warm enough to take a spin thru Starbucks. I just had to purchase my first Mocha Frappucino in 2012. Yep. I certainly did.

The temperature told me it was warm enough for to deserve such a treat.

A chum of mine and I discovered we visit Starbucks at different times of the year. She is more of a 'go when it's chilly outside', for her warm caffeine fix. While I am a 'go pretty much every day that's over 75 degrees' to get my cold beverage treat.

I realize I don't visit Starbucks for their hot beverages. I think because the coffees are too strong for my taste. If anyone has a Starbucks hot cup o coffee they like, please do tell. Otherwise, I will wait for the next unseasonably warm Dallas winter day.

Something bout the whipped cream on my Frappucino makes me smile....

Two Thursday Thoughts....

2012-01-19T19:46:00.002-06:00

I LOVE my Canon printer! A few months ago I bought the cheapest Canon printer they had -38 bucks--and I LOVE it! Why? Because the printer makes my attempt to print on 3 ply paper napkins, tissue paper and mulberry paper such an easy task. Much easier than the Epson printer I did have. For the time being, Canon and I have our own little 'thing' going on...

The other thought is--well, it IS Thursday--which makes it almost Friday.

What more need be said?

Tuesday Wrenched...

2012-01-17T19:41:00.004-06:00

Made it to work. Do you realize how heavy a sleeping kitty is? Anyway, I haven't bought the hot water heater----yet.

No. No. No, I do not enjoy boiling water for my shower. It is the thought of spending $ on such a contraption. I know it need it-bad. I do need to do laundry. And I have not been to a laundromat (that's what we call it in the Iowa, while here in Texas it is the 'washateria'--which I never heard of until I moved here) since 2003. That was the year I bought my washer and dryer.

I could do have a cold/cold cycle in my washer. However, ever since I moved here and the movers guys hooked up the washer, the water has been flipped flopped. I realized that way after the hook up. Hot is cold. Cold is hot. So I got use to it. I had the bright idea, just flip the hoses to the right sockets. Easy right?

Wrong. I couldn't get the cold water hose thingy to fit as snuggly as it should. I'd test the water. Water would drip or spit in my eye. I tried. I deduced I needed a better wrench which of course I could not locate. I mean, really, who uses wrenches? I may try again.

If no success, I'll haul a load of laundry to the laundromat. There is one around here. I have seen it....somewhere.

*Sigh*

Just need to give up the $ for the hot water heater. I do need it. I really do.

Wrench or no wrench.

Stay tuned.

Slow Down...

2012-01-16T19:14:00.004-06:00

A few things happened since we last met up. Had a couple days off from work which helped me get all set for this semester in school. One class meets every other Saturday, starting on the 21st. We will see how that goes. After last semester, to battle traffic after work, on top of wonder if I'd even get off of work on time to get to class, did me in. An online class starts tomorrow, so another adventure awaits, plus I want to take a couple classes at a community college. The are required for my degree and cheaper than my university. Those community classes will be in half the usual semester time. Should be all of an adventure. Oh, and one last thing of school, on Saturday I got the idea to pursue my Master's in Communications. The reason will be for another post.
OK, and the other thing which took up my time is my hot water heater decided to conk out. Yea. At 5 AM Saturday morning. The sound of 'something' woke me up. I thought the toilet was running. Wrong. I've learned in the last couple days, I'm blessed because my water heater is in my hallway, and not my attic. The poo-poo stuff is, this happened on a weekend, a holiday weekend at that, for us in the States: Martin Luther King Day. Seems my city requires a permit to install a water heater. Who knew? Well, today was national holiday, so city offices were closed. I know more about water heaters now than I did on Friday.
I will need to boil water for a couple more days. I feel so Little House on the Prairie, until I plop on the couch and surf thru my over 200 TV channels. Nonetheless, the cost of the water heater was to remain in my bank account for something FUN. Water heaters are what your parents buy...not US.
Oh well. I'll go back and tickle the cute cat's tummy. Makes me happy. :)

Couple Thoughts

2012-01-12T18:47:00.003-06:00

while I was out about today...

The first being the price of a pan to bake lasagne: $79.95 USD. Yea, the pan was quite the gorgeous red, yet for a nickel shy of eighty bucks the pan was not THAT gorgeous.

Then in another store my tally was $8.51 USD. The young lady, who was the cashier, after she gabbed about kids' birthday parties to the other young lady who just now said she took her Christmas tree, looked at me with her jaw on floor. Why? Because she assumed I was paying credit. She had put in 'credit' in her register. Informed her "cash." Really? the young lady asked.

I wanted to say cash is still used in some part of the world. Alas, I did not. Perhaps the change would throw her off since I gave her a $20 bill. Anyway, the other young lady she was yapping to decided she had some work to do and walked off.

...and the thoughts do keep tumblin' along!

New Thought Tuesday

2012-01-10T20:29:00.007-06:00

I stopped in the little neighborhood crafty store, Googly Eyes tonight. Hadn't been there for while and of course I ask myself "Why not?" I guess I have been working on my crafty stuff and had not sought out their help...until now. *****Googly Eyes has my beloved mulberry paper in a plethora of colors. Their price was somewhat cheaper and selection more vast than Joann's. While I checked out with my bounty of paper, Meg, one of the owner's, and I started to chat. Meg is just a couple years older than me. We bonded over the Dallas Mavericks Championship run last Spring/Summer. *****Anyway, a week or so ago, I sent her a photo of one of my test decoupage glass plates. Tonight, she told me how much she really liked it. I nearly fell down. Coming from a crafty person extrodinnaire got me all giddy. Now THAT made my day! *****As Meg and I chatted, she asked what I thought about doing with my decoupage plates-if I was going to just leave them as plates. I had not thought that far, since I still looked for the perfect plate to decoupage. Well, Meg brought up changing a plate or two into clock. *****CLOCKS? Meg knew another crafty lady, who happened to be an animal loved (so you know I perked up on that) makes animals as the subject on the clock's face. Really? What a cool idea, I told Meg. A cool idea indeed. *****New thought for a Tuesday.
Stay tuned.

Sunday Fog..

2012-01-08T19:17:00.005-06:00

This was the today's morning view from my front door.

When the day is dreary like this I find I am more pensive about tasks and goals and such. How about you?

After I took this photo, I got ready to head to my place of worship: Inspiring Body of Christ Church with Pastor Rickie Rush. The sermon was on Stamina. As usual the Message was right on time! A woman, who sat beside me, would nudge me whenever Pastor said something that touched her spirit. Let's just say the woman apologized several times because of her nudges. I will be surprised if I do NOT have a bruise! :) All good tho.
I will say some of my own personal fog cleared after Pastor's sermon. Even if the skies around Dallas didn't.

All good tho.

Dance Ago Friday...

2012-01-06T21:49:00.004-06:00

Yep. That's me. In all my six year old glory. The woman is my dance teacher of a few years, the late Betty Mae Harris. She taught in my small Iowa town for 41 years. For those same 41 years Betty Mae taught in another town about 25 miles away and continued there for few more after she retired from mine.

As for me, I remember this was right before the recital started. I was the second or third one on the bill which was great.Betty Mae's recitals were all night, glorious affairs. Anyway, those first few numbers the dancers all stood on stage, in a farm setting. I got to hold the baton for this twirler, until she was ready to take it. I think she could have been in high school. When she took it from my hand, she said "Thank you" to me. I felt so special! :)

My routine was a tap sensation called "Ol McDonald Had Some Jazz". Hold back your applause. :) If I remember right, I got chicken pox after this recital. What a way to spend some of my summer vacation from school!

So I smile at this long, long ago Friday night memory. Trust me, Ed Sullivan did NOT tear our door down to get me to appear on his show!

Dance to dream...always.

Together Forever...

2012-01-05T19:10:00.005-06:00

Big ol' wide load of a Tuxie kitty gets a Thursday touch all his own. Kitty's name is MaxMaxx and I need a forklift to pick him up--that is when he lets me. However MaxMaxx's purrs rival a car with a busted muffle going down the street, His leg rubs cut off my circulation and MaxMaxx sniffs the air when he hears the slightest hint of a can opening...

I would not have it any other way.

Past Brings a New Year

2012-01-03T19:35:00.006-06:00

******As called myself doing a little Winter cleaning today, I came across things I'd seen before, yet saw for the first time today. The first being about my maternal grandmother. I never knew her because she passed away a year after I was born. There was a picture of my grandmother that I'd seen before, however it hit home more than before. Why? Because someone had taped the snippet from the Des Moines Register newspaper about her death in this photo album. My grandmother died at just 52. I have outlived both my mother and her mother. My maternal grandparents were from Georgia. I wonder how, when, and why they ended up in Iowa? A mystery for 2012.***And then I found this photo. My dad at age 28. He sits in front of my grandparents' place. My mom and dad did not marry until two years later. I made my debut four years after that. My dad. 28. What was on his mind? Heck, Dad's got on jeans. What dreams did he have? Was Dad in love with my mom by then?

Questions I would love to ask in this New Year to solve mysteries of the past. The main characters are all in Heaven. Although a challenge....Stay tuned.

2012 is HERE!

2012-01-01T15:30:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year!!!

....and it's ALL in your

Hand to do what you will,..

Just do.

Last Day of 2011

2011-12-31T19:18:00.004-06:00

As I write this I am in the midst of getting ready to head to my New Year's Eve celebration. I am doing the same thing I did last year and the year before that.

Going to Inspiring Body of Christ Church. My church. I HEART my church. New Year's Eve at IBOC is like a big party with over 4400 of your bestest and closest friends without the booze.

Last year a high school chum accompanied me. He said he had a good time even tho a woman did vomit a couple rows ahead of us. :) This year, I've not had much contact with the high school chum for a couple months. I do hope his New Year's Eve is grand. I know mine will be.

So if you excuse me--I must get ready to dash off--2012 does await!

New Year's Eve Eve

2011-12-30T22:09:00.003-06:00

That's what today is.
Where did 2011 go?
Seems like just yesterday it was my April birthday,
then to every day of August at 100 degrees F or more
Where Dallas-Ft Worth had over 70 degrees of 100 plus heat
For 2011 to now
December 30--the next to the last day of the year-
Hmm.

Bring on 2012.

Valentine's Day...really?

2011-12-29T18:41:00.004-06:00

Shouldn't we still be oogling at ornaments and/or wondering bout packing them away for the year? When I was kid our tree went up right before Christmas and took it down after New Year's. I still hold on to such a sweet memory.

The memory served me well tonight when I sauntered into Target.

Rows and rows of Valentine's Day cards greeted me. Really? When did the calendar switch to 2012? Sure, I've had my mind on other things, yet come ON!

Valentine's Day, really?

So let me ask: when Valentine's Day's does roll round, will pumpkins and Tricks or Treats candy fill the shelves instead?

Print on Fabric Using....Freezer Paper?

2011-12-28T20:53:00.006-06:00

Yep.
It CAN be done.
I know for which I speak because
I did such a feat this night....

Up top is the graphic on my computer. The result on the printed fabric is he bottom right corner. The colors will need to be adjusted darker for the fabric. Heck, I can work on that. In the meantime, for me--the girl who would surely bribe Van Gogh with a pie, to do her junior high art project, is dazed and amazed. Maybe could be be something to this whole being crafty thing.

Stay tuned.

Good Thing..

2011-12-27T18:32:00.004-06:00

One good thing about being on a school Holiday Break is I am able to catch up on watching movies I've watched a gazillion times before. I am discovering Verizon FiOS on Demand with their thousands of movie titles. And I just remember how cool it was to rent a movie on VHS.---I digress--The last few days I have been in a Star Trek mode. I've let myself be beamed up three different times with Captain Kirk and his Musketeers.

Last night I watched the Star Trek 'pre-quel' that hit our movie houses in 2009. You would swear I'd never watched it before. The young actors connect with the legends we became to know. Uncanny.

Anyway, so tonight I will get beamed up one more time with Captain James T. Kirk and friends in their final movie together......

Warp speed to the popcorn and live long and prosper.

Day After Christmas...

2011-12-26T16:34:00.004-06:00

I choose not to fight a gazillion people
In the department stores today--
What sale is worth the hustle and bustle--
Unless Denzel Washingotn and George Clooney come with it?
I did venture to neighborhood store just to get
A couple household items--
Low and behold Valentine's Day items
Stared me in the face.
Hmm.
It's the day after Christmas.
Shouldn't we still be deckin' some halls
For at least another moment or two?

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-25T16:43:00.005-06:00

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T12:06:00.002-06:00

I adore Luther Vandross' version of this classic. And again, I realize how much I miss Luther's voice. My guess is nothing can out sing the angels of Heaven's Choir!
On this day before the Reason for the Season dawns, I think about Christmas Eves past. I posted this on Christmas Eve 2009. My thoughts have not so much changed--except I know how much more I am truly am blessed.

Christmas Eve Eve

2011-12-23T20:08:00.005-06:00

Got out of work at 2pm today--
Happy elf was I!
I think I floated to my car--
Eventho it the wind a chill in the air--
I did not care.
It is almost Christmas.
Bittersweet memories of the
750 mile drive to Iowa with
Two cats, at the time, to keep me company--
I still smile tho, my dad enjoyed those cats
Eventho my step-mother didn't share so much comfort and joy!
Anyway, it's two days before Christmas
And I smile at those little girl memories
Of a time long ago...

Pass the Decoupage Plate Please...

2011-12-22T19:50:00.011-06:00

A 'test' plate to show you. Hence, I didn't trim off the over the edge paper. A rough draft to be sure--S'OK, we're chums, right? Wanted to share my first project made with these particular materials:

*8 inch glass plate from the Goodwill
* waterslide decal w/photo of my cute cat
* Mod Podge (matte)
* Mulberry paper (I used cream color)*PATIENCE

Next time I do this type of plate, I will put a bit of white background on decal. Othewise, away from the wall, the photo of my cute cat Earl Gray cannot be seen as much. Cat was not amused....

I HEART mulberry paper. This delectable paper does come in a plethora of shades. The plate was not difficult to do, however each step must dry before you do the next. Short cuts do not work-trust me. :) Stay tuned.

Like A Lot...

2011-12-20T21:09:00.001-06:00

O Holy Night is my all time favorite Christmas carole. I am quite picky in my admiration of the person who performs it. I like the singer to feel the song. I want to hear the passion. This verison is one of the three versions I absolutely love. This clip is from the American TV show "Benson"--hence, the song was at a more hurried pace for the sake of TV. Nonetheless, I love to bask in Robert Guilluame's voice-as if its his gift to me. I hope you feel that way too.

'bout done...

2011-12-19T21:56:00.006-06:00

Monday that is!
So much rain today-which fell during my drive home aka rush hour.
If Noah and his ark had floated close, I would asked for a ride!
In the meantime, the day was OK.
I believe this day was one more day closer to good things.
The cat does so share my view...

'net NO

2011-12-17T15:03:00.003-06:00

I did not have access to the internet from about 7pm Thursday night until sometime today. I realized I had internet at 1pm this afternoon. Thursday night it just went awaym after I did a couple e-mails. I had an error of 'no access'. I thought there was just a burp in my Verizon system somewhere. I knew I was current on the bill, so I knew THAT wasn't it. Still no 'net on Friday morning. I get home last night--and NO 'net.

I called Verizon then. The rep was a nice guy. He said the connection between Verizon and my house was 'asleep'. Sure dude. He tried to 'jump' it a few times and nothing happened. All in all, he said he would order me a new router, which I could pick up at a Verizon store. The store is less than 5 minutes from me, but at our call, the store closed about 5 minutes before. No worries. There was life before the internet, at least I think there was.

Anyway, I pounded out 1250 words on a short story I never quite finished. The inside of the store was weak. I admit the writing was fun. No Facebook comments, except my cat was upset he could not get on HIS blog. I was OK with that, because the cat is popular than me--so I digress.

So this afternoon, I realized I am connected to the entire world again. For the couple nights that I wasn't--really weren't bad. Things appeared a little more simple.

I liked it.

Middle of the Week

2011-12-14T17:58:00.003-06:00

And I'm glad. Feels so good to not have homework. This will be a good month off. I'm proud of myself to be one step closer to my sociology degree. Yet, the month to be away from books and such---yea, I'm likin' that bunches. So the cat has such a pensive look. He may be wondering why I went out to the back yard, while a light rain fell--with my umbrella-and picked up a bunch of leaves. Yes, leaves. I am going to try the decoupage of leaves on glass plates again. Not tonight tho. The leaves are damp from the rain--so they dry in paper towels. Maybe the cat wonders if I will clean the litter boxes. Why yes...yes, I will. The cat may just be ignoring me. Which is exactly what he was doing. I called the cat's name--hence the ear lowered. The cat decided I wasn't so important. OK. OK. I get the hint. Litter boxes here I come.

Middle of the week. Not bad...not bad at all.

Tuesday Too Good

2011-12-13T22:06:00.002-06:00

Hey--that is how I feel because the Fall Semester is officially OVER! I just took two classes, yet it seemed like 20. The backstory behind this semester stressed me to know end. To cut to the chase I transferred schools. I had left over financial aid money which I thought would go to the new school. No problem I thought.

Wrong. The schools wound up not being on the same funding schedule. It turned in to, "You should have done this." "You should have done that." And my response was, "When I called in for status, nobody told me a thing.'

Long story in all this: I had NO financial aid to pay for my few thousand US dollars of tuition.

Fiction would not have been better than this truth.

Cut to the chase after being shut off from online access, dozens of e-mails to figure how to get out of this, calls to the Dept of Education for help and decline of more student loans--which I didn't want to take out anyway--to pay for the Fall Semester--I paid out of my own pocket.

The shock in that I saved enough. The money was for something else, yet I found I could replenish the amount for the something else-if I need to.

Best part is, the Fall Semester is OVER. This nightmare is DONE. I will not worry about school until January 2012. Burden off my shoulders. Gives me some time concentrates on things that I only part time attention to--besides a cat.

Stay tuned.

Monday Make

2011-12-12T11:05:00.006-06:00

Made it thru the weekend although the Dallas Cowboys did cough up a gigantic hairball by blowing a 12 point lead fourth quarter lead with just three minutes or so to go last night on Sunday Night Football. Take a breath. I need to let it GO....inhale...exhale....Better...YEA. OK. Hmm**** On a much lighter note. I attempted a new crafty thing over the weekend. Decoupage leaves on a glass plate. I realize after my attempt I must indeed follow the directions, instead of making up my own. The leaves are from my holly bush, in front of my house. All the directions called for Matte Mod Podge to glue and seal the leaves to the plate. I chose to do my own thing and use Sparkle Mod Podge. After these few days, my leaves still look a bit squishy and the over all look is not what it should be. I didn't even finish the plate off, because I pretty much coughed up a hairball with the plate, like the Cowboys did in their game.

The cat inspects the plate. I can improve with leaves, glue, and plates, however with three games to go: can the Dallas Cowboys Mod Podge their act together?***Stay tuned.

47 Minutes

2011-12-08T23:13:00.003-06:00

Until it's Friday--which I consider to be the best darn day of the week.
Just a flash back to Thursday while it's still Thursday.

I trekked to the Goodwill to look at glass vases and glass plates. If you take time to look, it is amazing what treasures are among junk. My big catch tonight were three Arcoroc France plates, then fine china bowls, two glass vases and other stuff all for 17 bucks and 81 cents. The Arocroc plates could have been easily been five-eight dollars apiece. In my case they weren't.

Came on home. Did laundry. Picked up leaves in my yard to press them in books. Painted plaques and terra cotta pots. I realized my all-time favorite acrylic paint color is metallic black. Ate pizza bonded with my girlcat who decided she wanted to be held-first time since about September. Watched TV, specifically "True Lies" with Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger when we still loved him. Put laundry in the dryer. Watched more TV, specifically a sappy, romantical Christmas movie on Lifetime--and decided to head to bed.

Now there are 23 minutes left until Friday gets here.

Good.

Middle of the Week

2011-12-07T18:37:00.004-06:00

That's what today is. Wednesday. Hump Day. Whatever you want to call it. The photo of my cats kinda has a middle of a week look to it. The tuxie cat in the middle is Mommy to the mancat tabby on the left and sister to the the mancat wide load tuxie who has his leg over her, on the right.
The girlcat's name is Edie. However, I have not called her Edie, since she had her babies, Which is when I realized she was an Edie and not an Eddie. So we're talking four and a half years ago.

Just something about felines. I have said it a coupla times and I will say it again...I heart cats.

Monday Marks

2011-12-05T19:45:00.005-06:00

Since we last met up on Friday, I have fought sneezes, watery eyes and occaisonal cough. Sinus stuff brought on my the change of weather. It was to happen sooner or later. What I have realized is my battle is still lost with the sneezes, etc, yet the wounds aren't as bad. Nope. When I first to Dallas and this set in. Oh MY! Lost my voice, Sneezed enough to be put into the Guinness World Book of records and just was miserable. I'd get sick in Iowa, yet in Dallas--it was a whole 'nother thing***Now, not so much fevers any more. I know what meds to pop. Voice doesn't disappear as it once did. And Puffs tissues are now made with lotion, so my nose doesn't get as raw. As I have tried to script these last few sentences, I have sneezed times. Cats ran. The tissue pile grows***In the meantime, I can smell my soup cook on the stove. Almost time for one of my fave TV shows to come on, and my covers are calling me. I'll just make sure I don't disturb the ginger tabby cat.

Friday with Feline...

2011-12-02T21:18:00.002-06:00

The best day of the week. That is what today is. Friday. Although so much stuff gets inside your mind thru the week--when Friday rolls 'round-it's like none of the stuff that messsed with you thru the week really matters much anymore.

I will take the hint from the cat.

And just relax...

Friday. Gotta love it.

Terra Cotta Curious

2011-12-01T20:04:00.005-06:00

Did I ever show you this creation from August past? I do like what I tried to do. Paint job was not the best--yet it gave me an idea what the 4 inch terra cotta pot would look like. I gave a better painted pot, with a quote from the great American actor Morgan Freeman on the back, to an actress friend of mine. She loved it. Nice surprise for me. Yep, my own worst critic.

As I take another look at pot tonight I smile at the Mod Podge Sparkle used to seal the photo to the terra cotta. See the sparklies? Never ever once thought I would be all about the glue!

Anyway, I use an inkjet to print the photo on regular ol' bought at Wal-mart or the dollar store tissue paper. Nothing fancy. And the subject?

My kitty Noir. When he was a twelve week old kitten, Noir sat (and crawled with me for two hours at a Starbucks. As I tried to talk a co-worker into taking Noir home with her. That was four and a half years ago. Yep, I do think I got the better end of the deal!
Am proud of my little terra cotta pot. Yes, I sincerely am.
Still shock about the 'inner crafty' I did not think I every really had--
In the mean time, gotta find the subject of the photo-
Noir owes me a purr or twelve since I shared him with the world! :)
Stay tuned!

Wednesday Stuff

2011-11-30T21:51:00.002-06:00

OK. A few days back, I spoke about having my etsy.com shoppe up by Thanksgiving. Do-able, I said. Indeed it was. Yet I did not quite get it done.

Why? I am my own worst critic. I have an idea. Then I think too much about it. Wonder if it is enough or vice versa. Then to realize after all these thoughts (which make my head hurt) the original thought was the best. I do so have to let some of it go. And learn to give myself some credit.

Tonight I worked on my banner for my etsy.com shoppe. Excited, I was. Yea. This is it. Yep. The world will see my one maybe three products for purchase. Then...then...as I tweaked my banner and pretty dig darn happy for me--my PC burped. An error box popped up. Said some issue happened and would need to re-start.

My marketing masterpiece was MIA. I had not saved it. *sigh*

I thought, well, OK. I got the thought of the banner. Simple. To the point. I liked what I did. Yet the colors weren't all that.....

Yea. I started thinkin' again. I need to stop that.

Stay tuned.

Saturday Translates

2011-11-26T17:48:00.004-06:00

Into spinach florentine quiche
At one of the La Madeleine's here in Dallas
At least for me anyway! Had a three hour girl gab fest
With with a chum. Sipped coffee. I chowed quiche.
I noticed a cool generational goin' on--
Behind my chum and me, sat two 20 something ladies
Then behind them sat seven ladies, with hair, maybe late 60's-70's,
The 20 something had flowing brunette hair
While my chum and I put on our hair so it wouldn't be white!
Each table had its bursts of laughter and
Probably the best girl gab ever--until the next time. :)
Good Saturday, indeed!

Black and Blue Friday

2011-11-25T20:14:00.002-06:00

While folks were out and about at midnight doing the Black Friday thing, I curled under my quilt, and slept the night away in my bed. A cat planted against my leg. OK. Sure, there was 40 inch TV for $248 bucks and a laptop for $198 I wanted--yet it would mean I would stake my claim in a line of hundreds of people. We would wait for the clock to strike midnite, so we could dash away, dash away, dash away all thru the store to get the goodies. That is, if we made it to the spot before all the goodies were gone.

I had to work today. Everybody else, unless you were in retail, had the day off. Yep. Eight hours I won't get back. I was curious if any of what I wanted was left at the stores. Once I got off work--at my regular time, I headed to the big box stores. Optimistic am I. There could be a chance the TV and laptop were still available. That perhaps the store could have put out MORE.

Alas, no such luck. My goodies were gone.

Black Friday was pretty blue for me.

Stay tuned.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T20:43:00.005-06:00

Yes, indeed.
I did get on up and headed to Inspiring Body of Christ Church for the Thanksgving Day service. My church is one of the few, in Dallas, opened on this day. A few thousand of my dearest and bestest friends were also in attendence. Pastor Rickie Rush did appear, with a neck brace on. He didn't stay long, yet Pastor gave a Word and let us see he is doing well.

The rest of the day was spent with a wonderful BFF, her hubby, and another friend of the BFF, I hadn't see in a while. Our bellies got full, while conversation spread. Then the BFF's hubby went into his office. That left us three girls to gab to our hearts' content. Sometimes just hanging out with the girls, is what you need to let you know you are doing well.
So for Thanksgiving 2011
Alot to be thankful for.
I am blessed.

Thanksgiving Eve Thought

2011-11-23T21:50:00.003-06:00

Searched my memory for Thanksgivings past as I looked in my cluttered fridge and got bummed. No green and red peppers. I love green and red peppers. I got unbummed because I remembered the grocery store cashier informed me earlier that the store would be open on Thanksgiving until 4 pm. So if I needed green and red peppers so bad, I could get them--by 4pm anyway.

Back in yester-century, NOTHING was open on Thanksgiving, save a gas station--maybe. I thought about my parents staying up, what seemed like all night cooking. I fell asleep listening to them talking back and forth. Made me feel safe. If my mom ran out of some ingredient, she was on the phone calling my aunts if they had said ingredient. Or over to the neighbors and vice versa. None of this running to the store for that last bit of ingredient. If you didn't have it or somebody else didn't have it--you wouldn't have it.

NO grocery store was open. My Iowa hometown literally did shut down. A national holiday would soon dawn. The grocery stores my town did have all closed closed their doors and turned out the lights early. Family and company were comin'!

In yester-century the day before Thanksgiving stores would not open their doors again until the day after Thanksgiving. That day is now called Black Friday (that's a whole nother post!). The time away from stores gave folks plenty of time with their loved ones.

Yea. OK. Although I may stop at the grocery store tomorrow before 4 pm to get my green and red peppers, I do ponder about now simplicity of Thanksgivings past:

I miss them.

Time Thought

2011-11-22T19:02:00.004-06:00

Have one of them days where you wonder if you've done the right thing? I mean, in a situation/relationship? I see eyes rolls now in cyberspace! I digress.
To the specific point: being told you do not show someone else you have time for them. I was unable to make a "Meet Up With a Chum Date" due to times did not crunch as needed. The Chum Date came up on a lark, and I thought I could make it. It was my bad, I didn't check times before I said I would. I apologized that I couldn't. The Chum Date made a joking/snide remark. And not heard from em since. A girl chum (and you know we girls psychoanalyze best of chocolate or lattes), suggested I may have given off the vibe I didn't have time for the Chum Date.
Really? I looked at the situation. Realistically--I hoped. I thought of how I respected this Chum Date's time, conformed to their available times, because they are such on the go, and listened to their day whether good and bad, while I stirred coffee, only to wish my coffee was a mocha latte--yet not one question posed to me about my day--good or bad. When I did try to chime in a sentence, there was dead air, then Chum Date went on with their own thought.
Yet I do not seem as if I have time for them...
Really?
Stay tuned.

In the Rain..

2011-11-21T21:20:00.003-06:00

After I got home from work and did a little exercise, with the prayer I drop about a million dress sizes overnight--I headed to The GoodWill, up the street. Since I discovered my 'inner crafty' I wonder about experimenting with paint and decoupage on wood--the whole plaque thing 2.0.

For 19 bucks and some change I found cool, one of kind treasures. Solid wood. Different sizes. I looked for older looking plaques. I imagine their story. How they got there and from where. That's when the writer in me came out. It also amazes me, how pieces of china wind up at the Goodwill. For just pennies. The china is another post. I'll stick with the the plaques for now.

I surveyed the plaques. Thought of how to re-birth them. I mean, one of them is a wooden paddle with a bunch of cows painted on it...Did I mention it was also raining when I went to the GoodWill? The cashier packed all my goodies in a big, plastic bag. The size of my bag would surely rival that of Santa's.

I took good care of my treasures as I walked to the car and placed them inside. I did have two china bowls in the mix too. One was 50 cents. Told ya--cheap!

Well, if all excuse me, I'll call it a night. I need to peak in my sock again. Tickled how I stuffed my own stocking---sorta.

Stay tuned.

Sunday Best

2011-11-20T18:44:00.004-06:00

Today was good. Yes indeed, I got up and headed to my church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church. We were told Pastor Rickie Rush, may speak for a few minutes on Thanksgiving. Yes, my church has Thanksgiving Service. One of the few churches open on the day. I have been showing up for the service since 2004--when I was actually a member of a another church. Pastor Rush has been away, all of November because of spinal surgery. We pray for an appearance, regardless how short. Will be good to see him.

Just like its good to see this kitty posted here. That's my big ol' at baby cat MaxMaxx. MaxMaxx is tuxedo tabby aka 'tuxie'. We have been together for five years--around Thanksgiving enough, I celebrate that as the day. His purr rivals a lawnmower and he weighs more than any toothpick thin supermodel. This was his way to take on Sunday.

Seems like both of us had the BEST on this day!

Thin it is!

2011-11-19T18:51:00.005-06:00

Nope. NOT ME, but the thin crust pizza I had today. Let me tell you, I am not a fan of thin crust. At least that's what I thought. Until a chum and I headed to a part of Dallas called Deep Ellum for lunch. During the night, Deep Ellum is a hot spot for bars, live music and hanging out happenings . Ya know, all the stuff I did before my bedtime became the time I use to go out--I digress. Anyway during the daylight hours all of us older folks hang out at the plethora of Deep Ellum and amy ponder if want to go into the tattoo shops...

My chum and I ventured to Cane Russo. The eatery specializes in Neapolitan Italian cuisine. They cook those luscious pizza pies in a wood burning oven cranked to 900 degrees. The oven is placed far enough away, yet close enough you can see your pizza pie cook--all of about 3 mins of cookin' time.

I decided on the Zoli. The pizza was decorated with Italian sausage, Italian cousin of pepperoni (just a tinge more spicy), basil, the best tomato sauce I've tasted and cheese to slobber over. Tasty, TASTY treat I devoured today!

Good eating. Good time spent with my chum. Good just all around!

Cane Russo ain't your neighborhood Pizza Hut!

ECHO Me Life

2011-11-18T20:08:00.003-06:00

Today I had my annual ultrasound of my heart, aka ECHO. I'm sure when my cardiologist reads the results, it will show I am not exercising as I once was. My heart doc once told me how the ECHO gives away your not being obedient ways.

I lie there today as a tech, born in 1986, and a male, gel'd me up. He asked me if I was OK with him doing the procedure. Yea. I got over any any pride years ago when I was in the hospital. After surgery, I was so weak. I needed a new bra for support due to my incision. I also wore a heart monitor and I didn't have the strength and know-how to mess with the heart monitor wires. The male nurse said, "I can get a female nurse, if you want." I told him, I needed help and I was no longer proud. I told that story to the kid who was born in 1986 and was my tech today. Anyway, I had on my paper smock, open in the front, no bra. The tech, who looked about 14, gave me a gigantic paper towel to cover myself even more. What I needed was a blanket...FREEZING. The tech, said I was the 'coolest' person he'd had all day.

Good.

I will have ECHO's until the end of my life. I have done them since 2006. I had a life before my open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve. I do remember it. Before the daily meds, which includes Coumadin, where I have to check if my blood is too thin or too thick. The check is called my INR. My blood range must be between 2.5 and 3.5. I have my own little machine I can check my blood all by my lonesome. Vitamin K affects Coumadin. Who knew? I sure did not prior to 2006. I had a life before all of this. Before I had symptoms of a stroke which affected my speech and I wondered if I would ever be 'normal' again. After all this time, I sometimes have really short term memory issues--yet, I can tell you what happen what I did 45 years ago--well, maybe. :)

I did have a have a life before ECHOs and all this other stuff. Before it all became a major role my continue to have a life. I do smile at the memory of my past life and grateful I am able to smile about the future life I intend to have.

ECHO heard is from me as I shout from the mountain top I know where my strength does come from.

In A Week..

2011-11-17T21:37:00.003-06:00

Is Thanksgiving here in the United States. Lotsa food. Being with others to give thanks for what you have and WILL have. Yummy pumpkin pie---I can see and taste it now!

Yet before we get there. A week still has to make its presence known. A chum of mine asked me if I will FINALLY post something on etsy.com by Thanksgiving? What a great goal to have! Do-able. Very possible. Quite possible. Indeed.

Gave myself permission it is OK, to share just one plaque, one terra cotta pot, and one blank greeting card with the world. One is more than none. Sears-Roebuck weren't always in every mall. I think is my hardest challenge: I feel I must have a truckload of inventory--yet
when all I need is just one.

Simple. Easy number. One.

In a week

So stay tuned.

Back!

2011-11-15T20:29:00.004-06:00

Wow--been over a week since I've been here. Where does the time go? Seems like some things take over your life. You intend to get back to stuff--you really, really mean it, then you do something else. Get mad at yourself and oh boy...

Work and school and the bank that holds my mortgage all got to me in the last few days. OK, I LET it get to me. My bad. I made it all drama, instead of a sit com. Let it stir me so, I took it out on alot of iced coffee and a good pizza and did not do much with plaques, terra cotta pots, and even my cat, who has his own blog, got hissed at me too.

Fast forward to today. I remembered I must and need to claim what I want--none of this middle of the road maybe stuff. Was a rough week and some days, yet all is good.

It always is. Like these November purple blooms in my backyard. Good stuff.

Just there are times I just kinda sorta forget.

Gotta work on that.

Shine On

2011-11-06T19:18:00.002-06:00

This is one of the views from my backyard. Got up and headed to my church, Inspiring Body of Christ, with a bit of curiosity. Today was the first Sunday, for at least a month, Pastor Rickie Rush would not be there to deliver the Message. Pastor Rush underwent spinal surgery earlier this week. To get to his issue, the surgeons would go thru Pastor Rush's esophagus and vocal chords.

Pastor is on the mend, and I need not have worried about today. Service was great--with 200+ men being the choir and Rev. Glen Jones brought the Message on home! He spoke how were are in the process of a promise. Once again the Message was right on time!

As for this picture, it does let me know where my strength comes from....

I am blessed.

Write Up!

2011-11-05T18:51:00.003-05:00

Met up with my Honor the Words Writers' Group today. Just what the Maya Angelou in me needed. Support. Encouragement. Laughter along with yummy coffee cake and pumpkin spice flavored coffee!

OK, my group members are in the midst of critiquing my one and only book, which I self published, in yester-century. An eye opener of an experience because things they said I should include/exclude are the same things I fought with myself those years ago. I knew, in yester-century, not all my written words sounded quite right, yet I had no clue why they did not. Thanks to my group, I do now.

My group helped me realize how words can be and are powerful. Especially if a pesky dangling participle does not litter up your sentence!

Good day indeed...

Friday, Special Olympics and Me

2011-11-04T19:20:00.007-05:00

Had the day off from work today, yet I did not stay all curled up in bed. Nope. Did not have cats cut off my circulation because they curled so night. Nope. Instead I volunttered for a Special Olympics bowling event. Was there all day. Exhilirating, feet hurt, yet humble experience. In the morning session, I worked with seven little girls who were capable to pick up and throw the ball down the lane, yet all with special needs. I tied shoes, shot them a look to sit down, persuaded a girl to put back ON her shoes, because she was tired and hi-fived till my hand went numb. :) The afternoon session, I was responsible for 5 girls on two lanes. They were a little older, the oldest being 19 and all used ramps to get ball down the lane. All needed help to get to the line. The girls then pushed the ball down the ramp--with a little help from family or coaches. Two were in wheelchairs, another was 14 yrs old and mute, while another girl's mom came up to me and said her daughter "can't see." I looked at mom and told her I had trouble hearing at times, because I was born with one ear. She smiled at that. Her daughter wound up scoring the highest out of the five. :) ***I was born with microtia, which is usually a malformed or no ear. I do not have a left ear. Only a piece of a lobe. I do not know if my folks ever thought of reconstructive surgery. My mom passed while I was so young. I don't remember asking my dad when I got older. It was just my little ear. I remember all the hearing tests, and can she, will she be able to learn? My grades were more than average in grade school--some exceptional. I've been in contact with those with microtia and even parents who wondered if their kids would be 'normal'. The ultimate choice is with that family for surgery, however I stress it is whatever their child's normal turns out to be, is their child's--also, I inform them I took dance and piano lesson. The missing of an ear, or any limb, does not mean you can't still be a productive person. You make your *****That's what I thought of the couple hundred kids, young adults and their parents I had the pleasure to meet today. At the end of the it all, parents thanked me and told they were glad I was there. I made their bowling experience a good one. I nearly cried. I told them they all made MY day a good one.*****Special Olympics are indeed special and make for a great, great day!

I Still Heart Cats....

2011-11-03T21:23:00.003-05:00

...and I'm amazed at folks who don't. I listen to their reasons: "Cats are too sneaky!" "Cats aren't like dogs! (really?)" "Cats suck your breath! (Really?)" "Cats are scary!" "Cats stare at you!"--the list goes on...I do try to listen to find out the real issue. I remind folks, especially men, they are a gazillion times bigger than a 10 pound full grown tabby cat. I try to respect their anti-cat reasons, as long as they respect I quite heart them. That respect battle, I am so on the losing end. Oh well.

This guy is the stray (?) neighbor cat who bunks in my shed. Since at least July. I swear I've seen him on a lawn with several other cats, about a half block away. I feed the neighborhood, yet he's the only one who really stays here. Actually, I just went out to my shed. He meows, yet won't let me touch him. I can get close--especially with food in hand--yet not touch, we still have issues. I hadn't seen for a few days, until yesterday. He's clockwork for coming outta the shed when the sun comes up. I see him sit by the shed door. He sees me come out the backdoor and hightails to me--of course, I do have food in hand. Meows all the way. A chum says he's 'wanting', yet confused what to do. Some mornings he's already on my patio, staring at the back door--by the empty food dish.

Clock work. Yep.

I still heart cats....stay tuned!

So...

2011-11-01T21:22:00.003-05:00

It's a funny how when you talk to somebody. Listen to them. They even say they respect your opinion. Asking for big sister advice. And you think the Wall of Jericho may be trying to crumble--and then you realize the wall still remains intact. Immaturity and selfishness appear.

And you know your the adult and show you are the adult.

Yet, you're just too tired to bother today.

Ice cream saved my day.

Morning After World Series

2011-10-29T14:24:00.004-05:00

Well, the world knows the Texas Rangers lost Game 7, with the score of 6-2 in the-best -of- 7 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Rangers actually lost the World Series in Game 6, when they should have won it. The Texas Rangers were one strike ---twice--from being World Series champs. It just did not happen. I am still at a loss of words.

This morning, I met up with a chum for breakfast. And to show my support, I did wear my Texas Rangers red t-shirt. Once I was out and about it was nice to see others had the same idea. It's something how a sports team can bring just about everybody together. We just need that 'togetherness' to branch out more.

In the meantime, it's 119 days til Spring Training. I have not really been a baseball babe--there are 162 games in Major League Baseball season. And honestly, I do want the home to win, yet I do not follow much. Too many games and I got other things to do. I can pick out the manager, Ron Washington, in a crowd and that's bout it. I will be like the kitty and rest and ponder that...

Come Opening Day 2012, I gotta feelin' everything's gonna be different.

Go Rangers!

Friday is Game 7

2011-10-28T18:09:00.007-05:00

Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals. I even had the day off today. Spent too much time on the PC instead of my homework, however I did clean some of house. Just reconfirmed I want to pull up the carpet and laminate I do have and put down new and beautify the walls--Well, now less than an hour until First Pitch of Game 7. Winner take all. I can't even think about terra cotta pots or plaques--even tho last night I text'd with my ex Bear during the game. Come this far and comes down to Game 7. I am not a regular baseball babe, eventho I always want the home towm to win. Nobody thought there would be a Game 7. The Texax Rangers only were one strike away from World Series champs. And this is why they play the game. I gotta have my popcorn ready---Go Rangers!

Plaque Hangs with Terra Cotta Pot

2011-10-26T06:33:00.004-05:00

Something different to share. Tried my hand at a plaque. Just kinda simple for my first try. When I started this whole terra cotta pot thing, my goal was to put my cat photos on the pots. The look of the finished product just did not light my fire. I have learned more of the mechanics of putting photos on pots now--paper, size, vertical vs horizontal, etc. However I was unhappy with the outcomes. The other day, I caught a glimpse of the plaques in Hobby Lobby--and thought "Hmm". On this plaque, I used Mod Podge Sparkle, hence the sparklies all over. I like the start so far.

As for the pot, it's a 4 inch rose bud terra cotta. Metallic paints of green, gold and red. I was going for Christmas colors. Although the folks that looked at it--loved the colors, yet didn't see "Christmas". I do like the the colors tho.

What's cool about these projects, I can honestly say I LIKE what I'm turning out. Tweaks here and there--sure, however I am likin' my product.

Stay tuned.

10:56 PM

2011-10-24T22:56:00.005-05:00

Sea sponged on a Christmas-y colored terra cotta pot. Even tinkered with wooden plaque topped with my photography secured by Glitter Mod Podge. Took a test online for one of my classes. And realize I need to absorb more of the info. Yet at 10:56 pm I am headed to bed--All flutter. And unfortunately not 'cause Denzel Washington dropped by...drat! Nope.

The Texas Rangers are just one game away from being crowned World Series Champions. Yes. indeedy. One more game. That's all. Stay tuned.

Sunday Blue Bell Terra Cotta

2011-10-23T20:29:00.005-05:00

I tell ya what--today was bee-YOO-tee ful here in Dallas-Ft Worth. Sure, it got a little cloudy then that broke all away. Got my Praise ON at my church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church. Pastor Rickie Rush reminded us how God knew us before we were even in our mother's womb. He chose us. I like that. He has plans for me. Like that alot.

OK--then as I sat and watched the Dallas Cowboys beat the St Louis Rams I natural sea sponged this pot. This is another "bell" terra cotta pot. Only this one is an 8 inch pot sponged with metallic acrylic paints of blues, including topaz, with some amethyst sponged here and there. The base is a gloss black. I'm a believer of Folk Art acrylic paints, however Hobby Lobby carries a brand called "Anita's" which is cheaper and I like the results. I prefer "Anita's" much better than Michael's "Craft" paints. I would be curious on your thoughts...Blue is my fave color, so I am liking this pot....alot.

Terra Cotta Bell Toll

2011-10-22T18:10:00.004-05:00

Natural sea sponged 4 inch high terra cotta bell pot with metallics of green and gold, on top of a red base. All colors are acrylic paints. This terra cotta project confirmed to use only metallic colors to sea sponge with. Granted, it's a personal choice. I did not care much for the sponged dried/finished look of the regular acrylic paints on the terra cotta. I even sprayed gloss acrylic sealer on the dried work. Naw. Not having it. Nope. Metallic from now on.

Some folks asked if I used spray paint on my terra cotta. Early on in my posts, I did use Krylon spray paint on top of a Rust-o-Ileum primer (love the stuff). Spray paint is fast, however I think I sprayed the pots so much, I don't think it was that cost effective. Honestly, with acrylics, I am to the to the point I can paint pots pretty fast, while I watch TV. A little goes a long way. Acrylics are cheap, non-toxic, and dry fast! The best part is I use soap and water to wash acrylic paint off your wish they were hands of Monet.

Gold is the bell toll today.

So Good So Nice

2011-10-21T19:41:00.001-05:00

Friday.
Just does say
It
All.

Tabby in the Wisteria Thicket

2011-10-20T19:15:00.008-05:00

See the kitty in the photo? I snapped this tonight, shortly after I arrived home from work. He (tho I think a "she") sat outside my shed door--where s/he seems to sack out part time. We did our usually stare down. I try to just inch toward him and ZOOM. The other night the cat did some stretches and I got a good view I thought to confirm the boy was really a girl, and I must be in denial. I'm wondering if the cat has babies inside the belly. When the tuxie cat I do have was pregnant, I didn't even know for sure until she had babies underneath my bed. She had them so far under my bed I had to take the box springs and mattress off to get to her. The beauty in all that was, a year before that I was recuperating from open-heart surgery and was told to not lift more than a milk jug. That mommy cat was so stick thin--I look at pictures now, and I'm surprised she even carried babies. But this cat who rents my shed....I'm not 100% sure either. I'm sure cat lives somewhere--yet just likes my bistro I provide the neighborhood. He just returns and stays. None of the other neighborhood cats do. Anyway--the cat got into my wisteria forest and felt safe--until I started to take pictures!

Stay tuned.

October 18, 2001 was Thursday

2011-10-18T19:51:00.005-05:00

....and the day a man who loved me more than life went Home. My sweet Big Daddy Don battled diabetes like the warrior he was, yet the filthy disease wound up with the victory of the war...

I know Dad would get such a kick from this terra cotta pot thing I am doing. I can see him now-With his King Edward cigar secured in his mouth, Dad would inspect the pot. Cigar smoke circling the pot. Then he'd do his nod and "hmm-mm" of approval. He'd ask me about them and say the pots were pretty. Of course, Dad would then sit the pot on the end table by his chair. We'd get to watching some TV, probably Andy Griffith Show and Dad would need to flick off the ashes from this cigar...into guess what? Yep. My pot! I'd yell, "Dad!" He'd get his eyes all big, and shrugged his gentle giant shoulders and go, "Well, ain't it a ashtray?" We would both laugh. I laugh even now just with the thought of it.

Ten years today. A decade. Where has the time gone? I miss my dad. Sometimes I swear I can smell that cigar smoke in this house. I know my sweet daddy's spirit lifts me up ti this day.

...and I wouldn't want it any other way. I am blessed.

Terrific Terra Cotta Pot

2011-10-17T18:56:00.007-05:00

I like this one. Yep. I really, really do like it. This is a 4 inch "bell" terra cotta pot. See? It kinda looks like a bell. It's a bit more pricier retail than Wal-mart, Michael's etc. The pot sells for $1.99 at Garden Ridge. Granted I have not scoured every store, thrift store and/or nursery looking for pots, alas Garden Ridge has been the only place -so far--I've found the bell pot.

Three different shades of acrylic metallic blue paint were sea sponged over a base color of metallic amethyst. After all was said and dry (very important the pot is dry), I brushed on blue glitter paint. You may be able to see some of the glitter. The glare is the lamp I had shining on the pot. :)

I posted a photo on my FaceBook Wall and to my surprise one of my classmates asked "Do you ship?" Had to be honest I am in the midst of ship pricing as we type. Her question gave way to a smile. Why? 'cuz I never ever gave consideration tI could change the face of a terra cotta pot

...and I am glad I can. Really, really glad.

At its Finest....

2011-10-15T18:15:00.004-05:00

That's what Saturday is. Especially if it includes this wide load kitty aka my Tuxie baby big boy: MaxMaxx. Been together since late 2006. MaxMaxx is bundle of sweet purrin' love too. Snapped the photo this morning as the Saturday sun eased on in thru the window and made its mark on MaxMaxx. Nice.

MaxMaxx sits on the arm of the couch, as I watch TV and try to paint some terra cotta pots. When he gets tired there, MaxMaxx is glued to my side.

He's a pretty cool cat. Yep, MaxMaxx makes a Saturday just that much finer!

Terra Cotta Three

2011-10-14T19:30:00.004-05:00

Here are my latest "test" terra cotta pots. The one on the left has sand from South Padre Island on it. The pot in the middle was suppose to be my try at toothbrush splatter. More about that in a sec. The right pot has rose glitter paint on it--along with all the pink.

Took the three 4 inch pots to work today. The folks I showed them too, especially because they would be constructive and quite truthful in their criticism-liked a particular pot for different reasons. All the pots were liked. I was surprised.
One of the folks asked, "Where is the toothbrush one?" Well. let's say I got a lesson in toothbrush technique. I got too soft a brush. OK. I didn't even think about the firmness of the bristles. Heck, I just brought the prettiest brush I could find! So I stopped at the Dollar General store on the way home and picked up a more 'firm' brush. :)

In the meantime, I plan to practice more with terra cotta pots over the weekend. Which includes a re-visit to decoupage of cat photos on the pots. The cats were the original idea for the pots. I didn't know I would broaden my horizon with, well--SAND, of all things! Who knew?

Stay tuned!

11:35 PM

2011-10-13T23:35:00.003-05:00

As I write this. My kitty--the wide load tuxie, aka MaxMaxx shares the desk with my monitor screen and keeps me company. He's my fat cat. Sweet, big baby boy. Yes. I heart cats.

OK. tonight I did these three small rose terra cotta pots. They are tall-3 inches or so, and narrow. I'll post em after they dry--and I'll see if I love them or not. They are all sea sponge'd and one pot has a dusting of sand on it.

Yes. Sand from South Padre Island, Texas! A chum brought me a big jar of sand from there, about 4 or so years ago. I've had it in the back of a closet since I moved into this house. Anyway, I already know, if I should do another sand on the pot technique, I may just sprinkle some sand in the paint, instead of trying to sprinkle it on the pot after I painted the base color. Acrylic paint dries quite fast, so I had some sand less spots on the pot.

Oh wow--I just look at my hands. Not all the metallic blue came off of them. So on that note, I'm going to wash my hands one mo' time and head to bed. It's almost Friday

and I am so glad!

October 11, 1974 was Friday

2011-10-11T20:32:00.003-05:00

On this day, I was in high school, the owner of the biggest crush on the guy that was all grown up mature 22 years old. He was the student teacher for one of science classes. I did not have the class, which is a good thing- because my drool would bel over the desk. The student teacher was my big time one sided love affair with a guy I had not grown up with.

Gorgeous was he. Blue eyes. Crocked smile--kinda. Blond hair, honest to goodness rosy cheeks. I smile at the thought even now. And he liked me. Ah, sure, looking back I was really just another high school girl, who thought the student teacher was nothing less than an entire galaxy of stars. I want to believe the student teacher thought I was special. He would talk to me in the hallway, or study hall--when he patrolled it, or if I walked past his classroom, which I did infinitely many times, and pause so he could see me in the window--and he'd wave. I would melt.

Oh wow--I wish now I'd been older and smarter. What do you know at THAT age?

Anyway, today was final day at our school. All the girls were pretty much in tears. I wasn't tho. Why? Because he said the next day he would come over and give me a special good-bye. Before you get all in the gutter--nothing like that. I remember on that Saturday we sat and talked. I told him I wanted to be a commercial photographer and he said he hoped I would. Never once did I think about terra cotta pots then.

It's funny, how after all these years, I still think about him on this day. I wonder if in some wierd way so I enter his mind? It was all so innocent. It truly was. Maybe that's what makes it special. On his last day at my high school, he was treated so like a rock star.

Maybe the teenage girl in me still wishes he would have eventually made me his solo act.

Saturday Touch Past...

2011-10-08T20:45:00.002-05:00

That's what today was as I decided to clear out my back bedroom where everything gets tossed. I should say 'start' to clear it out. I didn't get as far as I wanted because I touched the past--alot. I found letters from a guy I went to high school with. Turns out we exchanged handwritten letters during one of his years in college. I didn't/don't even remember! Cards signed by my sweet Daddy. I can't believe on 10/18 will be the tenth anniversary of his passing. Found pictures of Dad before diabetes really made its move. Healthy, robust and King Edward cigar in his mouth. There was also a letter I 'wrote' to my Dad wishing him Happy Father's Day. I looked at the envelope. It was dated a year after I was born. Ha! I'm sure Mom helped! I've mentioned I was such an Osmond Brothers fan back in the day---well, I found negatives, probably all my negatives, of that mystical, magical time. Such a surprise! The big question, do places still reprint off 110 negatives? The actual prints, I have lost some thru the years--so for an Osmond fan, this is quite the jackpot! More photos, newspaper clippings, notes I'd received from management at the company I worked at before my current one. I'd given the CEO a copy of my then newly self published book. He sent me a nice note back which include his wish for my writing career to thrive! Completely forgot that! Cards to celebrate my birthday, good wishes when I left a company. sympathy for my dad's passing and get wells after my pesky open heart surgery. All these things span my whole life. Then I found a sympathy card from the girl who was my BFF thru our girlhood growing up years. I remember I was surprised I heard nothing from her when Dad passed. She had family in our hometown and Dad's passing was mentioned about every hour on our local small town radio station mixed in with the soy bean report. The BFF lived in another state, yet I thought her family would tell her. My house was her home away from home, when we grew up. We were that close. One inhaled, while the other exhaled. When I got back to Dallas, after Dad's funeral, and still not a word from her, I wrote BFF to tell her of my Dad's passing. Her handwritten letter told me her family didn't tell her. And we hadn't been the closest thing in those recent times. She apologized several times in the letter saying there was no other place she would have been if she'd known. Also the former BFF said it had been awhile since we'd spoken and left me her phone number. Maybe we should try to talk again. I didn't remember that part of her 2001 letter. I sat, in the midst of my clutter in 2011 and wondered if I ever called her. I thought we were so estranged by 2001, why bother? Or I did call her and the conversation wasn't one for the scrapbooks?

When you touch the past like that. does it have room in your today?

Hmm.

Pretty in Pink II

2011-10-07T20:09:00.005-05:00

Terra Cotta Pink Pot Take Two. Sorry-no Molly Ringwald or Ducky. :) Gave another go at pink on the pot last night. I like this one better than Pepto Bismol Terra Cotta pot a couple days back. Still not how I want it to be. Yet closer than before.
Two metallics paints by Anita (which I purchased at Hobby Lobby): White for the base and Rose. The White was foam brushed on, while Rose was natural sea 'wool' sponged on (I feel so artsy!). The Rose was very brash, pretty--yet brash (like I'm told I am at times--that's whole 'nother post. We're talkin' terra cotta right now!) So I got the idea to spong some of the White over the Rose. Voila! Rose was softened. If you saw the pot in person, you would really be able to tell. Also, I dabbed Folk Art Neon Pink Glitter over the pot. Once again, that's an 'in person" you gotta see it kinda thing, yet I should have used a deeper Glitter paint, or put Mod Podge Glitter version over it.
I do like the outcome more on this one. I have another pot to try out for the Pink. Why do I want a really pretty in pink pot? Because it's Breast Cancer Awarness Month. I am blessed to know a 80 years young Stage 4 breast cancer survior. The pot is for her, because she's pretty in pink and every other color to boot.
Stay tuned.

Pots, Sponge & Me

2011-10-05T20:19:00.004-05:00

My latest creations with terra cotta pots.

I think the poor pots don't what hit em! :) They are 4 inch pots purchased at Wal-mart for about 85 or so cents apiece. The paint is all acrylic by Folk Art.

The pot on the left is Black, Metallic Antique Gold and Metallic Blue Sapphire. The Pepto Bismol on the right: Black, Metallic Champagne (which dried to a silver shade), Shiny Sugar Plum, and Baby Pink.

The natural sea sponge used to paint the terra cotta pots, was a small piece cut from the bigger sponge, purchased a few days ago. After further review, sea sponges. aka called "painter's sponges", can be had at Michael's or Hobby Lobby for about half the price. I liked Hobby Lobby's sponge selection better. I didn't realize it tho, until tonight. The closest big box craft store is 10 miles away from where I live. I pass two Home Depots and a Lowe's on my 15 mins drive from work. I paid extra for the natural sea sponge convenience. S'OK--I bought a small "sea wool sponge" at Hobby Lobby tonight. I have no idea if "sea wool" makes a difference in anything.

Stay tuned.

Tuesday....all ready?

2011-10-04T19:26:00.003-05:00

Yep it is. How's it going with all of you?
Had one of those 'what if thoughts....."
Like for instance, if I decided to move back to Iowa after
I got laid off from the job that actually brought
Me here to Dallas, instead of stay in Dallas
There would be no Blue Bell Ice Cream
Flavors, in Iowa, for me to call friend..... :)

Saturday Short...

2011-10-01T21:09:00.002-05:00

Ever have one them days that something reminds you of someone from your past?

And you recently tried to reach out to them with a no reach back. You were OK with that, because you tried.

However, then today you see that something and thought, "Maybe I oughta try again...." As you munch your lunch while reading an article how women took risks to follow their passions--and never looked back.

Your lunch tasted better, the wait staff was great, you leave a tip and close the magazine.

And smile.

There is no reason to look back for. If the past is interested in today and tomorrow, he'll step forward and try to catch up to you...

Good Day

2011-09-30T21:16:00.004-05:00

I love having days off. Got a few things done, yet lounged most of it. Oh, I did splurge and buy a new mop. Yea, such fun buying those grown up things. So much easier when the folks did all that stuff . Clean house was taken for granted. As a grown up, I think of so many other things to do than clean a house....

Gave more thought sea sponge some pots

And the Sonny Bryan's bar-b-que for supper

Made my tummy happy.

Good day...a good day indeed.

What I did today...

2011-09-29T20:32:00.005-05:00

Left work early--unexpectedly. Nothing wrong. Since job transitions on Monday, I didn't want to spend the rest of my day doing nothing--again. My work has dwindled because of the change. Got tomorrow off, and my boss said, "Go ahead. Start your weekend early." No need to tell me twice. I was out the door almost before my "Out of Office" reply was set on my e-mail. This was 12:15. Treated myself to "The Lion King" at he Moving Picture show. I snuck in my bottled water and chips. I didn't bother with the 3D version of the movie also out. I was OK with Regular D. Just me, and a mom with her daughter in the Moving Picture Show. Loved It. Even after seeing The Lion King a million dozen times, I still LOVE it. I remembered the folks I saw it with back in 1994. I thought we would be chums forever. Not so much. Have no contact with any of them. Not even on Facebook. Nonetheless, I still chuckled at Timon and Pumba, and got teary eyed at the end... ah, Hakuna Mata! So on I went to munch on bar-b-que. Then the hunt for birch bark sheets. Yea, it exists. I just don't know where, except on an actual birch tree. Which, by the way, I had to Google to find out what s birch tree looks like. Did errands. Got a Mocha Frappucino because it was 100 F degrees in Dallas today. 71st day of the year of triple digits. And finally got home at the time I woulda got home if I'd stayed at work. My co-worker, The Captain, e-mailed me at home and said I shoulda stayed cuz it was "easy money." I had to draw the line. We had no work. Sure, we would have talked, laughed, and surfed the 'net like we've done the last few days--yet enough was enough. I had to get up and get on with doing something than just waste my time. Then this pot I posted. It is a 6 inch terra cotta pot, painted with Plaid's Folk Art acrylic black for the base. Then I used that nifty natural sea sponge just bought. Sponged the colors Metallic Pure Gold and Metallic Copper all over the pot. Kinda fun. And in conclusion--I really liked what I did today!

September 27, 1971 was Monday

2011-09-27T20:26:00.006-05:00

My life forever changed on September 27, 1971 when your life ended. I wonder how our lives would have grown together thru these years. Your spirit does waltz within me. I love you, Mama.

Sunday Good

2011-09-25T19:32:00.005-05:00

That's what today is. Got my Hallelujah Praise on at MY church, Inspiring Body of Christ Church. Choir had us all in the aisles. Pastor Rickie Rush's message had me thinking about what I "say" to God. Ya gotta speak it. Not just think it. Great day. I don't feel like headin' to work on Monday either. That might be one of those "speak" things I really need to pay attention to. On the terra cotta pot front, I actually tried a different technique called for a sponge to apply the acrylic paint. Imagine my surprise, when the directions called for a sea sponge and there really is a reason to actually use a sea sponge. Not the sponge I had on hand to clean the pots. Hmm. So yes, to buy a sea sponge is on my 'to do after work list' for Monday. Anyway, take a look at the cat. He's tellin' me to take it easy, cuz there's still some Sunday left to enjoy. The Blue Bell Tiramisu ice cream will indeed help!

Saturday Shines

2011-09-24T09:28:00.005-05:00

And such a beautiful Saturday morning it is here in Dallas. The cat has the right idea. Opened windows for everyone! I tell you what, having these few days off from work have been nothing less than Heaven. The million things I planned to do on these days off--well, I've made a dent in. Truly. Today I do need to dash and buy a new printer. The one I had, which was free--has paper jam which I can't find where any more paper is jammed. I've even removed dust. A couple weeks ago, the printed started to hum before it made its louder than usual loud noise before it printed. The printer drank more ink than I did frappucinos. The printer was given to me by a chum 6 months ago. It sat in the unopened box for a year or two. So I've gotten my money out of it! After the printer stuff gets done, I need to write my autobiography for one of my classes. Only 6-7 pages. Wow. My life in 6-7 pages. Talk about Reader's Digest Condensed version! Nonetheless, it is a splendid day the Lord has made. And I gotta go out and rejoice in it!

Day Off

2011-09-22T22:29:00.005-05:00

Yes, I had today off. Had a million things planned: clean the kitchen, get stuff ready for the trash, work on my pots and some homework*****What I wound up doing was sweep the room that has the wood flooring, and picked up some stuff, tried to bond with a not so small kitten anymore, who lives some time in my shed. OK, I feed the wildlife, from possums (not intentionally) to squirrels (intentionally), yet this not so small kitten has shown up about about every day since July.*****I've seen him at another house a half block away. Yet, my shed and my backyard seem to be haven for him. Today I cornered him in a shed corner, on one of the shelves. After a mighty "I'm a tiger" hiss, I pet and talked to him. He let me, yet wasn't really feelin' it. I didn't try to pick him up. I do treasure my face. :)*****So a couple more times of pet and my coo time, he found some space between the wall and the shelf and scampered away. I'm sure into the wisteria bush, where a t-rex could hide quite well. I saw him later as he stalked the birds. The birds won. I left the not so small kitten be. I figure in time we might bond more...*****That was pretty much my day off, well, I did watch some TV, dreamt of ripping up my carpet, and thought how much I don't like the new Facebook...*****On top of that, I am real glad I have Friday off too......wait, isn't The Lion King released tomorrow? And, uh...the not so small kitten and I will have another go round, I'm sure! Stay tuned.

Wednesday Wink

2011-09-21T19:26:00.004-05:00

Takin' off from work Thursday and Friday
Didn't plan for Thursday until about 2:00 pm today-
Ya know the 'transitions' of jobs happen and
This will be my 3rd one this year--just like WHY?
When does it end?
Gotta put my part into to the change-
Won't happen all on its own-
There are so many things to do-
That I must do. I won't be able to move
Forward without givin' myself
A sly wink to myself as I check me
In the mirror and get so on with it--
Just gotta make the good gel is in my hair
'cause when you soar like an eagle
Can't have messed up hair... :)

Stay tuned.

Tuesday Twinkles

2011-09-20T21:08:00.004-05:00

Ya know, I love me some Dancing With the Stars--

I admit to being addicted. Since the second season when Dallas Cowboy Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith won the Mirror Ball trophy! Tonight was this season's first results show. And the major buzz has been about the former Chastity Bono, once the daughter of duo of Sonny and Cher and who is now Chaz--the first transgendered contestant on the show. Chaz can DANCE! I just smiled when Tom Bergeron (the host) said he and his pro partner Lacey were 'safe'. Now, with all that first show buzz outta the way--let's DANCE. I want some sequins to dance the night away!!

On top of that--I received and order to make two pots. My co-worker the Captain, wants me to decoupage two terra cotta pots for a chum of hers. Her chum works in a pediatrics office--so she wants the office's logo and slogan on the pots. Nice. I have another vision about what I want for the pots--

Yet, it can't be all about me....drat!

Stay tuned.

Sunday Still

2011-09-18T21:09:00.004-05:00

Lightening flashes.
Rain falls.
Dallas Cowboys beat San Francisco today-
With the new hero of Jessie Holley was crowned-
Will make the listen to Sports Radio easier this week.
My college teams, Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones won
Had a great time with chums this weekend
And today at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church,
Got my praise and hallelujah amen on, so I tell ya that
Even when storms may cloud life
Life is so good.

Since We

2011-09-17T18:48:00.004-05:00

Last met up it, the weather has cooled off some here in Dallas. Rained last night. Had my windows open and thought there was a dampness in air. Then booms, as if trees crashed to the ground I heard. Gotta be honest, wasn't that sure what the sound was. Thunder. Long time not heard of sound. The cats ran.

All but this one. He hung with me as we both listened to the rhythm of the fallin' rain.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

At 70 Days...

2011-09-14T19:13:00.004-05:00

The triple digits temps may be gone for the year. Here in Dallas, we hope this to be true. Yesterday we hit a record high of 107, which also broke the record of 69 days of 100 or above heat. Tonight and tomorrow, we are now headed for a 20 degree drop in temps, plus a few raindrops. This city aches for both. The cat wants a window open more than just a few minutes in the morning. She desires all day whiffs of the fresh, cool air. Yea, and about 3 million humans want the same thing. Stay tuned.

10 Years Ago Today...

2011-09-11T08:53:00.002-05:00

Angels were welcomed Home.
Psalms 121.

Just Glad

2011-09-09T22:21:00.002-05:00

And quite giddy too.
It's Friday.
Work week is done
I only worked 3 days of it--
Nice.
Look it's Friday-
Not a whole much more need be said...
ENJOY!

Thursday Pops!

2011-09-08T19:28:00.005-05:00

Hey, the National Football League season starts tonight! My team, the Dallas Cowboys, don't kick off until Sunday night. So tonight's game, between the Packers and the Saints, is well, a warm up game for me. I just love me some football..

And to go along with that football, I got my popcorn ready. I didn't make it. Not this time anyway. I stopped at a gourmet popcorn and candy store called Yummi Pop. I'd read about them in the a suburb news paper and turns out Yummi Pop is just a couple minutes from my job. It's run by two ladies, I think they're sisters and been open for a year. The cool thing is, they let you sample popcorn before you buy. Just to give you an example, I bought Dill Pickle for a chum of mine, and for me? Loaded Baked Potato. Kid you not! These ladies know their corn!

So on this first night of NFL football 2011, got my popcornm a cat to pet and it's First Down and a million yards to go.

Gotta love it and I do!

Hump Day

2011-09-07T20:43:00.002-05:00

When I was about 10 years old or so, there was TV commercial about what to for supper. I can't remember if the parent or the kid asked the other what they should have for Wednesday meal. Somebody asked "Hump Day?" The answer was "STEW!"

What I do recall Mom asking me that same question. I thought I was being funny and said "STEW"! I just figured she knew I joked. Because, really, I NEVER suggested stew for any family meal.

Imagine my surprise as I journeyed home after a long, grinding day of grade school to find a full soup pot of stew resting on the stove. My face dropped about 10 stories, in our one story house.

Mom says, "You did say stew."

Indeed I did. And never did again.

Lesson be careful what you do joke about was learned that day.

A New Day

2011-09-06T20:36:00.003-05:00

...and a day off! That's what Tuesday was--
Plus, my first session for one of my classes at my new school--
I've not been physically in a classroom since the late 90's
A whole 'nother mindset, on top of now being part of
A Christian-centered learning environment.
New, yet I like it!
For the class tonight, I will need to write
About a 7 page autobiography.
Hmm. Definitely the Reader's Digest Condensed Version!
Anyway, all good-
Tomorrow I gotta head back to work.
Before that tho, time for True Blood some Vampire Eric...
Stay tuned.

Labor Day 2011

2011-09-05T16:52:00.006-05:00

National Holiday here in the States. I chose to not labor so much today. The weather is absolutely perfect! Barely mid 80's F. No more triple digit heat for awhile. Heck, we might be done with triples--however I won't believe that until late October!

Good day. Windows open. Did breakfast with a swell guy chum, who is actually a high school classmate. We did chatter up for 2 hours. Laughed quite a bit too. Good for a guy I think. Told him about pots and writing. In fact, I took him a test pot to see. Now he has more of my vision, and quite supportive. I realized I didn't finish my pancakes.

Headed on later to do late lunch with a good girl chum. No five hour gab fest at Macaroni Grill, as with my other girl chum the other night--only about 2 1/2 hours today! :) We laughed. Chatted. She is taking drawing classes, which I didn't know even drew. Quite impressed with her handy work. I still had the test pot in my purse, so I showed her, and our waiter. The waiter--if he was 21--said he could see it on the window sill, like when you doin' dishes. Nice guy. And he got a tip.

And the roses posted here? Made outta duct tape. Alot of duct tape. Next ones I'll do better. I figured out what I did wrong--it's all in the 'fold'.

So for now, I'm headed outside because the four story stack of dishes in the sink can wait, sit in the shade and read a fun book: "First Love Cookie Club" and

Enjoy the rest of the your Labor Day everyone!

Sunday and More

2011-09-04T23:05:00.005-05:00

Sunday has been good. Church as GREAT!
Tomorrow is Labor Day, a national holiday,
so no work here in the States-
Got a breakfast date with a man chum of mine.
He just e-mailed me if I was going to cook in the morning--
Well, that would mean, I'd have to clean my house
Get a new stove, because mine is busted-
So, of course, I told him a good friend open 24/7 aka
"Denny's" right up the street, who's best known for
His slams will be so happy to cook for us.,,,
Stay tuned.

It's A

2011-09-03T20:54:00.003-05:00

'nother Saturday night and
I ain't got nobody...
Since Denzel must be with the missus!
Well, I do have duct tape
A roll of red and a roll of green-
Gonna try to make roses
Outta the duct tape.
Huh?
Yea, I know. Who knew?
Stay tuned..... :)

Finally Friday

2011-09-02T20:00:00.003-05:00

September already. Really? Seems like I yesterday, I was just in midst of the count down down to my April birthday. Hmm. Anyway, to our next topic.

Last night got together with a girl chum of mine I call Bride. She just got hitched a year ago. Bride had a daytime job which was working in the same department as me until she got laid off this Spring. Bride is also an actress I've had the pleasure to see do her thing in local theatre. We meet up at On the Border at 5PM to catch up. At 10:10, we finally said goodbye out side On the Border's doors.

5 hour girl gab session. Yup. We gabbed everything. I made a decoupaged terra cotta pot just for her. It had had quote from actor Morgan Freeman on it. Bride loved it. Made me feel good. Talked about my writing, work etc. Then we talked about her work.

Bride will be in two movies next year. In one she's an extra, while the other she's a principal character. Bride showed me pictures. We laughed. I was so proud of her. She wants me to get back to writing. I can see writing something for her, that shows her vibrant spirit.

Our waitress kept asking us if we were OK. Sure we were. One moment we'd laugh till we cried. Then the other we were so intent on what the other said. People came and went and we still sat there. Our food got cold. I had a buzz from all the strawberry lemonade I splashed down. Didn't care. Nope. Didn't care at all.

5 hours.

One of the best block of 5 hours ever!

Girl gab good.

Realize

2011-08-31T20:57:00.005-05:00

I can't stay up til 11:30 PM every night
And think I am able to function
Well the next day at work--
I ain't 20 something anymore when I'd go to
Work the next day, with still a buzz in my head
And on about 2 hours of sleep
So I realize the answer is
Naw. Can't do it.
Need rest.
Can't scrimp on it.
Got that message when I had that
Pesky open heart surgery for
My mitral valve replacement a few years back
Yea, fatigue sets in I know it.
Feel like lead. Heavy eyelids sting.
Today, I did make it thru. Not as well as yesterday
When I got a great night's sleep.
So my goal: to push my bedtime back an hour
It had been before.
Let Mr. Sandman, especially if he looks like Denzel
Do his thing-
While the cat chomps my fingers--again.
Realize, I wouldn't want it any other way!

2011-08-31T20:57:00.001-05:00

Tweet on Tuesday

2011-08-30T19:46:00.005-05:00

Been a couple days since I've been here. Hope all is well with everyone. I have a cherry limeade to keep me me company.

I tell ya, my cat is pretty hissed off at me because we haven't been on his blog in a few days either. I noticed his purrs have pretty much stopped and the hard bite on the fingers has begun. And at night, when you think Denzel Washington is giving you 'the sign' and you wake up to a 12 pound gray with black stripes tabby chomping on your fingers...
Not amused.

Anyway, I have my major assignment to work on for my Multicultural Perspectives class. We had to pick a country of our choice and get the instructor's OK. We have a 'fact sheet' to work on for our country. Pretty in depth it will be. So what country do I pick? Why, one I've don't know anything about that has part of my given name in it, and the only time I heard it was when a contestant for the Miss Universe pageant was being introduced and I asked out loud: Where is that?

Burkina Faso is land locked country in Western Africa. Was a French Colony from 1898 to 1960 and called Upper Volta during that time. And I can tell you--at least so far: Burkina Faso is the 3rd least developed country in the world--behind Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Life span is only about 50 years, mainly due to AIDS and French is the official language, with about 60 others thrown in. This paper is due in a few weeks. I'm sure I will be an honorary citizen of Burkina Faso by then...

Stay tuned.

August 27, 1974 was Monday

2011-08-27T21:01:00.008-05:00

...and the 1st day of school. I was a junior in high school. In my eyes, I'm sure I wondered how it would feel a year from that day when I began my senior year. However, I had to get thru the year and more precisely, this first day.

I have a diary. That's how I knew today was the 1st day of school. I was adamant of writing in it daily. On this particular I had two things on my mind:the guy I had a big ol' crush on at the time and abig ol' afro wig I wasn't sure I was gonna wear or not*****The guy. Well, my thing with him was, he really didn't know I was alive. When he realized I was, he'd flip me the bird. Yea, true love at its finest. My diary told me I kept tally of how many times I saw this guy 'round town. Seen him like 92 times. Small town, so we 'shagged the drag' to see folks. He might wave or just ignore. When he waved, I went nuts and my posse would yelp right along with me. Oh, and my shag mobile? A ''63 blue Chevy. The guy, wound up marrying a girl, I didn't even knew he knew. Well, considering her really didn't me...anyway, I think they had about 5 kids or so. Never told the guy how much I loved him. Yet, to this day, I do remember his license plate number: 13986*****.The afro wig. Yea. Well, my cousin, who I absolutely idolized. She was 3 years older than me, introduced me to wigs. I thought Cousin just knew everything! The auburn, as big as the state of Iowa sized wig, wasn't close to my natural hair color. My natural hair didn't quite afro that big either. I wanted to be cool like Cousin, who did reside in the big, bad Phoenix, Arizona. Cousin lived where the action was, even tho up til a couple years prior, she lived in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, which wasn't as big,bad as Phoenix. I just knew my Cousin would steer me right on the hair of choice...*****So on that 1st day of my junior year in high school, I was bummed because I hadn't seen the guy. Turns out he worked in the mornings, and came to school about noon. I was thrilled and filled with glee when I finally spotted him. He, of course, was oblivious to my excitement. And then I had to think about the wig.*****Flash forward to 2011. Ironic now, I wear my hair natural. I don't think it so much an afro, I have loose, fly in the breeze curls --well, when I put the right combo of product on my hair. In 1974, all I needed to do was situate an afro wig on my head. Should I or shouldn't I? Would the guy do more than just ignore and/or flip me the finger?

Stay tuned.