Sunday Thought....

The rhythm of the fallin' rain woke me up this Sunday morning. Felt good to be in bed. One cat curled to my side, while another glued himself to my leg. Circulation  was non existent. Since my bed was comfy cozy and I knew these cooler Texas, rainy mornings would be even more non existent as Summer inched closer--gave serious thought to stay put.

Yep. I figured I need not head to the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, with Pastor Rickie Rush, because--heck, I DO have the internet. Hence, I could watch the service via my iPad while I propped up against pillows, and sipped a cup of coffee.  Plus, the rhythm of the fallin' tempted me. Yep. I was gonna stay home.

Wrong.

The cats moved as I reached for the TV remote. I watched the news. A sad story of a high school student, just finished the school year, drowned. The news program showed a picture of a young man, smiling, all his life ahead of him. Now his family mourns and plan their loved one's funeral. No more choices will this young man make.

I still could make choices in my life. For a couple hours on Sunday, I can go to His house, especially since He's been my house ALL week.

Yes--got up, said a prayer for this young man's family, and to church I trekked.  I need to be in the House of the One who gives me strength--I am not guaranteed tomorrow.

Christmas Eve 2000 was Sunday

As I drove home tonight from last minute errands, to dive into my jammies and under a quilt, I remembered Christmas Eve 2000. Such a particular Christmas Eve when I drove to Iowa with two cats in the tow. 

*****

I'd put off the trip a couple days because of sciatic nerve issues, a cold--and well, the drive was 768 miles one way. I just wasn't feelin' that jolly. 

*****The night before Dad called me. I burrowed under a pile of used tissues and pain like electric shocks up my leg every centimeter I moved. While Dad suggested maybe I shouldn't come. Since I didn't feel good, cold, weather, blah, blah, blah. 

*****I told Dad: "It's Christmas!" And he just sighed: 'Well, you're gonna do what you wanna do anyway." As much discomfort I was in, I knew then I HAD to get up and go. I just HAD to. 

*****On Dec 24th, I got a late start: 8 AM. When I did this all day drive, I usually tried to leave by 4 or 5 AM.  I filled up the gas tank, paid for my treats and told the cashier I was headed to Iowa. The cashier looked at me like I lost my mind. I think my two cats looked at me that way too. The cashier wished me a Merry Christmas and to be careful. 

*****About 9:30 PM, I pulled into Dad's drive way in Iowa and honked the horn. Thru the picture window, I saw Dad get up from his chair. I knew he watched that picture window, chewed on a King Edward cigar, waited all those hours for me. I'm sure that Christmas Eve was the one day Dad pulled himself away from his beloved westerns. I got out of the car and realized a wooden plank was more flexible than I was. The windchill factor had been on the negative side of zero for hours. 

*****I grabbed my two cats--of course--and made it into the house. The rest of my stuff could be brought in later. Sure, it would be frozen, but oh well!  After I grabbed the two scared cats in my bedroom so they could calm down, I fell into Dad's arms so I could calm down. I was back in the one place I always felt safe. Dad muttered I shouldn't have done all that driving in the cold. I told Dad I couldn't miss Christmas. 

*****And 2000 was the last Christmas we spent together. So now 12 years later-no sniffles, body aches still, but that's more to do with age and got cats. No matter how much something changes, it all stays the same. And I smile.

*******I'll be home for Christmas--if only in my dreams.

Sunday

This is a view from my back yard. The tree belongs to the neighbors' and the cat belongs to some neighbors too. Some full grown cats visit my yard for bite to eat and to watch the birds. Took me awhile to figure out why on some days bird feathers decorated the grass....

104

Twas the Dallas temperature today.
*I musta had something else on my mind because I did not stop to get a Starbucks Mocha Frappucino or a Sonic Mocha Java Chiller or even a McDonald's Mocha Frappe. Nope. None of that.  So,  yes my mind had to be on other things.
**Men.  
****Yea. Told ya. Other things. I love me some men. As I get older I still don't get understand em. Has it always been the women keeps the situation calm, listens and nutures, while the man doesn't?  I mean--the man may listen, yet doesn't ask question or react to what a woman says, but will say,
*"I sure do like being with you."
***Hmm. And people wonder why I heart cats, paint terra cotta pots and got a thing for blended coffee drinks

Monday Mash

Hello everyone! Been out of pocket for a few days--mainly due to my central air conditioning on its last gallop. And, I live in Texas where 100 F temps have made their annual return. I knew the a/c was going, yet not this quick--the a/c guy  confirmed this the day after Memorial Day. He pumped my unit with three pounds of Freon at 70 bucks a pound--hoping it would last the summer. Then I could replace the whole system--which costs more than $29.99. The thought of going into more debt just right now, on an item you use to think OLD people plunked down cash for--I wasn't feelin'. My financial situation was now on the rise, and did not feel like saddling myself with this--just not now, unless of course, it was a black Mercedes C300--I digress, Back to the $210 worth of Freon--it has been a yes/no situation. My house can me sorta cool, yet not the ice berg it could be at 80 F degrees. The a/c guys says I have a leak somewhere, so  with the thought of Freon 70 bucks a pound I jimmied with the thermostat, figured I had it figured it all out. Thought I could make the hot so cool house livable.  
*Wrong.
**Last Thursday night I got home from work. One step into the house, my house was a sauna. Over 90 F degrees.  The outside temperature was close to 100F. I have cats who I instantly felt guilty for. They had to endure the roast. Had enough of this.  
*****A co-worker had suggested I get a couple a/c window units just to last me through summer. I poo'd poo'd it off--until Thursday night. Up to a big box home improvement store. Purchased a  Frigidaire 5000 BTU air conditioner window unit just for my bedroom--to see how it would do.It is for small spaces up to 150 sq ft.  A young lady helped demonstrate how to install. You could do it she said.
*Yea, by Friday night I got the sucker in. Weight of it, was not a problem. I lug heavier cat litter bags. Nope. My first issue was getting the screen OUT of the window. I would have had the unit in, if I could get get the screen OUT. Night had fallen and I afraid some bat, affected by radiation and be 18 ft wing span would swoop through the open window. I would wait til Friday.
**I did not even stop to get a Starbucks Mocha Frappucino on the way home Friday night.  I wanted to get this puppy in my the window. I got the screen out, fiddled with the unit and finally--FINALLY got it in. Secure in the window. Friday night, my room was so cool, I needed to put a cover over me.
Tis wonderful!  My cats decided they loved me more too. 
**I will purchase a bigger one for my living area. I should be able to put that unit in alot quicker--because I am so DIY and know how. The house is lots, LOTS cooler, even with this smaller unit. We'll be fine for the Texas summer. Gives me time to budget my dollars. 
**I was going to post a picture of  the window unit, however how cute really is that?  Instead here is  the kitty in who refuses to let me throw away the packing and the a/c box. She's claimed it as her own---for now.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go relax in the cool of 5000 BTU...

I HEART Cats Saturday

Saturday here in Dallas. Hmm. Doesn't the cat kinda say it all?  Cat doesn't worry about makin' terra cotta pots pretty, paying the mortgage or debate whether to buy exercise equipment or order Pizza Hut Pan Pizza. Nope. Cat decides if food dish is filled to her satisfaction. And if her litter box stinky-free so can go and do  her business and make the litter box just as it was before. Then cat will decide if I am worthy enough for her to curl in my lap, scratch up my legs while she makes her one brand of biscuits and possibly purr to signify I've done what a good job--for now. 

And ya know what?  I would not have my Saturday any other way. 

Middle of the Week

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.

Plaque Hangs with Terra Cotta Pot

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.

11:35 PM

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!

Since We

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.

Tuxie Cat As

It should be. With his pleasure at the moment, a nip filled nana. Yes, I do heart cats. After longs days, and especially after endureance of the Dallas heat and when the cat chooses to give me attention-The purr is all I need and a mocha iced coffee...

Sundown Sunday

Almost -here in Dallas. I'd planned to do another couple of 'test pots' after church today. Even bought the cutest little 3 inch pots at Michael's. As a chum says, this is my R & D stage. I'm sure I've mentioned I hate R & D.

Combing the 'net for others who decoupage pots. To check out the competition and really get tips. Before Valentine's Day, I had no clue I'd be into acrylic paints, terra cotta pots and even calling a craft store my home away from home (after PetsMart that is). Today I even bought a book on mosaics. My crafty cup runneth over. I admit to having fun tho. Works on my patience because I want it perfect NOW.

Anyway, no test pots tonight. There's a technique I'm going to try, which may enhance my terra cotta pots. We'll see if it works. If so, or no, I will report back.

In the meantime, I promised cats I would clean their bid'ness boxes. Hmm.

I think the cat gets the better deal...

10:00 PM

Change does blow in the wind. My job is about to change to something else again. I won't bore you with details, 'cause folks aren't that sure what the details really are. I've not lost my job. It is being skimmed down-infact 500 or so people are being hired for the NEW job that's been put on the table, which includes a part of my job in the new mix. The new job goes live on Aug 1, or needs to be runnin' by them---just something...The thing is, nobody knows. I'm all for risk. Just this is a bit...well.....The other thing is I'm 99.9% sure I'll transfer to another school. I still have to talk to the advisors of the new school. I AM excited. Still the same degree plan--with more depth. The good thing, I can transfer after the current class I'm in. It ends on June 6. I would love for today to be June 5 right now....And my launch into my cat business. Now, I've figured I'm up to TWO, count 'em TWO items. I just hope people like em. And yes, I realize Nieman-Marcus had to start SOMEWHERE! Stay so tuned on all of that. This crafty journey has been--well, a journey, however I'm glad I got on the train to take it....When you think alot of change is going on, and ya wonder--just wonder how it'll all turn out. There's just the look of a cat...

...and ya know, everything is really OK.
It always should be--

9:29 PM

I am beat. I've been this new age for 6 days. Wow. When I was in my 20's, I thought being this age was--well---ya know..death. The thing is- even though my bones kinda creek, I feel like I am in my 20's--just smarter. 9:30 PM I am BEAT. Tired I tell you. School. Had to finish paper about human nutrition. I thought I graduated next March, well, I'm downtrodden because it won't be until May. Oh well. I still don't like the fact my cat's blog is more popular than mine! Maybe I need to let my whiskers grow? Ya know, knowing men at this age is different too. I may need to blog about that. When I was in my 20's, I thought the men who were this new age of mine..were...well, you know...dead. And now that I am this age, I think men my age are...well, ya know....uh... Yep. I need to blog about this. In the meantime, gotta pop some meds, pet the cats and head to bed... And it's 9:35 PM. I AM BEAT!

10:48 PM

I apologize for not being here much. Heck, I should be in bed now. I washed my bed sheets, and as usual I stuff My comforter in the dryer with the sheets--and gosh, Not all of the sheets got dry--until now- After the I took the dry comforter out. What's been going on with all of you? Me--well, I end another class tomorrow Good. I'm not exercising, so my hips could show a double feature- At the same time-- Not so good. Cats are fine. Feel like I am stepping up to another level at church. Very good. Realize more and more if people don't 'get' where I'm comin' from-- Perhaps they never did. Miss playing racquetball. Don't miss having gray hair Because Cedar Red covered it :) And all in all, my birthday is April 8-- Just thought I'd tell you--just in case you Want to pick up a little something at Macy's... Now I'm off to bed. Say your prayers and sleep tight....

Snow More

Got about five inches of snow in my part of Dallas today. This photo is part of my backyard. I stepped outside my back yard, with my purple flannel jammies on this morning and snapped. A cat thought he wanted to go outside. The thought didn't last long.

Snow. Dallas. It does happen. Just not much. Sure we had that 12 inch snow fall in Feb '11. It was gone in about 3 days. This week of ice and snow has been different. There has been no meltdown. We've been in the teens and 20's since Tuesday. Dallas is not this cold this long. And to top it all off..

The Super Bowl is here. This weather is not suppose to happen. Not for something this big. Last weekend it was 75 degrees all weekend. I got Starbucks frappucinos because it was so warm. Not this go round. Today more sour milk was poured more on the Super Bowl. Six people were injured when melting ice chunks fell from Cowboy Stadium's roof and tore thru a tent being set up for the game. They were workers on the tent. All went to the hospital, one is may be critical.

Tonight a concert starring Prince was on, then off, then on--and off for good. Folks had shown up at the venue not knowing. They paid at least $1500 a ticket for this charity event. The real story from the event planner couldn't fund the event to Prince was a no-show hasn't been said yet.

OK, for as far as my day. My workplace closed the office today due to the weather. I was shocked. With the ice we had earlier this week and the skeleton crew that did show up--the building did not close. This morning, I called our bad weather hot line on a lark. Heck, I was ready to get out of bed. "CLOSED".

Let's just the say my day looked so much better under my quilts and the cats snugged so my circulation was cut off.

Snow. More scheduled for Sunday.

I'm just sure Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboy who paraded and fought for the Super Bowl to come here, wished he could get a do-over...

First Feb Chill

Dallas-Ft Worth had an "Artic Blast" come thru last night. Rain first, then sleet then snow. The city, right now, rivals any sheet of ice anywhere. There are just 60 sand trucks in Dallas to work the ice. In Ft Worth--which is 30 miles to the west, used all theirs and await another shipment. On top of that, this wintry mix shows up during Super Bowl week. Our normal highs are to be 50's-60's.

I did get up to shower and get ready for work. Here in Dallas, every local TV station does extra duty to tell you about the storm and conditions. I could hear 'treacherous' just so many times. They always say to not go if you don't have to. Yea. Yea. Yea. I'm from Iowa. We just GO in snow and ice.

Well, turns out the Dallas-Ft Worth school districts closed. That NEVER happens. Some smaller districts announced closing last night. Then the City of Dallas closed. I looked at the screen more attentive. The shots were of ice covered high ways and byways. My company was open and said just be careful on our way in. I thought of the parking lot. It would be nothing less than an ice rink.

I called my boss at 6:10 AM and left a message. I wouldn't be in by my usual time, however I did plan to go in about noon. I didn't. It wasn't until 12:30 did I see a car even go down my street. As of right now--it's 9:15 PM, schools, included DFW schools are closed for tomorrow.

Am I going in on Wednesday? I plan too. We'll see how the roads are in the morning. The weather people say this is the coldest we've been in 15 years. I got cats and quilts to get me thru!

Yea, I'm from Iowa, but when the temp is below zero windchill, it doesn't matter where you live!

Stay tuned.

Dream A....LOT!

Remember all those postcards I got crazy and made? I decided--well--my cat with the blog- decided to mail one to any of his friends who wanted one. It was one of those things, that proves I am such a dreamer.

I never think how long something may take or the work that actually goes into to getting it done. I just picture end the result. I smile at what I 'see' and am always shocked how many pages I gotta turn to get to the final chapter. Always.

These postcards were no different. Once they arrive to their destinations, I'll speak more about it. The reason being, a couple 'cats' who are to receive do read this blog. :) Don't get me wrong, I got a rush doing the postcards. Even if I just had 3 minutes to spare to get to the Post Office. I did learn it takes 98 cents to send something to England and New Zealand. Far cry,when I did the pen pal thing in my Jurassic Park years and 'airmail' was like 14 cents. I HAD to mail them yesterday. I'd planned to mail them on New Year's Eve. Well, things closed early. Yes, there is a story behind all of this!

To get to THE point, I enjoyed doing the cards, making them and sending them. All of it. I just don't have a good concept of time. What I think should take 15 minutes is more like 2 hours. Plus it gave me thought of my cat business. I do want to do t-shirts and/or sweatshirts. I want to do several styles, yet finances keep me grounded. I need to do ONE quite well. I'm OK with my thoughts on paper products, yet it's the shirts. I can 'see' it, yet not as clear as it will be.

Printing off a gazillion postcards did plant seeds for a later harvest. I know what appeals to me. I firmly believe people know things came from your heart and not just that you want to make cash. People sense your heart felt and want to be a part of it.

That's the harvest

....we dreamers dream of!

December 28, 2008 was Sunday

...and the day my cat Noir started 'his' blog: Noir's Nook.
Yea, it was to be just a lark. I, being the *human* I am,
Had no clue animals had their OWN blogs.
For some reason, I thought Noir would be
One of the few creative cats out there--.
WRONG.
When Noir got a comment from a hamster, I realized
This whole animal blog thing was HUGE.
At first, I wanted Noir to be a feline with opinion-
To chat of world events, TV and such.
The few posts didn't really jell, so visits then to other blogs,
Noir's blog had to be about what he knew--
His life and his family --which included me--for better for worse
And dreams he may have ruling over his savannah-
Noir isn't a world famous feline, yet has chums
All around the world.
Pretty cool technology literally brings the world together!
And remember those postcards I printed up?
Well, Noir decided I should be the one to send one
To any of his world wide chums who want one.
Hmm. It's funny we've not discussed wage of any kind!
On this day two years after Noir started his blog, Noir's Nook
I gander over to the the CEC aka Chief Executive Cat now...

'nuf said!

Made It Through Monday...

I'm glad. I'm tired too. One cat is curled right here on my desk. I'd take a photo, yet the battery is dead. Then I have another in the space between my back and the back of the chair. Trust me, the space wasn't there before. I can't believe the cat is comfy back there. If he fidgets just one more time I'll be on the floor.
Cats.

Gotta love em.
And I do.
I have a male chum who likes cats too. I never thought I'd meet a man who liked cats, more less had three of this own. The male chum is a nice guy. No love connection or anything close to it. Just a fellow fan of feline.
Nice change.
Monday, I'm done with you. Let Tuesday have a chance.