Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Sarah's Wedding





Mom Dad Kenny and me, then, Annie

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The bottom of the vase


If you have a clue as to what this is, please, let me know!

Mysterious Green Vase




Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Christmas brings out the stupid lyrics

Frankly, there is nothing more beautiful than a well-sung Christmas carol. Whereas I am accustomed to listening to the elegant as well as the traditional hokey carols, there are certain songs that I just can't hack.

The songs that grate my nerves the most are the ones with the stupid lyrics. Although, in saying that, I must add that songs sung by adults who pretend to be children, or, by adults who pretend to be animals, or, songs sung by cats, dogs or monkeys also bug the hell out of me. I also can't stand super sappy songs, like that one about the Christmas shoes. I understand that this makes me cold and insensitive, but, I never claimed to be nice.

The Beach Boys' "Little St. Nick" aggravates me to no end. The line that does it every time is: "Christmas comes this time each year." Um, yeah. It sure does. At least, that's what my calendar says. Why state the obvious? Were the creative forces behind the Beach Boys that hard up for a line?

In the 1980s hit by Band Aid, called "Do they know it's Christmas?" there are plenty of what I'd consider stupid lyrics. This song, released in the mid-80s, was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, who collected a group of their British chums (including the likes of Sting, The Police, U2, Culture Club...) in order to create a song that would help to fight the famine in Africa. It was a nice idea, however, knowing that the song was written as a relief for the famine in Africa, one has to question the true meaning of these lyrics. The title, alone, wreaks of ignorance. "Do they know it's Christmas?" I'm assuming here, but, since Christmas is a holiday which celebrates the birth of Christ, and is, in fact, a Christian holiday (let's not even get into the history of that right now), it would be safe to assume that the Africans who were affected by the famine were not Christians (although, Western Religion has made its way to Africa, it's by no means the central religion of the region).

How is it that a song meant to raise funds to help the starving can also belittle them and still be played each year? Take a look at the following lyrics: "Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you." Granted, this line was written so that the world (or Britain) would appreciate the fact that it isn't starving... but it still seems rather ill-intended. The next awful line (or two), "Here's to you, raise a glass for everyone. Here's to them, underneath that burning sun." is hideous as well. The message: Here are these poor Africans, starving, so, let's drink and toast to them.

Finally, and this is the worst line in the song... "And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time." Yeah. Um... would someone please tell Bob and Midge that Africa NEVER gets snow?

Now, before you go on to assume that I'm a complete Grinch, keep in mind that I love songs like "Silent Night" and "Hark the Herald Angels" and "The Messiah." It's not that I hate Christmas, I just hate stupid songs. And if I have to hear that hippopotamus song, or the freakin' chipmunks or "Grandma got runover by a reindeer" one more time, something's going down.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Not Made in America


As I go through life, I sometimes find things to be, well, not right. This bag of doggy treats is a prime example of something that is not right.

"American Rawhide Chews" that are made in Mexico.

Interesting, to say the least.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Just hanging out


Here I am, hanging out.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

A Zetti style Deco

I had to make two Zetti-style Decos for a swap, and this was my paper-doll version! I loved making her skirt and matching hat! I really like the Zetti style and wish I spent more time making these things!

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Annie's Birthday

Yesterday was Annie's birthday. She's now five-years-old! She asked me the night before her birthday, "When I'm five, when I wake up, will I be able to swim?"

I had to laugh. I seem to recall birthdays holding magic like that, too. It's too bad that magic has to fade. Wouldn't life be grand if it were magical?

My friends, Missi, Troy and Alli hosted the party for Annie. I am so blessed to have such good friends! The party became a pony pool party, and it was good fun for all!

As far as my broken relationship is concerned, each day is a struggle. It's very difficult to understand why this has happened, especially when I thought all was quite well. I wish I knew what was going through his head... but... I can't... and even if I could... I doubt that would change anything.

Life isn't always fair, but, at least it's life.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Life is not always great

Today has totally sucked, for lack of a better way of saying it. I can't believe my relationship with Ed is over. I can't believe he cheated on me. I'm no Hilary Clinton, and I can't accept it. (Well, I'm no Hilary Clinton for many many reasons... including her strength, intelligence and perseverance.)

So, I'm thinking about having to enter into the whole dating arena again, and it really sickens me. I don't want to do that. I like my comfort zone way too much! What I'm really saying is that I will be single forever now.

Why? Because this experience was one bad experience too many for me. I don't think I can handle any more.

The weather outside is wickedly thunderous. I think I'll go to bed and know that "tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it." There's some good "Green Gables" for ya!

Friday, July 21, 2006

A Homemade Whirligig




My father has been making these ever since I bought him a $2 "how-to-make whirligigs" book at a garage sale. He carves them himself, and, frankly, I think they are exquisite! My father is a perfectionist when he does anything, so these are as perfect as you can imagine! If you want one, contact me!

The windmill portion spins, the woman's arms go up and down, as does the churner, and it also spins from its base, so it acts as a weather vane, as well! These things are spectacular!

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Monday, June 26, 2006

An Older Find



I found this doll at a garage sale years ago. I still don't know any more about him. Can you help me to identify it?

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Flea Market Find


Look at what I found in a $3 stack of ephemera today!! Isn't this just the coolest? Based on the outfit and hair, I'd say this is Civil War era, for sure!! What do YOU think??? It's copper on the backside, by the way... and since my old photo knowledge is nil... would this be a tin type??? I wouldn't think so... but it is a metal photo.

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Baby Tigger



This is the little guy Annie calls Baby Tigger. He's more of a beanie Tigger, but, he's soft and fleece like her other one. Gund is the company that made these. They've not been made since 2001.

Tigger



I wish I could make this bigger... but this is THE Tigger... the ONLY Tigger that Annie knows. When she watches Winnie the Pooh, she sees THAT Tigger, but he's not the same to her. Bless her little heart!!

Tigger and Annie



This is, perhaps, the oldest surviving photograph of Annie with Tigger. Her classic Tigger is still her best friend and I'm sure she'll treasure him forever. She loved him instantly, and we've gone through about six or seven of them. I don't know how they become lost, but, I'm always on the search for new ones... for prosperity's sake... and for Annie's sake!!

Must be time for bed!


My sweet little baby isn't so little anymore... but she's still sweet... when she wants to be!! These are about four years old!!

Sunday, May 21, 2006

Just thinking...

I've often wondered if anyone reads my blog. I'm not so good at keeping up with it, though part of that has to do with the vertigo I've been battling for the past two weeks. Prior to that, I blame the end of the semester workload.

At any rate, I do like to know that people read this. I was glad to see someone commented on the India-Tibet Deco I'd made. Thank you for your compliments!

I'd like to keep links on this page, but, as a blogger newbie, I'm not quite sure how to create that type of a section. I have the feeling it has more to do with the layout I chose. If anyone can help me with this little task, please comment!

I've found some old magazines, old found photos and other ephemera as I was cleaning this past weekend, and I think I just might share some of the cool stuff with you. We'll see what happens...