My Favorite Halloween Costumes 2009

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

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 :)

Thank you! :)

Chinese Farmer Grows Baby-Shaped Fruit

Yum..I want a Baby Shaped Pear!

Wedding Entrance Dance

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

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

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

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

Ah-Chooooooo

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...

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

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

The Birthday Boy Speaks

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...

...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

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...

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!

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

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

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

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."