The Deceptive Depth of Puddles

2010-07-15T21:47:00.002-05:00

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov was born on April 23, 1899, in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Nabokov household was trilingual, and as a young man, he studied Slavic and romance languages at Trinity College, Cambridge, taking his honors degree in 1922. For the next eighteen years he lived in Berlin and Paris, writing prolifically in Russian under the pseudonym Sirin and supporting himself through translations, lessons in English and tennis, and by composing the first crossword puzzles in Russian. In 1925 he married Vera Slonim, with whom he had one child, a son, Dmitri. Having already fled Russia and Germany, Nabokov became a refugee once more in 1940, when he was forced to leave France for the United States. There he taught at Wellesley, Harvard, and Cornell. He also gave up writing in Russian and began composing fiction in English. Yet Nabokov's American period saw the creation of what are arguably his greatest works, Bend Sinister (1947), Lolita (1955), Pnin (1957), and Pale Fire (1962), as well as the translation of his earlier Russian novels into English. He also undertook English translations of works by Lermontov and Pushkin and wrote several books of criticism. Vladimir Nabokov died in Montreux, Switzerland, in 1977.

Can I get an AMEN

2010-06-30T18:53:00.004-05:00

Been thinking this for the longest time, but thanks to the folks at Tea Party Jesus you can see the actual words of self professed good "Republican and Tea Party Christians" in the mouth of the Lord and Savior himself. Makes you wonder if any of them have actually read the bible, or have any concept of what this man worked and lived for.

Cognitive Dissonance 2.0

2010-06-25T04:43:00.002-05:00

I am generally a positive person. And right there we see an example of cognitive dissonance in action. I have gotten where it is increasingly difficult to watch the news daily and keep the directly opposite idea in my head that mankind is generally good. I find myself now looking at normal people I come in daily contact with and saying to myself "How can you possibly be happy and content in life?" From the oil spill, to the increasing discontent I feel about our government and disappointment I feel in the Obama administration it just seems the world has taken a clear path toward destruction. The aware and awake side of me says "get out there and do something to stop this" and the opposite purrs " it's too late to do anything, eat this sausage McMuffin and dance while Rome is burning." I'd like to blame this on my nature as a Libra, but more and more I realize people are heavily invested in ignoring what goes on in life so they can get their next "fix". I am as guilty as anyone in this. I can't be the only sleepless person that doesn't do cognitive dissonance very well however. Perhaps I should develop a 2.0 Cognitive Dissonance system for those among us that have a hard time being glassy eyed and nodding when reality is shouting for action.

Thoughts on a sleepless night. This too shall pass.

My Shawshank Redemption

2010-06-19T21:53:00.002-05:00

In dark times, I find great comfort in one of my all time favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption. It reminds me to hope for better, and know in time whatever is will change; This too shall pass. But in the last week or so, I've had my own version of Shawshank redemption. I have not carved through a wall with a rock pick, but I have had friendship step up and do the seemingly impossible for me. Sometimes it just takes that little trickle of hope to make the river flow again and fill the resovoir. You know who you are, and you know how much you mean to me. It may never be in the form of a beautifully crafted movie, but what a gift we have shared in this life, this friendship.

DR SEUSS - 5000 FINGERS OF DR T - ELEVATOR DUNGEON

2010-06-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

It's an ODD month, so I thought I'd share an "oldie -but oddie" dungeon song from 50's classic "The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T." If anyone has any question about how my generation came to need so much therapy just watch this little ditty and imagine it's impression on children.

Looks like the perfect place for the CEO of BP, doesn't it?

My Desk..Circa 1999 and Now

2010-05-30T12:27:00.005-05:00

"Our Lady of Garage Sales" 1999

The garage sale supply holder currently on my desk :)

Thanksgiving is Coming

2009-11-20T13:09:00.004-06:00

For the first day in a few the sun is out, and it is a beautiful Fall day. So in anticipation of cooking next week for Thanksgiving, I am making a big ole batch of Snickerdoodle cookies. Been a while since I've made them, but my insulin resistance is in check and it just feels like a cookie day. :)

I made the orange cranberry sauce yesterday to give it several days to really cure up. A great recipe I've had for years (since Alaska), I figured it was better than the canned stuff this year. I will also be making my friend Denice's pumpkin cake. I do not like pumpkin generally, but this cake is the bomb. I still have to work up an appetiser, and my Thanksgiving cooking will be complete.

Hope this finds everyone happy and ready for the big feed. Remember to be thankful for the cook, as well as everything else in life. Happy Thanksgiving!

On little Dogs and Dreams

2009-11-11T02:39:00.002-06:00

Growing up I was never much for pets. I was not the type of child who coveted stuffed animals or played with them past three years of age. I was far too interested in reading and my visual pursuits to bother with the entire animal kingdom. They were animals after all, and not very conversational. As I grew up I would look upon pet crazy neighbors and friends (with the rare exception of Judy's dog Max perhaps) and not know what to think of their devotion. I certainly did not share it. Then came Doodle.

When Doodle came home with me he was six weeks old and just weaned from his mother. I had seen him at every stage of development, and here he was, this tiny squirmy thing. Those first weeks were difficult, as he was plucked from his swarm of squirmy noisy brothers and sisters and plopped into my quiet life. The very first night he cried and cried. I did all I knew how to do to comfort this furry little thing. I cuddled him like a baby, sang little Doodle songs and rubbed his little head until he mercifully fell asleep. It wasn't long (three days actually...Ris won the bet) until I broke my first rule of dog ownership and allowed him to sleep at my feet on my bed. It seemed to calm him down, and before I would turn out the lights I would rub his head until he fell asleep. And so started the ritual. He has not gone without his head rub one day in this house. He immediately falls asleep every time, even if I just rub his head while he lays on my lap. For the longest time I thought I continued to do this to comfort him, but recently realized it actually comforts me as much or maybe even more. I now fall asleep rubbing Doodle's head, a little lesson in comfort and devotion I learned from my dog.

I have witnessed how his body relaxes. I know when I hit that sweet spot rubbing his belly or scratching his back because he flicks his tongue a certain way. I have also been witness to Doodle in a dream state. He twitches, his feet move, and his eyes move and flutter under his lids. He sometimes growls or makes noises, and sometimes even wags his tail. What can he be seeing and reacting to in his dream? I figure he dreams in images since he does not have words to describe visual sensation, but most of dreaming is images for me as a human too. One day while watching this is dawned on me that although he is classified as an animal, very little separates us really as spirits inhabiting form. He breathes, he eats, he dreams, etc. So now I at last understand why animals are important to humans. Not to be dominated or abused for what they lack, but to be companions in this world. To be respected for what unites us on a spiritual level. I get it.

So this is what I have learned from Doodle. It has forced me to start to reexamine my relationship with animals from an entirely different perspective. All of this started by a little squirmy thing that came into my house 17 months ago. I sure have been blessed and I am grateful for my little companion. "So handsome, so smart, such a good dog." :)

News From the Poker Table

2009-11-01T15:53:00.003-06:00

I woke up today and decided I simply must do something I have never done, just to shake things up in life. I had read in the local paper about a "Turkey Shoot" at the local VFW Hall, but I have never attended one...so it won the day. I had no idea what to expect, but found playing poker for food an interesting thought. So armed with ten dollars I played five card poker hands for about an hour, and pictured are all my ill gotten gains. Three big farm raised chickens (fresh) and three fresh from the local processer pork sausage bundles. No turkey or ham, but still a chunk o' food for the freezer. Seems my luck dramatically changes when I am playing poker for food. Imagine that.

Why I love that Red-Haired Woman

2009-10-31T23:50:00.003-05:00

I watched her very closely. I saw all those weird dog costumes she looked at at Petsmart. God help me, there were fairies, pumpkins, clown costumes, even a "gulp" doggie taco. She would look at them and then look at me...I knew she was visualizing every goofy frill on me. But this is how much she loves me..(or how bad she felt last year for dressing me as a hot dog). I got a new sweater for Halloween. No pirate hat, or devil horns for me. A nice dignified dog sweater. Yeah, the turtleneck is a little over the top, but considering how she could have dressed me I won't complain. Especially with a mouth full of Halloween yogurt doggie treat. WOOF!

Portrait of a Teenager

2009-10-31T23:21:00.002-05:00

Crystal as "Mutant Bunny" with attitude.

It's official..she has crossed over to the dark side of teenaged angst.
Oh, goodie.

My Favorite Halloween Costumes 2009

2009-10-31T22:59:00.005-05:00

After reviewing all 200 or so costumes that made their way to the door this Halloween these were absolutely my favorites for 2009...The Scary Breakfast Crew....Oooooo

First there was "Evil Prairie Farms Milk"...waaay past it's due date it was definitely 100% Evil as advertised. Then there was "Cereal O' Death"...almost completely sugar and totally deathly. Rounding out this crew was "Processed Orange Juice Drink"...that claimed it never even met an orange. Now who says American ingenuity is on the decline? (LOL)

Happy Halloweenie :)

Fueled by Cake

2009-10-05T15:09:00.004-05:00

Ok, It's my birthday, I'll blog. Been a strange summer..but here I am at the end with the cool kiss of Fall on my skin. Always my favorite of seasons, this year more than ever. Haven't blogged because I've been ill, and really had nothing to say in the interim. Working hard, just this week off to a ten day event. Sales are weak and the economy is really abysmal in the Midwest. So disgusted with the health care debates, all political sides, and the status of greed as a lifestyle choice in this country. Don't get me started.

The good news is that after several years of waiting I had a true "ah-hah" moment around an "old" new project. The last week or so actually working on pricing and preparing the artwork. So I have found a lot of energy just doing what I do, and that is good. Doodle is a prize, whatever did I do without my furry faced friend? He'll probably feel the need to update soon...as he sees me typing and remembers he hasn't blogged either. (LOL)

So that is all the news I can think of. Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy out there in blogland. :)

It's My Birthday Card from Rogie :)

2009-10-05T15:02:00.005-05:00

Thank you! :)

Chinese Farmer Grows Baby-Shaped Fruit

2009-09-28T13:14:00.001-05:00

Yum..I want a Baby Shaped Pear!

Wedding Entrance Dance

2009-07-26T20:22:00.001-05:00

Yes, this video has been everywhere you look. But such an expression of joy is an inspiration, and I am happy they shared it with the world. Every single person at this wedding delighted and smiling, a real treat to watch. I wish this couple all my best for a long and happy life. They are well on their way :)

State of Dreams

2009-06-23T10:47:00.002-05:00

I found myself dreaming last night of furiously packing supplies for the resistance fighters in Iran. Big boxes of food and clothing, all this media coverage must be getting to me. I was even on the hunt for cell phone batteries and rechargers. I never thought I would see such a revolution in an Islamic country over a democratic election, and I can't imagine how it will end at this point. So here we all sit on our duffs "hoping" we will get health care, and it's not looking too promising. Such a topsy turvy world we live in. I would never have thought Americans would be so docile in the face of real crisis. Nary a peep when Bush stole his first election. I am ashamed, really.

Saw a program last night on a new form of Health care, the "Concierge Doctor". You pay an enormous yearly retainer for 24/7 health care catering to your every whim. The doctor who practices this was a terrible example of how this worked, as she couldn't really describe it to another doctor without sounding snarky and elitist. "If you can afford to pay for the best in individualized health care then you will seek out my services." This is what we have come to in America? A retainer to insure basic health care? It is time to take to the streets.

HBO's Bill Maher Takes On President Obama

2009-06-15T10:09:00.001-05:00

This message from Bill Maher is from the birdcage Mr. President. Do what you promised you would do for us, or all the happy media in the world will not save your popularity. You were given a mandate, use it. If we can not trust you to do so, what option is really left to us but revolution?

Another Interesting Ebay Adventure

2009-06-14T12:26:00.009-05:00

In the world of Ebay reseller it is always something. This week it was truly something, as my sister found a box of old junk jewelry at an auction. Same as she does almost weekly, where I take the contents, categorize them, and prepare pieces for sale. Who knew my interest in costume jewelry would ever be called upon in this way, just goes to show education is a great thing. But this weeks jewelry, even though it looked rather mundane at first glance ended up being a true treasure trove. These two small odd looking pieces are actually Victorian Mourning Jewelry fashioned out of woven hair. Yes it seems morbid, but the Edwardians had a completely different view of death than we do, since most often it was right in their parlour. They didn't have photographs to remember the deceased as we do, so this craft was born. This set is exceedingly rare, as it is formed into heart shapes, and the earrings are very long for the period. The entire box of jewelry pieces cost Patty $40.00, and she didn't even know these were in there, and wouldn't have recognized their value in any case since they are the first we've ever found. I knew immediately what they were, and was surprised at their pristine condition. Amazing what you can find in Illinois still. As of this minute this set is bringing $480.00 on Ebay, and the auctions will finish this evening. Pretty good return for a dollar.

This wasn't even the reason she was bidding on this box. She was actually bidding on it for the glass bead necklaces that I used for my bracelets. There were several for me, and a big group of plastic necklaces as well. I pulled what I wanted, and ended up with 35 jewelry lots to sell on Ebay later. But the big surprise was when I returned home, and started cutting up the necklaces for the beads, I discovered those two big chunky amber colored necklaces were actually real amber and not plastic. It it sometimes hard to tell because amber is so light. So somebody is really going to love this beautiful real amber chunky bracelet currently in production on my desk. It was a good auction week :)

UPDATE: The Mourning Jewelry sold for $619.00 WooHoo!

Mona Lisa

2009-06-12T17:56:00.001-05:00

Ah-Chooooooo

2009-06-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

Gad, another head cold. I always get them whenever the season turns, but this one has been particularly nasty. Add a little step throat, and as you can imagine I've been laying around in and out of consciousness and begging for death over the last few days. My poor little dog can't imagine what is wrong with me, he just sits at my side looking really puzzled. But today I am about 60% power, so I am updating my blog and hoping for better health soon.

I missed my niece's actual graduation this weekend, I was much to sick to take my fever and constant phelm into a group of innocent bystanders. Especially with swine flew jitters, I could have cleared the room for sure (LOL) Would have been good for seating I guess. There is always an upside.

Been working on a long serious post about my recent "ah-ha" moment about animals, but it will have to wait until I can type with fewer coughing fits. Happy Birthday Mr. Cook...I hope it was a good one. Will call soon.

Otherwise, I am still alive. This is the good news :)

Oh, Wisest of Little Dogs...

2009-05-28T10:09:00.006-05:00

Whatever did I do before I had you to protect me from the

evil windshield wipers? (LOL)

Yes, that is my dog. Snarling and barking at ...umm..windshield wipers. Rather Don Quixote of him in a doggie sort of way, no? But the best part is when I turn them off, he is so pleased with himself for banishing the "evil-doers". He still can't figure out why he can't bite them through the glass. Sigh...Doodle, Doodle, Doodle. :::shaking my head:::

Craig Ferguson 5/18/9A Late Late Show OOPS beginning

2009-05-20T12:07:00.001-05:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I would go straight for this guy! (LOL)

The Birthday Boy Speaks

2009-05-19T11:34:00.002-05:00

Some days it really pays to get up from my cushy bed. I mean yesterday the red headed woman I live with went crazy. She did, all day yammering on about something called "birthday". All I know is that I am feeling some serious food damage today, and will dictate this missive from the couch, thank you.

As I was saying, who knew there were so many dog treats allowed in one day? I knew something was up when early on I got this big fluffy thing that looks like a pillow. I assumed it was a bigger, fluffier chew toy and started ripping at the seams right away, but "she-who-will-be-obeyed-if-I-feel-like-it" started the whole "No, No, NO!" routine. She can be such a killjoy like that.

Next I got something I won't soon forget. It was a "doggie cake". At least that was what she called it. All I know is that this "cake" thing was actually chicken liver iced with peanut butter. She sent one over to Oscar for his birthday too, I can hardly wait to compare notes with him on how long it took for him to eat his. I clocked mine at 2 minutes 37 seconds with nary a crumb left. All the time asking, as always, what's for dessert? Buurp.

But the best, and I mean the best, was the new toy she actually let me chew on. I generally like new toys, it is a challenge to see how long it takes to chew them up; I mean I use squeak toys to pick my teeth. But the new toy was something marvelous. Fits well in my mouth. Nice and red, that's a plus. But this mild mannered toy has a secret...it is filled with FOOD! And when it's empty, I can drop it at her feet and it magically fills up with more food. I ask you...can it get any better than this? I don't think so!

So this whole "birthday" thing wasn't half bad. I vote every day be a "birthday" day. Oops, new toy is empty. Gotta go see if that whole "magical appearing food" works today.

XOXOXOX
The DOODster

It MUST Be Middle Age...

2009-05-19T11:10:00.002-05:00

...that makes products "as seen on TV" actually desirable? I have such a sceptical eye for marketing, always reading the real story behind the hype. But I recently succumbed and purchased my very own Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter. (This from a woman that had steadfastly refused to wear clothing with logos and boycotted designer signatures for years.) But it was all so thrilling...growing actual tomatoes myself? No crawling around in the dirt? No cages, no aphids and other critters chomping delicate stems? Upside down, hanging outside like a flowering houseplant? Sign me up !!! (LOL) So I did my part for the retail economy recovery, I purchased two Topsy Turvy planter systems and they hang from my balcony as we speak. One for tomatoes, one for cucumbers. I enlisted the help of a few of my neighbors, all expecting juicy tomatoes and cucumbers all summer. So do your work Topsy Turvey Planters! Deliver on the hype..I'll be watching you.

Doodle's Ode to Spring

2009-04-25T10:06:00.006-05:00

Throwtheball, throwtheball, throwtheball already!

What was that? Can I EAT it?

This grass in entirely too tall. Mow it, or get your own damn ball!

And so it can now be said...

2009-04-17T15:49:00.002-05:00

Over 15 million hits on Youtube over the last week, Susan Boyle has become a sensation. I attached her video to my blog a couple of days ago because I was very impressed by her, and then thought about why this particular moment in time was so inspiring to me.

It is not the lesson of don't judge a book by it's cover, although I would bet this was the lesson for some of those millions. For me it was her amazingly clear spirit and humility. From the very first, when she walked out on this stage, her gait clearly shows a woman unaccustomed to wearing high heels. Finding the mark, and looking over an audience fully prepared to rip her spirit to shreds, she continued to stand her ground and smiled. When she answered her age, it was obvious she was prepared for the negative reaction, and tried her best to laugh first with attitude. And that small smile just before the first note. as if she knew she could sing, and would come Hell or High Water. And so she did.

During her performance, she backed off her mark slowly, almost as if she was retreating from all the eyes focused on her. I doubt she heard anything but her own voice, and the promise she made herself in her head."Just do it." She had won just being there. That is why she started to walk off before the judging I think, because she was just that thrilled to have participated. I doubt she heard most of what the judges said, and her childlike reaction when she realized she would be coming back to sing again was a genuine delight. She was used to hearing no, a yes more than she could hope for. Stomping and whooping when she heard three yes votes, that was her spirit let free.

Success comes at the perfect time for you Susan. When you can best enjoy it and appreciate it with maturity. I wish you best in this competition, but regardless of the outcome you have won already. My wish for you is that you work as hard as you can to preserve yourself, the core of you that inspired us all. Keep your cat and your home, resist anything that doesn't feel right for you. Just keep singing for us all!

Outstanding!

2009-04-15T11:32:00.001-05:00

A very deep puddle. :) Susan Boyle sings "I Dreamed a Dream" and shows Britain and the World what talent looks like. You GO girl!

Click on blank space to view Youtube video

Bunnies and Vacuum Cleaners

2009-04-10T11:16:00.005-05:00

Today I did something I have never attempted. My vacuum cleaner was on the fritz, blowing out dust instead of sucking it up. Now this machine is nearly new, and on a whim and armed with a Phillip's screwdriver I decided that I was going to open it and see what the problem was. I took this machine completely apart, cleaned and cleared out the dust bunnies and clogs, and it lives again! It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. and now it works like a charm. I have never been mechanically inclined, so this is a real accomplishment for me. I didn't even break a nail.

Rainy day here, and I am busy doing some Spring cleaning. I'm also making a big coconut cake for Easter in honor of my grandmother. She always made coconut cake at Easter, I was an adult before I realized other families made carrot cake. Making it from scratch, with two cans of flaked coconut just like she would. I'll try to take a picture of it before it is crumbs. (LOL)

Happy Easter to all. A nice time to appreciate growth and regeneration, and of course coconut cake. :)

The Force of Nature called by the name Doodle

2009-04-03T13:20:00.010-05:00

String Chew Toy before Doodle

String Chew Toy after Doodle and three hours

Ecco Walking Shoe before Doodle

Ecco Walking Shoe after Doodle and three months

This little McDonald's kids Happy Meal toy is built like a tank. Doodle has been chewing this a while and it is still intact, a major engineering achievement to be sure. Last night, after winding it up (when wound it wiggles like it is alive) and throwing it for him the billionth time, I actually watched my dog WIND the toy himself and bring it back to me wriggling. Let me repeat this...he used his teeth to grasp the winder and turned it until it started moving and brought it back to me. He is so proud of this accomplishment he has spent the morning winding and rewinding it.

I figure a videotape of this on Youtube will get a zillion hits. What on earth kind of alien chew monster am I living with? (LOL)

The Show Must Go On

2009-04-02T15:28:00.002-05:00

Finally shaking off some long time emotional shackles and moving forward. The last few months have been rough, I am here to tell you that the economic crisis is not just a concept to me. Otherwise I am healthy, happy with my little dog friend and moving forward in new directions. Watching the current meltdown of the economy and the bursting of a huge societal bubble has been interesting. Especially watching people that have been the most self absorbed and selfish in the "Me" decade scramble around like cockroaches to get out of the line of fire. Is it me, or does the mob assembling somewhat resemble the French Revolution in some cases? (LOL) Well, lets hope the C.E.O.s of several major corporations don't make any cake-like utterances. Pitchfork at the ready here. I will end with a great quote from the Jewish Buddha.

"Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out...

Forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems."

Still Flying High :)

2009-01-21T18:31:00.006-06:00

What a great day we all had yesterday. I awoke this morning and immediately started thinking of what I would commit to in order to help our new president be successful in his vision of rebuilding America. That is looking like public service to me at this juncture, and I do feel excited about participating again. Will update when I find my little niche.

Found this goofy little gem on Ebay, and it made me laugh out loud. Humor is back! And not the "I'm so embarrassed of him I am laughing uncomfortably" kind. As a devoted humorist I must admit the last eight years have been bleak indeed.

I can Hardly WAIT....

2009-01-19T19:38:00.005-06:00

...to plop my new rubber chicken purse on a table at Denny's , pull out a couple of eggs, and ask the waitress to have them cooked "over easy." (LOL) This fa-a-a-bulous purse was a Christmas gift from Rogie, of course! :)

And you know I totally love it!

Bwwwwaaaak!

I would have guessed RED...

2009-01-17T11:58:00.002-06:00

You Are an Orange Crayon

Your world is colored with offbeat, confident, and stimulating colors.

You have a personality that's downright weird - and you wouldn't change it for anything.

Loud and expressive, you voice your opinions fearlessly and strongly.

And while you have a strong personality, you can be friends with almost anyone.

Your color wheel opposite is blue. Your confidence is something blue people truly envy.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Cedarfame: The Interview Questions

2009-01-10T12:06:00.002-06:00

These are the interview questions Cedarflame graciously sent me. Very hard to answer in some cases but very cool. Enjoy!

1. You are one of the few Artists that I have meant that have actually had successful careers doing the thing they love best, art. How did that come about for you?

Like everything in life, small steps covered large distances. I made a series of Wall Icons for a gallery in Fremont, Seattle entitled "Everyday Icons" making everyday people and issues into updated Saints. They proved popular locally, and a jewelry line was formed from this idea, small wearable alters. With popularity comes imitation I when I found I was being mimicked by another jewelry company in the region I scheduled shows all over the country, picking up about 200 or so wholesale accounts. All the while thinking of the natural progression of this idea. It occurred to me that Catholic votive candles were the next step, and I took a whole summer in 1993 painting and developing this idea. I introduced them in September of that year, never dreaming they would take off as they did. My business grew 10 times it's size every month for almost two years, until I found myself with 5000+ wholesale accounts and international accounts as far away as Italy and Australia. I actually only knew it would be a success when I sold my favorite store on the planet TWIST in Portland, Ore. a group of candles and they reordered five times the initial order within three weeks early on. It has been my experience that creative ideas overlap each other, and build larger as they are explored fully.

2. Do you think that education is just as important to someone pursuing a career as an artist or do you think talent is all one needs to succeed?

To all the teachers out there I apologize in advance. I had a sterling formal education, but I do believe sometimes this kills art. I was always a rebel in school, who succeeded in spite of many well meaning teachers. A couple stand out, those who actually taught and didn't follow some personal dogma. With that said, I would also add education is paramount in artistic success, whether it be self motivated or channeled through formal education. Good ideas do not develop in life if they have no means of final expression. Education teaches those means.

3. As an artist, as well as a person, you have had a few reincarnations in this life (by that I mean moving from one place to another, creating businesses, etc.) do you see yourself in the process of another reincarnation?

I am currently in the seed space of reincarnation, but it has been a long fallow period. To make more success, it takes being really present in life, knowing the reality of the starting point. I've found myself thrashing about for a while, getting my bearings emotionally. I was concerned last year I'd completely lost my ambition, but I feel it starting to return. So I do think my reincarnation is just about to launch again. And I have many strong ideas on the desk. The issue for this Libra is to pick one. (LOL)

4. You have been a Seattelite in the past, what is it about Seattle that seems to draw people who are a little, let’s say, eccentric?

(LOL) If you think Seattle is eccentric move on up to Alaska. Those folks make Seattle folks look like your mother's comfy couch with doilies. That is where I was when my unbelievably talented friend Howard died of Aids, and I made the momentous decision to follow the path we both should have taken. I worked in Seattle sometimes, and looked around in my travels and saw a very vibrant and reasonably priced Mecca, hence my ultimate desire to move there. To answer your question, like brings like. Seattle was the epicenter of cool for about 10 years, building on the eccentricities of the artists, musicians, and innovators that flocked there. I see Seattle now as a victim of it's own success in many ways, and wonder where the hot bed of cool is now. Seattle seems to be populated by all new eccentrics looking for employment, and not in the innovative way.

5. Where ever you are there is an Altar in your home. Tell us how you started creating Altars and what purpose do they have in your life?

Oh My God Risley. This could be a book this question! I do not have a clue why I do this. I covered walls as a preteen with images and stuff, and I can't remember not having a visual space that represented my life spiritually. At this stage of my life my actual altar is smaller, although I tend to make every display (books, fridge magnets, etc) into tiny altar like spaces. But isn't that kinda what home is, an altar to the living? My actual altar is a visual reminder of certain spiritual aspects to remember daily, every item a memory or representation of something for me to remember as I go about my life. Some people make neat little scrapbooks, I make an altar. I have discussed my altar on this blog at length, and sometimes I really think I had a past life in some church capacity. I will say I am fascinated by devotional items, things that are meaningful not for monetary value but for the faith they represent. There is a lot of energy present in items that held the focus of devotion. I find in life I am far more attracted to the substance of things than the top layer of their categorization, The Deceptive Depth of Puddles. :)

Thanks for the questions Risley. You'll be happy to know I did study the Bush Doctrine and made a list of reading materials just in case!

Dog in the HOODIE*

2009-01-10T11:41:00.009-06:00

Christmas Morning Doodle

His new Doodle da Vinci Hoodie Sweatshirt

(His Mom does indeed dress him funny)

This Christmas thing is exhausting!

Hanging out with Oscar and Crystal after the carnage.

* Thanks to Risley for the best picture caption :)

Maybe it WAS a Dream

2009-01-10T11:00:00.003-06:00

That's what they did in the old Dallas TV Show when things got murky with the plot. But my absence has had a lot more to do with state of mind and computer hard drive crash then anything else, so it might not work. I am at the public library today with the express purpose of updating my blog, I will do my best.

Soon after getting the news I definitely needed surgery for my left eye I went into a depression. Been years since I've dealt with one of those deep dark holes in the fabric of life, and it was just as bad as I remembered it to be. You see, I am one of those millions of marginalized people in this great country with no health insurance, and any health crisis is just that, a real crisis. And as a visual artist (emphasis on visual) anything concerning my eyes is a scary prospect. I did manage to get the surgery, smack dab in the middle of Christmas, so many of my usual holiday traditions went straight out of the window. no Christmas cards or letters, the majority of my traditional cookies made by my family as I recuperated. The spirit wasn't cooperating, and the flesh was weak. Mia Culpa to everyone, I'll try again next year. :(

This week the bandages were finally removed, and I have a sparkling new eye. Well, new to me anyway, the same vision problems (I have always required major correction in the form of glasses) but my left eye is clear of that bloody clotting thing and as good as new. The residual medical billing is staggering however, an it leads me to have increased compassion for people that face everyday medical issues and the absence of money to fix them. I am sure I am not the only one.

Enter stage left my computer, who thought maybe this was a good time to act up and demand a new hard drive. She will return later this week hopefully, with bandages off as well. When it rains, it does indeed pour.

So I trust Christmas went on for everyone without me, and I do hope it was a great holiday. Santa was very good to Doodle, and like a child he has chewed through just about every toy he received at this point. He especially liked the chicken and rice Christmas cookies my sister made for him in the shape of Christmas trees. He thinks everyday should be like Christmas at this point, normal dog food does not compare.

I spoke to most of you during Christmas, but I want to say a special thank you to GOD in California, who only knows me from this blog, and was worried when it went suddenly silent. I do appreciate your concern, and thank you for it. You've got an extraordinary heart, don't let anyone tell you any different (even those voices in your head ...LOL. :)

The Dress Debute

2008-12-07T22:18:00.002-06:00

The food was good, the performance magnificent! BRAVA!

Another Funny Horoscope :)

2008-12-02T15:42:00.000-06:00

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I urge you not to Google the word "duh," Libra. If you do, you'll mark yourself as a conformist trend-slave, joining over 33 million people who have already done it before you. Furthermore, you will be in danger of wasting the potential the cosmos is offering you, which is to reap rich rewards by exploring brave new frontiers on the edges of your awareness. So please be insanely curious about stuff you've never heard of and people you've never met. Research subjects that tantalize your imagination and stick your nose in where it supposedly doesn't belong. But don't Google "duh."

Beats the HELL out of Pardoning a Turkey

2008-11-27T08:44:00.002-06:00

There was a time as a Democrat I felt my vote was a toss up between two candidates. But today, when I saw this picture, I actually teared up. Hillary Clinton passing out chickens at a food bank, and then making the day of a whole school full of children as secret service agants scrambled? No, this is not your average "photo-op" kinda guy. I can say with without a doubt one of the things I am thankful for today is a real presidential role model for a change. Like a cool drink of water to a thirsty American soul. How can the country, even in it's sorry shape, not be better steered by this vision?

So to all that read these words today, I wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving. Whether it be a can of spam or Turkey with all the goods, take time today to be thankful for life's many small blessings. If you can't think of any at the moment, just ponder the last eight years, and hopefully you'll find one or two. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Doodle's Turkey Plan

2008-11-26T23:19:00.012-06:00

Ok, here is the deal. Two weeks ago the red haired lady I live with and I had a little "situation'" I have long suspected she does NOT eat the same food I do, but now I know that for sure. I was minding my own business, watching her rattling pots and pans in the "kitchen" room (that is always so entertaining). There was this BIG green pot on the stove that steamed for a long time, and she watched it carefully, so I got a clue it was important. She opened the pot, and took too long stick-like things and stuck them in the pot. As she turned around all of the sudden..."BOOM" right in front of my eyes was a huge mound of steaming " damn chicken" right there in front of my nose. I know it was a damn chicken that exploded on impact, because she said that as it dropped. It looked really strange on the floor, still really hot and steaming, but it smelled really good. She forced me to stay away from it as she tried to scoop it out on a big plate, but I knew it was a losing proposition. There was lots of little pieces left all over, and I lapped them up before she could even get the mop out. WOW, this wasn't even close to what I get in my bowl. She IS keeping the good stuff for herself !!!

Since then I watch her in the kitchen room very intently. I've tried to hypnotize her into dropping all manner of interesting stuff, but as yet no luck. But yesterday I overheard her talking about a HUGE damn chicken they'll be eating tomorrow, and I am feeling really lucky. My plan is to watch her very carefully. If she can't move a damn chicken from pot to plate, I would wager that would go more than twice for anything bigger. I will just focus on her, silently thinking "drop it, drop it, drop it".

It could work. :P

I Met The Walrus

2008-11-20T11:35:00.001-06:00

It only took me a Month..sheesh

2008-11-05T11:36:00.004-06:00

Here they are, my fab-u-lous vintage Lotus Birthday lamps! They twist at the top to open the lotus flower, and are amazing when lit, as the petals are carved through. Best i can tell from the electrical wiring, these were made in the 1940's. Perfect bedroom lamps, not meant for reading . YAY!

Yes We Did

2008-11-05T10:34:00.003-06:00

Obama Nov. 4th working the phone bank in Indiana.

There are no words to adequately express last night's stunning victory. I expected to wait until the morning to know the results, last night's early announcement was completely unexpected. I was actually washing dishes, and heard the National results over the running water. I guess I should have been glued to the set, but where better to hear such news? Clean dishes-clean start for America..it totally works.

I have worked for several campaigns in my life, and never did I get anything like this e-mail the evening of the election. What a class act. I CAN HARDLY WAIT to see this man in action in Washington!

Laura --
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you.

Thank you, Barack

Psst...Ris...Look what Doodle is getting for Christmas

2008-11-04T19:32:00.005-06:00

Hee-Hee-Hee. Found this today for Doodle's Doggy Christmas Stocking.

This one too. Guess no more late night calls to the Pizza Hut from Doodle to circumvent the people food rule, huh? (LOL)

Forget the POLLS..Ask My Sister

2008-11-04T19:06:00.002-06:00

I've said this before, if you want to know who will win the election, ask my sister who she voted for. I know this sounds silly, but it has almost become a superstition to me. The arguments we had about her support of Bush are almost legend in my family.

In any case, she stepped up to plate for Obama this year, and every one of my nieces wore their Obama buttons to school today. The bad news was that her husband, who had massive stock market losses and was laid off just three weeks ago, voted for McCain. She threatened to make him sleep in the van over this. I fed him chili anyway, as his vote isn't my concern. My "everywoman " sister's vote is.

Notes from the Van

2008-11-04T18:28:00.005-06:00

I am so happy I voted early. (LOL) My Voter pick up hours were from 6 am-10 am this morning, and from what I saw even in the early hours of the day it was apparent that this was not "election as usual." The wait in this small town at 6 am this morning was 25 minutes. At 6 am! By the end of my shift, the voters were moving through the process in about 90 minutes. Instead of the one or two voters to their polling place per trip I was delivering 6-8, even in the early hours. I even picked up and delivered two hospital patients today. It was truly amazing.

At about 9 am the call went out for available Madison County van drivers to pick up bottled water and fruit snacks to deliver to a larger city in my area for people that were waiting in a long outdoor line to vote. Since I was not available to deliver that far out of town another van met me halfway to unload the cases of bottled water our town had on hand. If Obama runs the country like his organization ran this get out the vote campaign, we will be in great hands indeed.

Then it was home to make my traditional Election Day Ex Girlfriend chili. Read the chili story here: Ex .Made five pounds this year, and I slurped up this bowl soon after this picture was taken. Life is good. Now I'm crossing my fingers and watching the results like everybody else :)

It Takes a Great Woman...

2008-11-03T17:10:00.002-06:00

...to raise a great man. She'll be watching still, you can bet on that. My thoughts and prayers are with Obama and his family tonight.

Happy Halloweenie

2008-10-31T22:55:00.002-05:00

Three pumpkins carved by three of my favorite people. :)

Yeah, It Had To Happen

2008-10-31T22:16:00.005-05:00

Poor Doodle. Oh the indignity! He dodged a bullet with me, as I decided I would not dress him in costume for Halloween this year. Little did we know my sister had the agenda of surprising us both and dressing him as a hotdog and his brother Oscar as a hamburger for the family Halloweenfest. He just kept pleading with me, using that sad little "Why me?" look in his eyes..but he was a good sport. Oscar on the other hand was completely unhappy and hid under the couch for the duration of our Halloween party. Guess he must be allergic to sesame seeds (LOL)

"YES WE CARVE"

2008-10-31T16:45:00.001-05:00

Tee Hee! I love this.

Alaska Women Hold Surprise Event for Obama

2008-10-30T09:06:00.001-05:00

THIS is the Alaska I know! :) Good Job Girlies!

Today was THE Day

2008-10-29T19:35:00.010-05:00

I voted today. It was the day I could coordinate and take two of my neighbors, an elderly woman with mobility problems and a hunky construction worker to help get her around. All three of us on a mission to elect Barack Obama the next president of these United States.

I have never voted early before, and what we encountered at the polling place was definitely a real surprise to me. I live in a town about the size of Wasilla, Alaska: I have voted here before and never even had a line to contend with. But today? Today we waited in a very long line of early voters, it took 40 minutes for all three of us to get through the process. Any time I ever voted here I was generally the youngest person in the room, but not today. Young people, barely out of high school, mamas balancing babies on their hip, some people you know haven't darkened the door of a polling station in years. It struck me so many people were voting from a position of fear, Republicans scared of the bogeyman Obama, Democrats scared of four more years. But everyone was polite, things went smoothly, and now we can only wait and pray for the right outcome for this country.

I will be driving the van on Tuesday to deliver people to the polls for the Democratic Party as I have in the last four elections. I will also be making my famous election day ex-girlfriend chili, you know, the stuff we've drowned our sorrows in for the last two elections. I hope this year's chili will be the celebration kind.

Just saw Obama's infomercial on television. The HOPE gave me goosebumps. I've made my stand, and I choose to stand with him. THAT ONE...the one with the clear vision of what America was and can be again.

Big as Your Head on a Stick

2008-10-27T22:45:00.009-05:00

This weekend I found myself, as I sometimes do, at a large outdoor festival with Arty Appetite. I gotta tell you, this particular fair was a real "freak show" of gargantuan Festival food. Oh yes, your standard fair stuff like funnel cakes and the lot, but I mean I was shocked at the new improved variety. I mean, cheesecake on a stick? Whole hunks of cheesecake slathered in chocolate that would feed three for dinner, giant corny dogs that looked like medium baked potatoes in size, lemonade that came in giant bucket cups that couldn't be drunk in an hour. Deep fried Twinkies, huge caramel apples with whole nut coatings, and just about anything you could skewer on a stick walked by.

All the food stalls were covered in giant banners like the old carnival freak shows,with people shouting their various slogans at passersby. It hit me that the old freak shows have become interactive, and consuming big freakish food was now the entertainment. I assure you from my vantage point, nothing is as unattractive as watching people balance their various food items, and attempt to actually eat these giant things.

The worst, and I do mean the worst offering I saw was the new improved fried guacamole on a stick. Being an old Texan, I was curious just how this was accomplished. I questioned the vendor, and was told they make the guacamole and let it sit out unrefrigerated for five days until it "sticks together", then the form it like patties on a stick and drop it into a deep fryer. Anyone with any guacamole experience will tell you, in five days the avocado has turned deep green black and I suspect what was "sticking" this mass together was bacteria holding hands and singing Kumbaya. Just the thought of what guacamole looks like in five days was enough to send me running to find the Port-a-potty. And yet someone was buying and actually eating this.

So I passed on the food freak show, and found a local bakery/bistro that actually served edible portions of food. I then bought my mini hamburger cookies and went home marveling.(LOL)

Ruby Slippers

2008-10-23T16:42:00.003-05:00

Considering the expense, let's hope all it takes is three clicks to send their wearer "home" to Alaska.

And who could forget Crystal!

2008-10-23T16:20:00.003-05:00

Be afraid, be very afraid if you see this dynamo heading your way on a soccer field. Other people's Moms and Dads actually chant her name when she gets the ball. (LOL) She's going through an "attitudinal" phase right now, but who would love her any less? And the best part, she actually knows what the vice president's job actually is. I'd vote for her in a heartbeat!

So Many Nieces, so little time

2008-10-23T13:59:00.001-05:00

Here's Lauren all dressed up and on her way to her first Homecoming dance. Only 15 and already stunning. Her funny boyfriend Alex is adorable, just the right "laid back" to counter her hyper-perfectionist personality. So good to see her smile through her seriousness, never thought I'd live to see that happen. :)

Antipasto Sausage Art: Coveted by my Dog :)

2008-10-23T13:46:00.007-05:00

Doodle gives "two paws up" for these Russian Sausage Art reproductions. Incredible that they are actually edible, and viewers frequently do eat them at the end of the art show. Doodle is dreaming of a "Pupperoni" version so he can be all over this new art trend.

What I am Watching: The Fall (2006)

2008-10-22T20:39:00.002-05:00

One of my very favorite people gave me this movie for my birthday. In all our years as friends he has never given me a movie, so I knew when I unwrapped it that it must be something special. And oh, how it is!
Set in the Los Angeles of the 20's, a little immigrant girl finds herself in a hospital recovering from a fall harvesting orange trees. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with a bedridden man who captivates her with a whimsical story that removes her far from the bleak confines of the hospital into the exotic landscapes of her imagination. I have never seen a child's eye view so carefully committed to film before, and this is a film as lush and stunningly beautiful as

anything I have ever seen. Filmed in 18 countries over four years, with a child in the cast as realistically childlike as in any film in recent memory. I recommend this movie highly.

Thanks Rogie, you have always known my true heart. :)

Miss Me?

2008-10-22T20:20:00.002-05:00

Been on a whirlwind of travel since my birthday. Just spent 12 days working the Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana, and it looks like I'll be working almost every weekend until Christmas. Considering the economy is so bad we've actually been doing well, mainly because we sell an inexpensive luxury product. The biggest trend we've seen so far this season is virtually no credit card sales. Seems everyone spends the cash in their pockets now, which is strange since generally credit card sales are usually at least 20% of our business at shows. My heart goes out to all the people out there struggling so, and I am grateful we actually sell a really great food product so I know they are eating well at the very least.

I have so much updating to do over the next few days, as Doodle has grown ENORMOUS (three full pounds in two months!), I have all kinds of good pictures and arty stuff I've been saving, and of course there are my birthday lamps. You gotta see them to believe them :) Yippeeee!

I want to take this opportunity to say a belated happy birthday to Judith. I was in Indiana for your birthday where there was no cell phone reception, and I thought of you all day on your birthday. Hope you had a good one and knew I was thinking of you in the wilds of Indiana.

So I will get on with updating. Enjoy :)

What I did in the Summer of 2008

2008-10-22T19:33:00.008-05:00

After 5000+ jewels, bullion embroidery, and beading for weeks this is Maryssa in the finished Madrigal renaissance gown. She will be wearing her hair up for the actual performances, but preferred it down for her senior formal portraits. Phew, glad to have this finished...and it is as beautiful on her as we kept telling ourselves it would be over those many hours. :)

A Birthday Present from the Universe

2008-10-05T09:09:00.003-05:00

Digging around in a box at an auction yesterday and look what I found! Another pixie shoe keychain from the late 50's, but this one is the actual color mine was as a child. Finding this made me happy, and I knew right away this was definitely a tiny gift directly from the Universe to me. I love when that happens.

It's the BIG Day

2008-10-02T16:24:00.004-05:00

Thought I'd upload the link for Palin Debate Bingo here for anyone that might be needing a laugh or two during the debate. (Not that there won't be plenty available unintentionally, I am sure.)
Have fun with Palin Debate Bingo

Jack Cafferty Tells Us How He Really Feels About Sarah Palin

2008-09-29T12:02:00.001-05:00

HERE! HERE! This is not the "Miss Teen America" Pagent, where nerves and lack of clear communication can be laughed away as "adorable", but the office of the Vice President of the United States of America we are talking about here.

Let 'em Fail

2008-09-23T13:19:00.003-05:00

Been busy, like everyone else it seems, glued to the unfolding crisis on Wall Street. Especially following the 700 Billion Dollar American Taxpayer Bailout, and from my lowly view I say if there is no accountability for where these funds are allocated, or failed banks and companies refuse asset transfer to make these funds a loan, I say let 'em fail. This smells like "Shock and Awe Deux" to me, and just a way for the Bush administration to raid the financial markets and tie the hands of the next administration, especially if that administration has bold new plans and directions for America that will take funds. I hope to God the Democrats hold this bail out up all the way through the election; deregulation is our esteemed Republican colleagues sticky ball of wax let them find a way to wash it off themselves. We as a nation are warned that if we do not act very quickly there certainly will be a recession. Hello...HELLO...HELLO, I think we are already in one down here on the ground Mr. Paulson. I think in actuality if we don't act quickly we will see more failures, and this is deadly timing for the Republican campaign. Period.

It is doubly frightening to me that half of the American electorate is totally "OK" with voting in a candidate for vice president of America that has not faced questions from the press. I don't mean sit down interviews with favorable television talking heads, I mean PRESS. Stonewalling the bipartisan investigation in Alaska, campaign stumping like a wind up doll, the same speaking points over and over even when disproved as a lie, this is lunacy. There is not one other candidate in this campaign didn't have to walk through the ring of press fire to get there. Even the vice presidential debate has been carefully crafted, since Ms. Palin "doesn't have the debate experience" to face Biden. If she can't crawl out from under her rock and stand up to the big boys now, how on earth would she be able to lead this country in a crisis? It is obviously not that important that she be able to think on her feet or speak to the people she represents, her handlers will do that for her. Don't know about anyone else, but I am not voting for "handlers." Her "presentation" seems to be the final curtain call before closing the current Washington Puppet Show. With any hope that is.

Now see why I try to stay out of discussing politics on my blog? (LOL)

The Palin Doctrine

2008-09-12T09:55:00.005-05:00

"Don't blink."

You know, the funny thing about "doublespeak" is that you must first understand the concept in question to be able to do it. It doesn't really work very well if used in covering up what you yourself do not know.

"Don't Blink."

Works well when playing poker, but I'm not really comfortable gambling with America's future by electing a leader who can't admit they need more information, or one who doesn't take the time to really think through a situation and instead relies on "Don't Blink" as a first response. Does this initial response sound familiar? It should...as we have had eight long years of "Don't Blink." from "He-who-will-not-be-named-by-the-Republican-party." We've all seen how effective that was.

"Don't Blink."

Thanks for the suggestion Sarah. But after your performance last week you can be sure you added even more voters sufficiently terrified with your hubris (you can look that word up) to the Democratic Party.

We won't be blinking or exhaling until after you are sent packing back to Alaska.

A Little Reminder

2008-09-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

Think Doodle would stand still for this? (LOL)

2008-09-08T10:07:00.010-05:00

Doodle would chew off his own tail before he's allow anyone to paint him. This is a cat thang obviously.

Lastly, what did we learn this week?

2008-09-06T18:21:00.002-05:00

If you are in the direct path of a hurricane, or involved in any natural disaster, have the good sense to plan it during the Republican National Convention. Compassionate Conservative "Photo Op" for them, much needed help and attention for you. It's a real "Win-Win" situation.

That was for you New Orleans...OK, I'm done :)

And another thing....

2008-09-06T17:54:00.002-05:00

DICK CHENEY

Just because his name wasn't mentioned. even once, from one speaker at the pulpit of the National Republican Convention this week doesn't mean we'd ever forget who he belongs to. I guess if he was the vice president enthusiastically elected from my party for eight long years of service I might be embarrassed to claim him too. I just marvel that you managed to say so little about our sitting Republican president as well...you know...GEORGE BUSH.

Nice try at revisionist history though. (LOL)

Follow the Yellow Brick Bridge to 'Nowhere"..

2008-09-06T17:09:00.004-05:00

This news week has certainly had a strange, Technicolor movie quality to it. (LOL) Even though I promised myself I would get roped into politics on my blog this year I feel what I have been thinking needs to be said out loud. This is in no way intended to change anyone's mind in this election, I'm pretty clear the battle lines are drawn at this point for just about everyone and most voters I personally know are cemented to their position.

The first question in my mind after the selection of Sarah Palin as McCain's running mate was "Why on EARTH this woman?" There are many, many Republican woman that would be far more effective and suitable if this were just a "fill in" for Hillary voters. Just off the top of my head I think of Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Texas who would have been a really serious asset to this ticket. With all the controversy that immediately swirled around the choice of Sarah Palin, it seems to be clear she was not vetted for this position properly. Or was she?

Purely from the standpoint of my experience in marketing, I have come to the conclusion that Sarah Palin was chosen as a "smoke screen" for this ticket. I believe that she was chosen to do exactly what she is doing, take the full force of attention away from the messages of the respective campaigns and place it on a "shiny new media toy." Focus the "lightening quick video game" attention span of this country squarely on a candidate with more skeletons in her closet than Anna Nicole, and the media will follow suit. There is the very real possibility the news cycle may not be able to investigate all the leads and scandals attached to this woman within the slim eight weeks before this election. It already seems questions considered reasonable to a male candidate will be considered "sexism" if the answer is uncomfortable for Ms. Palin, and she is the only candidate I've witnessed in my voting experience who is taking several weeks during crucial campaign time deliberately shielded from the pesky, guaranteed by the American Constitution, free press. Need I remind anyone...eight weeks until we pull that lever...tick, tick, tick.

As much as I dislike Sarah Palin's politics I do feel some measure of pity for her. I think her blind ambition deludes her into believing she deserves the Vice Presidency at her low level of experience. (I lived in Alaska remember, and know how small and insulted that community is firsthand.) I don't think she was prepared for the media scrutiny she will endure, and I can't believe she actually gave much thought to the scrutiny her so called "normal" family would endure either. But in one stated position, she is the perfect choice for her handlers. BIG OIL and mega corporate interests need a person in office that dismisses warnings from science and will continue the march toward the depletion of the resources of this planet. To select her just proves, they don't care if the person in that position wears a skirt and lipstick. Yay, Girl Power!

Now back to the actual campaign. This time like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I hope we'll all ignore orders and peak behind that smokescreen curtain. The message of "Change" is obviously very effective and so powerful Republicans are attempting to co-opt it. Democrats stay on message, do not react to daily gossip and innuendo as fact. There is clearly a very double standard at work here, as the Republican party would crucify a Democratic candidate with Sarah Palin's problems and sell roasted marshmallows at the event. But if you are given the opportunity to debate her Mr. Biden, just visualize Dick Cheney in a skirt. A true feminist knows the punches come with the position, ask Hillary. Keep to the facts, there are more than enough lies to expose that have nothing to do with her gender to suffice.

Have I mentioned how much I love this dog?

2008-09-02T18:57:00.004-05:00

Doodle had a "puppy sleep over" this weekend with his little brother Oscar, and the kids wasted no time dressing them in doggie clothes. At least Doodle got a somewhat dignified Polo shirt and not a glittery sweater, and I know he was grateful for that.

It's official by the way, the Vet confirmed Friday that Doodle is very special (like we didn't know that already) because he is a rare albino puppy. He has pink feet pads, clear nails, every inch of skin is pink and then there is that nose. I knew he was mine the minute I met him, Odd is good . :)

Give me a Yard of Velvet...

2008-09-02T18:15:00.004-05:00

...some trim, beads, and 12 hours and you too can have this lovely velvet hat. (LOL) I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel in the massive "Maryssa Renaissance Costume" project I just had to celebrate a minute. Hard to believe we've spent two months building this costume. When Maryssa saw her hat today she was completely delighted and squealed ..."Nobody has even seen anything even close to this...". My sister didn't miss a beat when she said..."Nobody has an Aunt like Laura either." Nice to be appreciated by a teenager on a Tuesday. :)

18 Million Cracks in the Ceiling...

2008-08-29T13:54:00.006-05:00

For this woman to arrive? I have never seen such blatant pandering in any VP choice by any political campaign in my life. It might look like "change" to a fifth grader, but this is an example of how stupid the Republican Party thinks Americans really are. I can just hear the conversation around this one:

"Women want to vote for a woman, by God we can find one!"

Anti-Abortion...check

Anti Gay Rights...check

In Big Oil's Roomy Back Pocket...double-check-Can't be the Governor of Alaska without that

Pro War...Well, hell ya...her son is off to fight the evil infidel as we speak

Anti-Feminist...Oh, alright. We can let her call herself one...it will play well with the pantsuits.

This woman Hillary's Legacy? Not a chance, not even in the same league, but thanks for playing.

A Note from the Floor

2008-08-26T21:32:00.006-05:00

Okay, not really the floor. I've decided the couch cushions are far more cushy then the pitiful cat bed that red haired woman provided for me on arrival, and so I am dictating this missive from my comfortable couch perch. Wish I could train her to peel me a grape >>sigh<<.

Today I had my puppy check up. I now weigh seven pounds, which is truly remarkable since I never get anything resembling actual food here. That is two whole pounds in six weeks, but even more astounding is my length. I have grown five inches !!! I think this may be because "she" frequently rubs my long belly with her toes when I lie at her feet. I assume if she keeps this up I will be as long as a yardstick by the end of the year.

I hear more "good dog" words than "bad dog" nowadays. I do wonder why "she" spends so much time throwing my string toy around. I keep bringing it back to her, and "she" gets all excited and just throws it again. I will never understand why "she" does this, but it seems to entertain her. I've discovered it is important to keep her occupied and out of trouble, this does it as well as anything.

So that's this dog's life. Still waiting for bacon.

And so it begins

2008-08-25T14:55:00.001-05:00

For every prayer spoken aloud in Denver this week, millions who can not speak join wordlessly. My prayer is this: TAKE BACK this country, make "We the People" our reality again and not just a concept that looked good on paper once.

Why I LOVE Ebay today...

2008-08-18T17:32:00.004-05:00

Usually I could fill a large sized spiral notebook on the subject of what I dislike about Ebay. But today I am focusing on the positive. I've been looking for this little light-up nose Santa for a while. My grandmother wore one in the 1950's, as did most grandmothers I think. Oh, they are available everyday on Ebay, but generally bring $20.00-$35.00 each. Yes folks, $35.00 for a little piece of 50's plastic. (Though it is almost a sin for me to complain about that since I actually sold a little piece of 50's plastic this week for $95.00.) Anyway, I've been watching for a while, and the prices have dropped as a result of the weak economy..and today my Santa finally arrived, costing exactly $7.24, and most of that for shipping. So I will be twinkling for Christmas this year :)

Salvador Dali on Whats My Line?

2008-08-15T21:14:00.001-05:00

I Guess I Have to BLOG Now (LOL)

2008-08-12T07:32:00.005-05:00

Wow, today I actually got an award for blogging! Which is a little strange since I've actually been on a blogging Hiatus this summer. It is a rather pretty award, don't you think? Thank you Cederflame for thinking of me.

"This award was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity and their talents, and for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a “special honor”. Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to 5 others. What a wonderful way to show some love and appreciation to your fellow bloggers!The rules for passing this honor on are.
Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to.Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award from Arte Y Pico."

My first nomination for this award is Who Got The Gravy : I am always delighted with Brian AKA/GODinLA's posts. I find him to be a very interesting multifaceted writer and person who combines the unusual and mundane with ease. A real wordcrafter, well worth reading. You never know what he is thinking or how he will express it, and I love that. Congratulations Brian :)

I am having a terrifically difficult time with my Internet connection (so far two weeks badgering the cable company to fix it daily...) So I will continue my nominations for the next four days. It will also accomplish getting me back into blogging a bit..it's all good. That is if Doodle will stop chewing my feet as I type. (LOL)

What I am Reading: EINSTEIN by Walter Isaacson

2008-07-29T18:10:00.005-05:00

Just finished reading "EINSTEIN" by Walter Isaacson this past weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was thinking that it would be difficult to really capture the spirit of the actual person, since his great achievements in Physics would cloud objectivity. To even describe his discoveries in layman's terms would be a daunting task, but Isaacson did an excellent job. Instead of the dry textbook type of biography this book read like an adventure. And the best part, in the end I even liked and respected Einstein more for his humanity.

Updating: The ATTEMPT

2008-07-29T17:31:00.004-05:00

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This is your best chance in a long time to meet people you've always wanted to meet. It's also a favorable time to turn pretty good connections into excellent collaborations, and to adjust your role in your web of alliances so it's closer to where you want it to be. None of these fine developments in your social life will magically unfold on their own, however. You can't just sit back passively and hope that cosmic forces will somehow make them happen. So formulate your intentions crisply and act aggressively to manifest them.

My horoscope today. As always, Rob hits it right on the head for me. Sometimes I think it would be quicker for him to just give me a call and then write his Libra horoscope weekly. :)

And here I am, with a vicious summer cold and a big bowl of homemade chicken and dumplings. I won't write about cooking it, but thanks to the friend that reminded me that a chicken could be my best friend fighting this. You were right, even if I didn't add Tabasco sauce.

Doodle is getting bigger, and is going through his "terrible twos". Chewing everything in sight and "talking back" when I correct him. But he's still the cutest thing on four feet so I'll keep him.

Working on a rhinestone studded medieval costume for my niece, as well as building a hat to match it. Over 1000 red and topaz rhinestones applied by hand, will upload a picture when we've finished. So handy to have an "arty aunt" around, thank God she's a senior this year and there won't be many of these left to make. There are actual wedding dresses that take less work, honestly. But I love her too, so I'll keep her.

So Rob, I am working at shifting my reality. But until then I am grateful for this quiet life.

Maybe I should rename my blog?

2008-07-16T19:07:00.004-05:00

ALL DOODLE...ALL THE TIME (LOL) No...won't be doing that, I will get back to blogging about something other than Doodle or food sometime soon (hopefully). But I did want to say thank you to the friend (who wishes to remain anonymous) who sent us the fabulous Leopard Carpetbag "Doodle Carrier" that arrived today. Doodle especially likes that he has his own vinyl lined pocket in it. Now he thinks we need to go on a trip...maybe we should be planning one. :)

Doodle's Lexicon

2008-07-12T14:48:00.002-05:00

I live with this strange red-headed woman, and she talks to me all the time. The problem is, I have no earthly idea what she is babbling on about, so I just do my best to look as fetching as possible and wing it. She doesn't seem to notice that she is speaking gibberish, and I am too much of a gentleman to tell her. I have noticed sometimes she says the same things over and over and over. So here's what I think she's trying to say:

OUTSIDE: I am not sure why she says this so loudly when she opens the door. It is kind of her to notify me of her plan to leave, but why so loudly? Just as it seems she will leave me in peace she scoops me up (oh, the indignity of this!) and carries me out the door with her. She will eventually deposit me on a green furry surface of some sort, where I make a big show of sniffing, and chewing. If I feel the urge to relieve myself she will coo and carry on like it is the best thing any dog has ever done. I am left to question, just why is she so interested in my personal habits? Seems, at best, a little simple minded of her, and at worst a strange fetish of some type.

TREAT: OK, here is the really weird part. If she thinks our little "trip" has been successful she starts yammering on about "treat" and gives me a a slice of "Pupperoni". Not that I am not generally grateful for a snack, but really, this is a treat? Don't think I haven't noticed "treat" isn't ever any of the good stuff she saves for herself. Don't think I didn't smell that bacon frying yesterday and wonder if I was getting any of that. I'm still waiting.

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!: This is a word she repeats constantly. All I have to do is nip at the plastic covering of a musty old art book, chew on a velvet couch pillow, or unravel the toilet paper roll to set her off in "NO!"spasms. Did she thank me for trying to organize her electrical cords behind the computer desk...NOOOO! Or congratulate me for saving her from that nasty bunny hopping around the green furry surface today....NOOOO! But the worst, (and I do mean the worst) is on the two occasions I found the perfect spot to leave a little deposit on the carpet... since she is so interested and all. Just minding my own business when BAM...she scooped me up and held me, feet dangling, over the kitchen waste basket....NOOOOOOOOO! I mean, how crazy is that? I was mortified, thank GOD no other dogs were around to see it.

WALK: I have no idea what she means when she says this. I do know it has something to do with my new blue necklace (the one I am determined to chew off ) and a rope-like thing. Again we find ourselves traversing the green furry surface. My stomach drags, and it is hard enough standing on my own wobbly feet, and really, what is the point of this? And yet she drags me around a minute or two until she gives up and picks me up. I will get her trained yet.

The last day or so a few new words have popped up..."Sit", "Stay", and "Come". As if. ;- P

Fun With Fire*

2008-07-06T14:12:00.006-05:00

Spinning Sparky Thing

Amber Waves

Fire Breather

* Although there were multiple children (35+) and hundreds of fireworks present, thankfully no digits were lost. However the boat dock suffered several nasty third degree burns, and the grass and flowers surrounding it will grow back eventually, right?(LOL)

It's That Time of Year Again...

2008-06-30T12:40:00.003-05:00

.... and truly, it begs the question "Why do we bother to outlaw them?" I say this because my family members are generally good law abiding citizens. They keep within the speed limit, go to church on Sundays, keep the majority of kink in the bedroom, and volunteer. But the minute an illegal fireworks stand opens it's doors in the states of Indiana , Missouri, or Tennessee they sneak across the border in the dead of night and buy huge bags of somewhat dubious fireworks for their Forth of July Pyrotechnic pleasure. At a party where there will be, undoubtedly, massive quantities of beer present, they will risk their very lives and limbs on this show every year. Here is just a sampling of the $300 (Hopefully funds not going to the white slave or heroin underground) worth of fireworks for this year's celebration. It makes me giggle and roll my eyes at their illicit rebellion. (LOL) But I do have a date with with this year's new "Frog Prince" fire ball on the fourth, here's hoping I maintain my ten digit status.

Two of my Favorite Puppies :)

2008-06-21T18:42:00.004-05:00

Crystal and "the Doodle" as he insists his friends call him. Soon it will be an unpronounceable symbol like Prince I fear. He was really wriggling while I was taking this, I think he is a bit tired of the paparazzi documenting his every move. I do think he resembles Leonardo with his full on "bring it on life" look. I am starting to develop big plans for his Da Vinci dog house, as I think he needs a leopard skin sleeping pillow and absolutely must have a Mona Lisa (with suitable changes to look like his mother) mural in it.

All the SUDDEN the Figurine Moved! (LOOK AWAY: Extreme CUTE ALERT)

2008-06-09T21:34:00.005-05:00

Look who visited my light box while I was shooting porcelain collectibles for Ebay this weekend! I knew right away he wasn't a Royal Copley or McCoy. And just to make this whole picture sweeter than most can stand right after this picture was taken he produced the cutest little "doodle" that looked like a question mark. I am thinking that "Doodle Da Vinci" name may be sticking...so to speak.

I dunno.. I might be a goner. Now if I can only find the right purse to carry him in....(LOL)

Chewing Off a bit of time to BLOG

2008-06-07T09:08:00.004-05:00

Good Lord, it has been weeks since I've found the time to blog, mia culpa! I have been diligently working .. here's a picture of my overloaded desk to prove it. I have developed a new bracelet design, much lighter to wear but with the same glam power as my glass bead gallery ones. I've utilized many of my great collection of vintage plastic beads from the 40's and 50's, which beat out new glass beads by a mile, but this has taken hours of sorting. Since I am in the process of developing my ETSY site, and plan on introducing it sometime in July, my production of "critical mass" is important. But that isn't the only pot boiling on my personal stove.

My sister has gone on an auction frenzy, and I am uploading as many as 150 ads a week selling vintage collectibles for her on Ebay. I barely finish one group as she backs up her van and begins unloading another load of treasures (trash?) to sort, shoot, and build. This next week alone I have 250 to build and upload so I figure I'll just sleep on the pool table at her house between typing jags.

The news on Lewis; he had his surgery on Tuesday. It went well and he was home Thursday. We will not know it all the cancer was rooted out until next week, but the surgeon was very positive. My family has really hung together on this one, as we've spent a lot of time at Martha's "pitch hitting" with the kids (cooking, cleaning, etc) Upside: Great Food. Downside: TOO MUCH great food. :-/ But I am so grateful for the positive outcome for Lewis, and again thank all those who kept him in their thoughts.

And of course in all this frenzied activity I missed calling you on your birthday Rogie. I was determined to, and yet I probably did something crazy like sleep or something that day. I do hope you had a great one my friend, good thing I sent those cookies early this year!

With this said I am off to greet another rainy day in Illinois. I have more to write about later as I have been saving up...I mean there are puppies to discuss, as well as politics, books read, and......too much for one blog entry. :)

It Could Happen To You

2008-05-29T10:35:00.001-05:00

Best political ad I've seen so far this election. Especially the "chickie" part. Yes, I guess I am a hippie tree hugger, but I can really relate. :)

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T08:42:00.004-05:00

Eugene J.Hedkampt. Gene or "Butch" to his many friends, was a Vietnam Veteran, and on this Memorial Day I find myself thinking of him. I met Gene at an Illinois estate auction in 2003, and he was such a fixture at them it would be hard not to notice him. I first noticed he would often buy toys and give them away to the children present, and one day when I was furiously bidding on an old lot of costume jewelry he winked at me. Of all the people present, he was the only one that recognized my bidding strategy and let me know he recognized it. In any case, over the two years I lived in Illinois we became very good friends, and I heard a lot of stories about his years working special operations in the U.S. Military. He even taught me how to make a really cheap bomb with household items, in case the need would ever arise for me to use it. (You never know when that could come in handy...LOL) It was always hard to juxtapose his very violent military history with the man he was when I met him, as even though his bark was totally lethal he was actually one of the most kind and compassionate people I have ever known. The kind of man who walked through life and when he saw a need didn't hesitate to deal with it. I can not count the many children who needed glasses, or bags of food for elder neighbors, or any manner of quiet acts of kindness I personally witnessed. He just knew people, accepted them and the places they were right then, and did what he could to make things better or give a little hope.

Yes, he was a Republican, but an "old school" Republican. The kind who considered himself a patriot, and was against "big" government and fiscally conservative. But it was this Republican that took me out to dinner the day of Kerry's defeat to console me, and admitted for the first time in his life he had actually voted against his own party. He was angered by the Bush administration, felt this war was was motivated solely by economics, and thought the party had been hijacked by religious zealots.

Gene had spent years after returning to private life working as a union labor negotiator at Anhesier Busch brewery, and could size up a person or situation with a very keen eye that I really admired. When I met him he was in the process of dying a slow death by leukemia, that he always attributed to being exposed so heavily to "Agent Orange" in Vietnam. The last year of his life we spent a lot of time together as friends, and I took him to art museums and discussed classic art with him as he seemed hungry to understand it. He tickled me by always buying postcards of the fine art he had seen in the museum to remember the artist and piece, and he made notes on the back of each. For his birthday that last year I surprised him with a double portrait illustration, "Gene as Devil and Angel" and he was as delighted as a child with it. I always knew he had a crush on me, but he was clear I was a lesbian and as a gentleman never acted on it. We truly became the best of friends, as odd as it might have seemed to others. When he died in December 2006, I got a manila envelope full of scribbled museum postcards to remember him by.

So today I honor my friend for his service to this country. Just one small story about one solider, one of the countless men and women that generously gave us this life by their service.

Miss you Gene-O.

Who's Yo Mama???

2008-05-20T19:22:00.010-05:00

After growing as big as a pumpkin Crystal's dog Princess had her litter yesterday. I've been on midwife duty for well over a week, babysitting her during the day while the family were off doing their daily thing. For several weeks Princess insisted I rub her belly almost constantly, and it occurred to me yesterday it may be because I am trained in Reiki Healing and she sensed that. As much as I have been pressured by the kids to pick one of the puppies for my own I have up until now resisted. But that was until I met the runt of the litter,(he's the one that barely fills the palm of my hand in pictures above), and it is hard not to be in love that little squirmy thing!

I still haven't decided. But if (Just saying...) I were to keep this puppy there is the issue of the perfect name. Not too cutesy, something that sounds good being yelled as he jumps the leash and heads for the street. (LOL) So I am announcing the "Name the Runt" Contest. Time for you folks out there to get creative! I will share the best names on my blog next week, announce the winner, and by then I will have decided if he's coming home with me. Hee!

Mama's Banana Pudding

2008-05-11T11:16:00.002-05:00

My mother was a "closet" cook. You'd never tell by her projected intellect that she loved cooking shows on TV and making new foods. But even making the old stand by recipes gave her much pleasure. As I was thinking of Mother's Day today, I remembered her last.

As a family we'd decided on a family get together, and she would never miss an opportunity to make something to bring. That last year she decided on banana pudding. She assembled it a Patty's house, making what seemed to be an enormous vat of warm pudding. As she began to line a big bowl with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas, it became clear that one big crystal bowl was not enough. She started a second bowl of banana pudding preparation, layer after layer of cookies, banana slices, and thick, warm pudding. It seemed the banana pudding began breathing and took on a life of it's own...finally spreading to three big bowls before the process was complete. We laughed and laughed with her as she did this, joking about "the banana pudding that took over the world", and praised her efforts to beat the pudding into submission. "Save us from the creeping pudding!" I had never seen so much banana pudding in my life, too much for the fourteen or so people it was to feed.

I do not remember if we made a dent in that banana pudding at the actual meal that day, but I do remember eating it for a good week before it was gone. On this mother's day what I wouldn't give for a bowl of it! So happy Mother's Day to all those mothers out there in the world. It goes too quickly so enjoy them while you have them. And to my Mama a special memory just for you. I miss you, and even that creeping pudding too. :)

Manna from Heaven

2008-05-08T10:23:00.002-05:00

Subtitle: How the Universe manages to employ it's magic to my constant amazement.

Soon (in two days actually) my friend Pam will graduate from college. Against all odds and at great personal sacrifice she's picking up her diploma at last, and I have wracked my brain thinking of how best to honor this event. My families difficulties keep me home bound, so attending her graduation is sadly not an option. So last week I dreamed of what to do (yes, I actually did) and found myself wishing for the perfect thing. Flowers? Hmmm..not really, she is more of a red tool kinda gal. I do know she loves cookies, but what cookie could possibly mark such a milestone? What to do...what to do...

Fast forward to our garage sale where I had delivered a few of my no longer needed cookbooks. I have so many, I figured a few would do well to inspire another cook. Because of the crummy weather, my sister and I found ourselves entertaining ourselves with the contents of the sale (Yes, that really was a vinyl breast squeak toy given to me by a friend with a wicked sense of humor. I just prefer mine attached LOL) Anyway, my sister picked up one of my cookbooks and out fell a recipe card. But not just any card...I can not count how many times I had wished for this cookie recipe in the last ten years, as it is truly the best cookie anyone ever made. And here it was, just when I needed it. THE Cookie.

From Teagan, a street person I befriended in Seattle. A difficult person, her insanity could sometimes be extremely creative. (Her claim to fame, Crucified Barbie Doll art pieces she would sell on the local gallery walks.) When times were really tough for Teagan she would whip up a batch of these cookies and sell two cookies for a dollar on the streets of Capitol Hill in Seattle. Not only did I buy the cookies, everyone did, and she would go forward with enough cash for wine and another crazy month. With the right marketing she could have made a billion dollars for these cookies, but her craziness would not allow her to "sell out" to that extent. In any case, it has been my lot as a big sister in life to do my best to assist wounded birds, and so I employed Teagan whenever I could in my jewelry making business. For my birthday one year she presented me with her cherished secret cookie recipe, and I knew it was a huge gift as she had no trust left in anyone.

And here it was, delivered just for THE Big Day! So be watching your mailbox Bammy, congratulations on your accomplishment. I am so proud of you, and hope for you only the best always. And that extends to cookies as well. :) Direct from me and the bountiful Universe.

I Wonder What Word Here Triggered this?

2008-05-08T10:21:00.001-05:00

And how did I manage to spell it correctly? (LOL)

Playing With Food

2008-05-08T10:02:00.008-05:00

These remind me of my old Art Director days. :) They are actual promotional photographs designed by a food stylist in NYC. Photoshop has almost made this kind of styling virtuosity obsolete, food is a very difficult shoot. Very nice work.

Miss Me?

2008-05-08T09:21:00.003-05:00

To all my friends, thank you for your patience with me during this time. Also accept my abundant thanks for the prayers that have rained down on my family. The news this week is very good, the cancer has not spread and Lewis will be undergoing a radical surgery that promises to be successful without further radiation treatments. I have spent a lot of time helping the kids cope and trying to keep daily activities at my sister's house as close to normal as possible. So the luxury of blogging has been set aside for a couple of weeks as I do this, I have missed it.

I have continued to carve out a bit of time to continue my creative projects, and with any luck will be ready for my show by May 21st. At least I am crossing my fingers I will be. (LOL) The "Monster Garage Sale" went badly, raining and windy weather the culprit. My "never say die" sister Patty has rescheduled it, and her garage currently looks like a flea market explosion. I swear, her husband is a saint.

So this brings me to the present rainy blustery Spring day. Updating my blog and grateful for the small prayers that made this update a positive one. Thank you. :)

Just another Dance Recital...

2008-04-25T23:00:00.005-05:00

...but not the same as usual. Tonight my beautiful dancing nieces performed a sister duet dance to the song "I Hope you Dance" and their yearly dance recital and it was stunning. At least what I saw of it through my tears seemed to be. They almost cancelled, considering the dark news that fell on their doorstep this week, but they wanted to dance for their daddy. Their father had been experiencing weakness in his arms for a while, and after three weeks of exhaustive testing the results were delivered on Wednesday, stage four testicular cancer. He is only 47 years old, with three small children. More tests next week to see if it has spread to his spine, which is the worst case scenario. It has been a week of tears here, and it has certainly put my own small concerns in life into perspective. I pray all the time, and I believe in the power of prayer. So I would be grateful for any and all extra prayers for Lewis over the next few weeks, even if they are small ones.

Stuff, Stuff, and MORE Stuff....Garage Sale Fever

2008-04-23T10:40:00.002-05:00

Now that the weather is shifting into "Spring Bliss" mode, all the sudden garage sales are popping up like dandelions. Of course not to be outdone, my sisters and I are arranging one too. Generally you can find just about anything at a garage sale in the Midwest, and just wait until they get a whiff of what I'm selling. (LOL) A three foot glass lizard covered in dancing ladies, a 100 year old Tibetan altarpiece, all manner of toys and decorative items that aren't really any use to me presently. It is going to be the monster garage sale I would have killed to attend just short years ago, before I learned for certain I am not my possessions. Don't worry my friends, certain meaningful things will stay with me, but it is time to shed my skin.

These years of attending auctions and selling vintage items have really changed me. I can never explain the experience of going into so many estates, and seeing a life carefully arranged on huge wooden wagons to be picked over and examined by hoards of people looking for bargains. To see how much "stuff" the average American accumulates over a lifetime, most of it not used, is truly enlightening. It is a true window to the soul of the previous owner, as you find what was important enough to them to collect, what they found meaningful to keep, a true timeline of their life. And in the end it is all on wagons sold to the highest bidder, all this careful accumulation. It has absolutely changed my view and habits, but in my sister it has had the exact opposite effect. Sometimes I think her house will sink under the weight of all the "stuff" she now accumulates. I admit, I have looked around at her house and found myself thinking "what an estate sale" all this will someday be.

And me? I like the feeling of being lighter, and the thought of sending "stuff" out into the world to find other willing caretakers. Contentment for me today more and more seems to be found in simplicity.

The Big Creative Push

2008-04-21T11:11:00.002-05:00

Is it the Spring that pushes new things along with it's fresh perspective on life? Hard to tell really, but my absence here for several days has been due to a great creative push I am experiencing. I am busy working on those purses, and they are morphing into other projects as well. This has always been my process, all projects morph into one another like one pool of water spills into the next. Remember that analogy when we all lived in the big house Roger? Well, it is true of a single artist as well. All artistic projects are born of the core vision came before.

And finally we have weather here condusive to happiness. Warm and sunny, but cool enough to leave the front door and windows open to enjoy the breeze. After the earthquake last week it is as if Hecate decided to give us all a big break from the really weird weather and throw Spring at us in abundance. My favorite season is Autumn, but Spring will do in a pinch. :) Now it is not only my little mechanical birdie chirping, but my "snowshoe" friends who made it through the Winter as well. I was never as attached to nature in my life as I am now, probably a function of the wisdom of age and gratitude.

Steampunk Technology

2008-04-21T10:58:00.007-05:00

Wow, this little baby is impressive. My friend Ag linked me to this site, and I have marveled at this laptop computer by Datamancer for several days now. My dream laptop for sure :)