Role Playing? I Don't Think That Will Work

One of my friends wants me to go to her house and role play talking to men.  I told her I don't have trouble talking to men, I just can't figure out how to move it past a casual talk with someone I find interesting.

Sunday at Huffines Art Trails is a good example.  I was bebopping along when one of the policemen on duty called me over and started asking me questions and talking to me.  He was quite handsome, probably close to my age, and funny.  We talked a few minutes, and then I told him to have a good day and went to another booth.  When I came out of the booth he was there again and called me over again.  A little chit chat and I went on to another booth.  When I came out we spoke again.  During that part of the conversation he asked me what I was going to do for dinner.  I told him I was going to go pick up my son on campus and take him out to eat.  He proceeded to tell me about a meal he had that was delicious, a little more chit chat and then I said I had more of the trails to finish.  

After I walked around for another 15 minutes I got to wondering if I could have taken that conversation in a different direction to see if maybe he was interested in talking some more in another venue.  Then I realized I don't know how to do that in this life.  When I was in high school and college it was not an issue. I mean you would meet a guy, find him interesting, and then mention you would be at the basketball or football game, the student union, the campus movie, etc., and if the guy was interested he would show up where you were.  That won't work at this stage of my life.

I don't think role playing will solve my problem.  I think getting up the nerve to suggest to the next guy I find interesting that we talk again sometime might work.  The key words being "getting up the nerve."

New Photo

I have been trying to let my hair grow.  It seems that every time I get any length at all I get aggravated and cut it all off short. This time I have been able to avoid cutting all my hair off by only letting my friend Laura cut my hair, she is refusing to cut it right now.    Some of my friends back home have never seen me with anything but super short hair, so I took a new picture to put on FB.  Thought I would share it here.

What a Horrible Engagement Story

My oldest and his fiancee have the worst engagement story. 

He didn't even say the words "Will You Marry Me?" Instead they are calling it a mutually agreeable decision between two mature adults..  

What a load of crock!  I get it that she doesn't like surprises, and is not into romance, but really?

I am going to start making up stories about it and change it for everyone new I tell.  This could be quite fun.

I'm Not Good at Faking Surprise

When I was sick last week I got a text from my oldest saying he and his girlfriend wanted to spend the night Saturday night.  Once I was feeling better I texted and asked him if there was a reason they wanted to stay here and he answered that they just hadn't seen me in a while.  I told him I had to work Saturday and what time would they get there.  He wasn't sure but said he would be happy to make dinner for me since I was working.  I said we could have tortilla soup and would make sure to have everything ready so he could cook.

Now the oldest and his girlfriend just returned from a trip to San Antonio where they celebrated her birthday and their 3rd anniversary.  We all figured they would come back engaged or married, and I knew there would be some announcement on Saturday night. 

I came home from work at 5:00 P.M. and he had texted they would get there at 6:30. Since I had not eaten all day I went ahead and started dinner to be ready at 6:30.  They arrived a little before 6:30 and he asked why I hadn't waited for him to cook and I explained I was hungry and couldn't wait.  As we were talking in the kitchen I kept looking for a ring on her hand but I didn't see one but I did notice how they kept glancing at each other.  They had been home about 15 minutes when he said they had a big announcement to tell me.  Just as he said this I saw Loni's car coming up the driveway.  I turned and asked him "What?" and he said they had decided it was the right time to get engaged.  I said congratulations.  He then asked me why I didn't act surprised and I said because I had known it was coming.  Right then Loni walked in the kitchen.  I told him to go ahead and tell her but she wouldn't be surprised either.

My poor son is so disappointed that no one is surprised.  Her parents weren't and neither was his side of the family.  I told him that since I had flat out asked him if he was thinking about getting engaged just a couple of months ago and he said yes, I couldn't fake being surprised.  I then told him a birthday and three year anniversary was a pretty obvious time to get engaged.  

He is still disappointed.

Friday's Good Deed

Once again, why me?

I had two encounters with strangers at the grocery store Friday.

The first encounter started when I heard a woman a family where something was but the family just walked away.  As I was passing the woman I asked her what she was looking for and she answered "green chiles."  I told her they were in the Mexican specialty aisle under the taco shells.  She informed me she had looked there already and no green chiles.  I assured her they were there the week before and I was sure they hadn't been moved.  She huffed and went on.  A few minutes later she came back to find me and thanked me because the chiles were where I said.  I told her no problem and we parted ways.

The second encounter was when I was picking up my yogurt.  A woman came up to me holding a box of Velveeta.  She asked me if I had used it before.  I said "yes."  She then asked if I knew of a recipe that called for sausage or hamburger and made a dip.  I proceeded to tell her how to make the recipe, she was very thankful.  I then looked in her cart and noticed she had beer, soda, and other party items, but was missing one very obvious item.  As we said goodbye I told her to make sure she picked up her tortilla chips.  She looked down in the cart and said "Oh my goodness, thank you!" and off she went back to the chips.  

That was Friday's good deed. 

Great Day

My day did not turn out as planned, but it was such a great day!

I had my day all down on paper as I had a lot to accomplish.

• Stop by unsurprise party for a friend to leave a card and hugs
• Walgreens for new headbands 
• Vote
• Bank
• Target for worm rags
• Grocery
• Home 
• Get fishing gear ready
• Laundry
• Prepare cooler
• Prep Tortilla Soup
• Regular Friday night dinner with Loni

I managed to get to complete

• Party
• Walgreens
• Vote
• Bank
• Grocery
• Laundry
• Dinner with Loni

But between the bank and grocery shopping there was a big change of plans.  

 

I came home one day this week to a very sad sounding phone message from a friend.  It made me depressed just to listen to it.  The message itself was not depressing it was the sound of my friend's voice.  I could tell she was in her sad place.  I talked to her that night, and she sounded better, but I was worried about her.  I had spent time with her last Saturday and she was okay, but I know her moods can go south fast.  I had called her early this morning to check on her and she did not answer.  When I was leaving the bank she called me and sounded sad again so I asked her if I could take her to lunch and if she would like to help me shop for some new sweaters.  She asked me if I would take her to her favorite Chinese place and I said sure.  She said "YAY!"  I made arrangements to pick her up and off I went.  

 

When I picked my friend up she told me just how depressed she had been this week and that she wasn't sure why.  We chit chatted to the restaurant and then once seated we really started talking.  It wasn't long before we were laughing ourselves sick.  At the end of lunch she told me she felt much better. 

Hello Mr. Skunk

It is 2:41 A.M. and I have having a stare down with Mr. Skunk.  He is outside the sliding glass door looking at me.  He keeps nudging the glass. Maybe he is not happy with the change in temperature.

 

My Favorite Word of the Day

Sweetness

Just a little note to myself to bring a smile to my face.

Independent Lil Cuss

My Mom would call me an "independent lil cuss" when I would go off and do my own thing. Now I have one of my own. 

The youngest did not come home last weekend because of exams.  He is not coming home this weekend because he wants to spend Saturday playing a video game.  

I guess Loni and I will have to continue to take him out to eat once a week if we want to enjoy his company. 

I was able to annoy him quite a bit tonight by taking several pictures of his "wings."  I also made him give me two weeks of hugs in the parking lot of Target since I will not be available the following weekend, and it will be a while before I can get my hugs.  Although since he doesn't have tests next week I might have to grab him for dinner on Tuesday night.

He is ashamed that he has not had time to trim his face this week due to all the tests and group assignments.  He needs a haircut too as his wings are sprouting.  If he doesn't come home to get a haircut soon he will look like the Flying Nun.   I am not sure he can take anyone but Patsy cutting his hair since the last time he let someone else cut it they gave him a Justin Bieber haircut.  I am not sure who was more appalled, the youngest or me. 

Are you done with this nonsense yet?

7 and 8

7 days until

 

8 days until

 

 

Only I am hoping to see some fall colors still.  Even if the trees are bare, the lake will be there. 

The Real Answer of the Day

I am tired of having real answers to questions each day that I cannot speak aloud for various reasons, so I think I will post special ones here, or at least the ones that won't leave my head until I release them.  Some of my regular blog readers will once in a while be able to figure out who asked the question, and might find the real answers to be amusing, and true.  Please note that I will include the answer I actually gave, and you will be able to see that I never answer with a lie, but then again, Loni did say I was the "queen of spin."

Here is today's real answer.

Question: "Why am I so bad at this?"

Answer : "I guess you really need to figure that out."

Real Answer: "Because you are a self-absorbed bitch."  

Oh, I feel better already from having released that from my brain.

 

Love You Friend, But No

I love my friends. I try my best to be a good friend and if my friends ask for help or have special requests I try to meet their needs.  Tonight I had to turn a friend down, I just couldn't make myself say "yes." 

I am still laughing at her request.  My friend wanted me to read a book for her while I am on vacation in November.  She wanted me to read "50 Shades of Grey."  She said she heard it was good.  I told her I wasn't interested in reading the book, but that I would buy it for her for Christmas.  She insisted I not do that, she just wanted me to read it.

I told her if I read any book on vacation I would tell her about it, but it probably wouldn't be the same.

Maybe I can buy her a ticket to the movie when it comes out.

"Classy Girls"

This song brings a smile to my face every time I hear it. 

I have a friend who thinks he and his other male friend should take me out to a "classy" bar and find me a hook up.  I just laugh and tell him that is not my style but he says I will never get out and start dating again if I don't do this and he would be able to pick me out a "good one." I don't see this happening, but the idea cracks me up.

The song also makes me smile because one of my old boyfriends recently told me I was the "best girl he ever dated, but then I was the only one he didn't pick up in a bar."

"Classy Girls"

Well she was standing in the bar
I said, "Hello, how do you do?"
She handed me a beer with a kangaroo.

She spoke of places I had never been
That she had traveled to
And we slowed danced along to faster tunes

I made her laugh, I made a pass, I showed her my half dollar ring
She said, "That's pretty cool,
But classy girls don't kiss in bars, you fool"

So later on the crowd calmed down
And I believe it was as if
Something drew me closer to her lips

So picture my surprise when I had tried to lean in for a kiss
And she just smiled and turned her head down

I asked her, "Why?" and she replied,
"It was nothing I was doing nothing wrong, its just what it is"
Oh, classy girls don't kiss in bars like this

No, classy girls don't kiss in bars
Boys will break their backs and hearts
But its alright, the hardest part is through

100.4 Last I Checked

The last reading on my thermometer was 100.4, and I do mean my last reading.  The battery died on my thermometer last night after that reading.

 

I did get 12 hours of sleep in last night. It was a pretty solid sleep, but also brought on by medications to make me sleep.

 

This morning  I managed to eat a bowl of oatmeal, and I have had two cans of ginger ale.  I tried the 7 Up but I didn't like the taste.  

 

I managed to shower a few minutes ago and now I am resting before attempting to dry my hair and dress because I am just too weak to accomplish that all at once.

 

Don't know what this bug is but it can go away now.  

It's a Fever

I thought I had a fever, but wasn't sure until I fell asleep.  While I was asleep I dreamed about my dog Matilda.  When I woke up I opened the door to call her in.  I was just sure she was out there.

Matilda has been gone since 1999.  

I think I need to take more meds and lay down again before I do something really stupid.

Not Everything Should be a Tradition

Warning: Not for those who have weak stomachs or don't like to read things that are too personal.

I am not up at 1:49 A.M. because I have insomnia, I am up because I am sick.  

I thought I might be sick earlier today but wasn't sure. I have been asleep on and off most of the day.  Some of the naps lasted over two hours, others for thirty minutes.  I tried to eat, but nothing sounded good, and my stomach hurt.  I couldn't decide if my stomach hurt because it needed food or because I was sick, but in the end I did not give it a lot of food.  

I also couldn't decide if I was sleeping because I was sick or because I took Alteril last night. I was chilling and feeling bad due to exhaustion before I took the Alteril.  So I won't know until I take it when I am not already having issues.  

I managed to wake up enough to watch some television tonight, and it was during these shows that I realized how nauseous I was and that I was still chilling.  I finally decided to go to bed, but just as I headed that way I started feeling worse, so I took the precaution of putting a plastic bag lined bucket next to the bed.  

I laid down but felt horrible and each moment seemed to bring on a new symptom. I finally managed to dose off a little bit only to wake up and realize I better grab the bucket and for good reason.  I thought I would never stop needing the bucket.  After cleaning up, I decided to sit up on the couch.  

As I sat down on the couch I had a flashback to my childhood.  My mother believed that if you regurgitated (not allowed to say "I threw up" at my house), then you needed an enema.  It was how her mother raised her, and according to Mom it always cured them.  This horrible tradition of cures lasted until I was in 4th grade and old enough to fight back using the enema bag as my weapon.  I thought it was rather an ingenious battle.  My Mom did not.  

I used to use that story of getting an enema when I was sick to let my boys know what a great mom I am.  I would tell them "Hey, at least I didn't give you an enema every time you threw up."  See, I didn't even carry on the tradition of using "regurgitated."

I am just glad Mom didn't carry over all of Grandma's traditions or I would have had been downing a lot of Castor Oil as a child and putting a blanket on my head when I sat outside so bats couldn't get in my hair. 

It is a miracle that I am not weirder than I am.  

Angel Child

I have wonderful children, biological and "adopted."  I am always teasing them as to which one is the favored one at the moment.  

Loni is definitely the favored Angel Child at this moment.  

I spent the last 6 days preparing and working at a thrift sale. Now a lot of people may think I spent the last three days of the sale just sitting in my office, but that is because they weren't there with me at 7:30 A.M. moving things around etc.  Just keeping my mouth shut about certain things took great strength on my part. Plus I was pretty much unable to move after the first 3 days. Fibro kicked in and the pain and soreness has settled into every part of my body. The close down and repacking yesterday was the final thing my body needed to say "ENOUGH."  I came home, cleaned up, put on my robe, grabbed "greenie" and sat down on the couch "DONE."

All I had to eat yesterday was yogurt and a granola bar at 7:00 A.M. and some peanut butter crackers at some point around the lunch time.  I think I managed to get a bottle of water in between those two feedings, but as hungry as I was I could not make myself get up again.  Loni and texting to the rescue.  She checked in on me and offered to bring food.  I wanted comfort food so I asked for Mimi's Chicken Pot Pie and salty Doritos or Cheetos.  She soon arrived and as a true TOPS friend only brought me snack sized salties with the pot pie.

Evidently I was in such a stupor I  missed all the other stuff the Angel Child did while she was here.  When I finally was able to get up and go get ready for bed I realized she had taken out the trash, straightened and turned down my bed, and loaded up the toilet paper holder.  

I am so blessed on a daily basis, but on days like last night I count all my blessing twice.  It makes me think of all those in the world without someone to take care of them when they aren't feeling well.  

I must remember to do something extra kind next week for someone, if I can move by then. 

THANK YOU!

Marie, Bill, Janet, Tom, Jeri, Keith, Debra, Melinda, and Beverly.  I couldn't have gotten through this week without your help. With your help I made it through the week and I am sitting on my couch weeping because every part of my body hurts. I am having neck spasms, and every time I breath the hair on my arms hurts.  If you all hadn't been there to help, I probably would have had to just stay at work because I wouldn't have been able to get myself into the car to come home.  

THANK YOU!

No More Stinky Cheese

A few months ago a friend of mine was showing at a gallery in a nearby city and I went up to the show to celebrate with her and show my support.  Since that night I have driven up to the gallery several times to see new exhibits.  

The gallery is very small and, unless I see something I really like, I Can usually tour an entire exhibit in approximately 10 minutes.  I tend to go on the opening night of the exhibit, which means there is a small buffet table with bad wine (according to my friend), grapes, crackers, cheese, and a few other items. It is very nice that the gallery tries so hard for their artists and guests, but I really wish they would not serve such stinky cheese.  

I usually arrive pretty close to the time they have opened the doors, but even then the stinky cheese they serve has had a chance to permeate the room with rankness.  You get a few bodies in that small gallery and the room starts getting warm which means the cheese just gets more offensive.  It was bad tonight and there wasn't hardly anyone there.  I can't imagine what it smelled like an hour into the evening.  

Tonight my nose was tweaked enough that I just wanted to shout "NO MORE STINKY CHEESE."

Why I End Up Doing Things I Hate

A former instructor visited with me in my office today and was telling me about the next class she is teaching in 2013.  During the explanation she said she knew that I already had the skill set, and that she did not expect me to follow along with the project but that I would be expected to provide a finished quilt block for the group. 

Now normally I would not have a problem with this idea, but the technique she is teaching and required for the block is one I absolutely hate.  I don't like doing it, I don't like looking at it, and I really don't want to spend time making even one block even if the sale of the item is for a good cause.  In fact, as soon as she told me the technique I was trying to figure out how I was going to get out of taking the class, since it seemed to be expected that I would be there.  

I pretty much had my excuse formulated in my mind when the instructor was ready to leave and needed help carrying items to her car.  After I placed everything in her car, she turned to me and told me that she wasn't sure she would see me until January and she wanted to wish me Happy Holidays.  She then gave me a giant hug and told me she was really looking forward to spending time with me again and working with me.  

Hugs and words like that are the reasons I always end up doing things I hate.  I will end up rationalizing that since this woman and another woman in the group want me to take the class what would it hurt for me to give up 2 hours a week of my time to do something I hate if it makes a couple of people happy.  I will do this knowing full well that other than the socializing with my friends in the group, and there are more than two, I will hate every second of the project and my jaw will hurt from gritting my teeth. I also know that if I decide not to take the class, there will be phone calls (sometimes on a weekly basis) telling me how much I am missed, and then asking if I am sure I cannot attend.

Sigh.

I Always Say I Won't Do It

Every time a garage sale is mentioned as a fund raiser I swear up and down I won't do it, and I end up volunteering every single time.  

It is one thing to have your own garage sale where you are only dealing with touching your own stuff, but doing a sale where nothing being sold is yours and you have no idea where the stuff has been, who has done what with it or on it is just gross.  

My dream is to one day have enough money so when someone says we need to raise $________ for ___________ let's have a garage sale, I can just write them a check and say "let's not and say we did."

 

Yes, I volunteered to work on another sale. Today was the first day and there are two days left, but we spent the first three days of the week unpacking boxes.  By the end of the day on Saturday I might have to soak in Purell for two days.

 

This sale would NOT have been possible without the hard work of T, J, M, B, and the other M.  Not only have they worked hard and put up with a lot, they have provided hours of laughter.  Thank you all.

I think the next time someone mentions garage sale I will be strong enough to say "no."

Down in the Mud

I have had a year mired down by something I cannot begin to explain to anyone.  I can tell people about it, but no one really understands.  I would so love to be able figure out how to get my brain out of this mud, but I just seem to continue to sink.  

The only thing I am sure of these days is how blessed I am by the people in my life.  It has been especially clear to me this week as tragedy has hit home for many of my loved ones.  It is truly amazing to me that I have so many people who love me and are there for me. I only hope they know how much they are appreciated by me and how much I love them back.  

As I sit and count my blessings tonight, I know I will never completely drown in the mud.  Someone will always be there to offer me a stick to hold on to.

Maybe someday I will be strong enough or brave enough to climb out of the mud, but first I have to be able to know I can live with the consequences in the future.  The problem with living with the consequences is that I have already suffered them before and I don't know if I do it again. 

Then again, mud is supposed to have restorative powers, so who knows maybe if I stay mired down long enough I will be completely detoxified and restored. 

Or I can just roll on the floor laughing myself silly thinking about how my dear friend misunderstood me one day and thought I said "mud" when I really said "mug."  Inside joke, but oh so very funny.   

Monday Night Routine

I have had a new Monday night routine during the "Major Crimes" season. I go to Loni's each Monday to watch the show.  I arrive right before it airs, and leave when it is over.  Tonight was the season finale. 

The best thing about these Monday night visits is that my grandcat, Mocha, has become used to the fact that I am there, and knows that whereas I might bring her a treat when I arrive, I will ignore her unless she indicates she is interested in my seeing her.  

The last couple of weeks she has allowed me to feed her a few treats out of my hand and I have actually been allowed to pet her a couple of times. 

 

I will have to find a reason to keep going over there on a weekly basis so the grandcat doesn't forget me.

Lumineers

I have spent the evening enjoying the music of the Lumineers.

More from Cottonwood Art Festival, Fall 2012

I met Ralph Rankin, a ceramic artist, from Orlando, Florida at the October Cottonwood Art Festival. This was his first year to show at Cottonwood.  I took one look at his display and knew I would be making a purchase.  Since he was pretty close to the beginning of my journey through the booths, I told him that I would have to come back to make my purchase.  I only say that to artists that I know I will purchase from, otherwise I thank them for sharing their talent and go on.  I did have to laugh though because as we left the booth my youngest turned to the Mr. Rankin and said "She will be back, and she will be buying." 

I don't think I have to explain my purchase once you see it.  I haven't been able to get a great picture of it because there is always a reflection.

 

 

I would have preferred five turtles since five is my favorite number, but my choice was six or seven.  I explained to Mr. Rankin that I could not have an even number it had to be an odd number.  

I try to always take enough cash to pay all the artists that way, but by the time I arrived back to this booth, my last stop, I was $4 short, and the youngest had no cash, not even his required hidden emergency money.  Mr. Rankin told me not to worry about it, but I asked for his address and told him that I would mail him the money.  He gave it to me and said he did not expect to get the $4.00 but it would make him smile if he did.  When we met back up with Loni I asked her to give me $4.00 and went back to give him the rest of the money.  He thanked me and told me it wasn't necessary, and I explained to him that I would never cheat any artist as I respect the talent too much.  

I love it!

I also added to my John P Irizarry collection. He had this triptych that I decided I had to have for over my sliding door.  I explained to John that I was going linear with the piece and therefore had to see it that way in the booth.  He is so sweet he took it down, and started to lay them out as he had them numbered, but of course I did not want them that way and I kept telling him how to rearrange them and then I wanted to see them with space between them and without.  He was so great to go along with me.  His partner Scott was laughing his head off.  I really like the arrangement I have over my door, but have not been able to get a great photo of the way I have it laid out due to the acryllic finish giving me a glare even without the flash. 

 

Since I couldn't afford the original Skatin' Demon from Brandon Styles, Dr.B.Zurk, I purchased one of his Daft Sods prints.  It just makes me smile.

I Can Hear Laundry Day

It was a long day today and I came home tired and in pain.

I was sure I had my phone with me when I left the office, but when I needed to send a text about an hour after I got home I could not find my phone any where.  I searched all the regular places including the car, no phone.  I thought great I will have to go back to the office.  

I put my shoes on and started to head for the door when I thought I would try calling the phone, even though I was pretty sure I had looked every where for it in the house.  I hit dial, and I started hearing "Laundry Day" but it was faint.  I headed towards the kitchen and then realized it was coming from the laundry room.  I though that was weird since I had not been in there since coming home.  Once in the laundry room (which would have been appropriate considering the song), I decided it was coming from the office so I went in there.  Yes, the song was louder in that room, but where was the phone? 

It was in the recycling bin!  Thank goodness I found it.  Recycling day is tomorrow.  I guess I scooped the phone up when I gathered all mail I was recycling off the couch.  Whew! I could have gone nuts trying to find the phone once the recycling was out.  I would never have though to look there. 

One of My Very Handsome Nephews

Miss you much Wolfie.  No matter how many times you have almost aggravated me to death, I have always loved you very much. 

My Failings as a Parent Keep Piling Up

Spending time with the youngest allows me to realize all my failures as a parent.  

Not only will the child not vote in the presidential election, but he also has no clue who Eric Clapton is. 

I cannot begin to express the shame I feel.  

He asked me why he should know who Eric Clapton was, he didn't have a cool name like Yo-Yo Ma.

This child is the reason I have so much white hair.

My youngest, when he cares to be, is a very gifted musician.  He used to play a mean mandolin until his teacher told him he played better than some people that had been playing 25 years, and then the kid quit playing.  Was he a Bill Monroe, Ricky Skaggs, or David Grisman? No, but he was also not even a teenager.  

He can also play the cello, hammered dulcimer, guitar, and a mountain dulcimer, but he stopped playing all instruments once he left high school and went to TAMS.  

My youngest does not listen to music.  Never has, and I don't expect him to start any time soon.  

So how do I expect him to know who Eric Clapton is?  Because he has lived with me and his brother all his life. I have played Eric Clapton in the car on trips.  His brother and I recently had a conversation about Clapton in the presence of the youngest who was not doing anything at the time but listening to us.  You would think he would have a vague recollection of having heard the name.

If I learn of any more failures, I am going to need a stepladder. The pile is getting too high.

Picture Whore

The youngest informed me today that he was not my "Picture Whore."

Cottonwood Art Festival, October 7, 2012

I was not able to go to the first day of the Fall, 2012 Cottonwood Art Festival, but I was there on Sunday, October 7, 2012.

I saw some great jewelry artists during my tour of the booths.  I bought two rings, and the information to order a third one I liked the style of but would prefer a different stone.

Here are the two rings I purchased.

Phillip Hall Productions, Sculptural Art Jewelry

Janine Decresenzo

Here are links to other jewelry artists I really liked.

Fred and Janis Tate

Lisa Crowder

Julie Jerman-Melka

What Would Our World Be Without Art?

I love this video.

The second guy from the left in the opening scene reminds me of the oldest. 

Waiting on the Print

When I visited the Mad Tatters booth at Cottonwood, Fall, 2012, there was a great piece that I must have.  Unfortunately, it was out of my price range for the day, but the artist did tell me he would be making prints.  I am anxiously awaiting the print of "Skating Demon" by Brandon Styles "Dr.B.Zurk"  Note there is a turtle in the corner saying "rad."

There is so much symbolism in this art that touches my life.  I wish I could have purchased the original piece.

Mumford and Sons and Bow Thayer

I am planning my November lake trip.  No trip would be complete without some great music to smooth the way.  I just ordered some Mumford and Son cds and I know I will be taking Bow Thayer with me too.  Of course, CCR is going.  I wouldn't even consider driving any distance without my CCR.  Sometimes I wish at least one of my boys still lived in Denton so I could still have the late night road trip back with the window down and CCR blasting.

A Whole New Look

I am getting a whole new look at the youngest this morning.  He has a programming assignment due tonight (he thought it was due tomorrow night) and he has to use my computer to do the homework since his is on campus.  I haven't seen him do this kind of work before.  It is quite entertaining.

The first few minutes was complaining that it was due on Saturday when he knows the professor won't look at it until Monday.  This was followed by a hilarious impression of the professor's teaching style and some in class stories. I told the boy that if computer engineering didn't work out for him he could always try stand up comedy.

Now he is down to work and it is really interesting to watch this very dramatic process, especially the rolling around on the couch and throwing up of the arms.  The fist beating against the leg is good too. Do I think he is putting on a show for me?  No, I think this is how he works when he is not in class.  It seems to be a blend of Raymond's and my style of working on a problem. 

I am sure he will finish the assignment soon and it will be just what it needs to be.  He is doing great this semester and I am super proud of him.

Spoiling the Youngest

I texted the youngest today and said 2 or 3 pies.  The answer was 3, pls.  So 3 pies are in the oven. 

There is also a gallon of chocolate milk waiting on him. 

Tias are not the only ones that can spoil that boy.

What is it About Me?

I hate to shop, but since I gave away pretty much all my winter clothes I now have no choice but to find a few things to keep me warm at work in the upcoming months.  Since my plans for today were canceled I decided to venture out to look for something.  I really just wanted to shop and think. I have a lot going on in my head and I thought it would be good to get out of the house and sort through some of it this afternoon.  

My first stop was JCP.  I managed to get to where I wanted to go without having to interact with anyone and was busy thinking and be-bopping to the great music they were playing when it happened.  The same thing that always happens.  A woman latched on to me.  She was older than me, but not what I would consider a senior, but she wanted to have a conversation.  I was holding up a green and navy top and thinking how ugly it was when she started in on how she would love to buy one but it wasn't in her size.  I gritted my teeth and looked over hoping to cut her off before it went much further and here she was about a size 6 in the plus sizes.  I explained to her that I was sure she could find it in her size in the right department since it was a well named designer.  She started in about how she had been all over the store and this was the only place she could find this top but it just was too big.  (The woman could have wrapped it around her several times it was a 3X, it would have fallen off me.)  She then went on about her two friends in Chicago and how she was going to have to go home and call them immediately and tell them to go to JCP and look at the top because she was sure they would just love it.  It was then I gave up.  I was not going to be able to shop in peace.  I ungritted my teeth and talked to her for a while before we parted ways.

My next stop was Kohl's, where I managed to avoid all contact except for one man who snuck up on me, but after a "Hello, how are you?" he moved on.  However, the vibe was bad in that store and I couldn't think so I was on my way soon after arrival.

I then headed to Lane Bryant.  I have never found anything in there, but I thought I would try.  I was the only customer and when the saleslady approached I told her that I was only there to look, didn't know what I wanted, and was probably not buying today.  She was very nice and said to call if I needed her.  I was out of there in five minutes.  

My last stop was Belk. I was unhappily shopping and filling my arms with anything I thought might fit when I heard "Do you think these are black or dark navy jeans." I turned around and there stood a woman about my age who looked like she wanted to be there as much as I did.  I looked in her arms and I really couldn't tell if the pants were black or not.  I had on a black t-shirt so I put it up next to the pants and we decided they were black. She then told me she didn't know how many pairs of jeans she needed.  I told her it depended on how often she liked to do laundry.  She started looking at the things I had in my arms and commenting on the green I had picked over the green she had picked.  She liked mine better.  So there it went, a shopping alliance was formed and each time we passed each other we would look over the others stuff and comment.  She ended up in line behind me and we chatted some more.  She said she enjoyed our chats.

 

So what is it about me that I always end up in these situations with people pretty much every where I go? Please note that I did not do anything to initiate these encounters today.  I did not see these women first and smile at them or nod.  I was looking in another direction entirely when they approached me. They had to speak to get my attention. I watch other people and no one ever speaks to them while they are shopping.  In fact there were plenty of other people these two women could have spoken today instead of me.  I am pretty sure my face did not say "I care" today.

I Don't Understand

How could the one child that is most like me be so unlike me?

I just don't understand my youngest, and I am not talking about his food "issues" or his aversion to driving.  I am talking about the fact that he doesn't know whether he will vote in the presidential election.  

What????

This is the first presidential election he has been eligible to vote in and he might not vote because he doesn't feel any great affiliation with either candidate.  How could this be my child?  How could be Raymond's child?  

I couldn't wait to be old enough to vote.  It was a bigger deal to me than driving.  My parents always stayed up with candidates, presidential, state, or local, there were discussions around the table as to who was running and what did we know about them.  Local candidates were important to my dad in his business. 

I remember the first time I voted.  I drove to Nancy, KY and entered the building so excited.  I knew the ladies running the room and they knew me. As I went to step into the booth and pull the curtain, Mrs. Haney looked me right in the eye and said "You know who to vote for right?"  I knew what she meant.  She meant I had better go in there and pull that Republican lever and walk away.  I said "Yes, ma'am I know what I am doing"and I did.  I had done my homework.  I did not pull the straight Republican lever.  I walked out of that booth and she said "Good Girl!"  I said "Thank you" and walked out with my head high. To me that was the beginning of me being a true independent woman, I was in control of that situation.  I had my say, based on my opinion of the facts I had read.  I was proud.

Raymond and I always studied the candidates.  We would go to local meet the candidates, study the League of Women Voter's candidate guides, etc. and then would take a sample ballot with us with our chosen candidates checked so we wouldn't forget which judge we wanted over another.  Any other issues on the ballots were fully researched.  Did we always agree on candidates and vote alike? Heavens no. There were many years we took great pride in canceling the other one's vote.  Did knowing our vote wouldn't count keep us from going to the voting booth?  Heck no!  The last election Raymond voted in was from his hospice bed.  The election official came to the house, we all stepped outside and Raymond marked his ballot.  It meant that much to him.  

So, how can I have an 18 year old child so indifferent to voting?  It isn't that he doesn't know his candidates, he knows the candidates and he keeps up with the issues. He probably keeps up with it better than I do now. How can he not want to have his say?  There has to be one that fits his beliefs more than the other.  

I don't understand.  It just baffles me. 

You Want Artificial Sweetening? Ask Someone Else

I have a reputation for saying what I think when I am asked my opinion.  I tell people up front, don't ask me if you don't want to know what I think because I will tell you.  No sugar coming out of my mouth once you ask me point blank to tell you my honest opinion. It is who I am and it gets me in trouble all the time because even the people who know me best and know what they are going to get don't like it. Which I don't get sometimes, because it is just my opinion, and after all, who am I? 

Can I sprinkle sugar on people, yes, but not artificial sugar.  I believe in the raw pure sugar variety.  If I don't like your dress, I am not going to tell you how nice it looks on you, no matter how many times you run your hand over it and tell me how great it feels, especially if I think it makes you look like a ten year old boy in a bright pink dress.  I'm going to say "I'm glad you like it."  You can't make me say "It looks great on you!"

In trying to find me this year, I realize this is not something I would change. Have I lost people in my life because of it? Yes.  Do I want to not be me in order to have these people in my life? No.

Have I been attacked over my opinion? Most certainly.  I can think of two very specific instances where I was smacked around over things I had said.  Did I smack back?  No I didn't.  I could have come up with a laundry list of grievances too, but I refrained.  Is not coming back with the hurts and irritations that they have caused spreading artificial sugar? No. I accept people for who they are.  I embrace quirkiness in others.  What I will not do is subject myself to spending a lot of time with people who do not accept me for me.  Once I know a person cannot accept me as I am, then I cannot be myself around that person, and then there is no point.  I don't like hanging around with people who I know are being fake, I really wouldn't want to be around a fake me.  

I don't feel bad about this part of myself.  I have people who call me on a regular basis asking for my opinion about a problem with their children, medical issues, and a myriad of other topics.  They all tell me the same thing, we know you will tell us your opinion.  They also know they don't have to take my word as the final say.  It is just another take on things.  

So if you want some artificial sweetening to get you through the day, please ask someone else.

Random I Can' SleepThoughts

It has been a rough week between Myrtle Beach and here.

If I buy a lake house, what will I do with all the stuff in this house?

I still think my new ring looks like a Christian fish on drugs.

20 days to Dylan, 21 days to being back on the water.

How many pumpkin pies should I make my youngest tomorrow.  I'm thinking at least two. Don't forget the whipped cream.

What should I be thinking about in order to make the appropriate face if the inevitable happens and I have to pretend to be happy?

 

I never said I would take special orders.  

 

I think it is wrong to have Cadbury Screme Eggs.  Chocolate eggs are for Easter baskets.

 

My Magic Switch has lost its magic.  I need to go to Lowes.

 

Disappointed

I was expecting a visit from an old friend this weekend.  I haven't seen her since the oldest was 2 1/2, so the fall of 1992.  

We have been friends since 7th grade.  I am four days older than she is and she never lets me forget it.  All through high school, even when I moved away, we stuck it out.  I can't tell you how many times we switched boyfriends.  I was her maid of honor in her wedding, and she was my matron of honor.  

We had plans for the weekend. She was going to bring her sewing machine and I was going to teach her how to make eyeglass cases, wallets, table runners, and other small items.  I was really looking forward to us spending the time sewing and catching up.  

Neither one of us has ever been big on calling the other one, unless there is a tragedy.  A death of a friend, a grandparent, or a parent usually warrants a call.  She didn't call when she found out she had breast cancer.  She told me that through an instant message, and only after I felt something was wrong.  We have always had that kind of connection, a knowledge when the other one is in trouble, or thinking of the other one. 

I can't exactly remember what we were doing in the school hall way one day, but I remember exactly which hall way we were in and that we were laughing hysterically when we bumped into one of our teachers.  We both had him for a class, but we weren't in the same class.  He seemed surprised that the two of us knew each other.  He looked us over as if he was summing up the situation and said "That figures, birds of a feather flock together."  Then he shook his head and walked off.  

I'll miss her this weekend.

Adele Kind of Day

Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste

Same conversation over and over again.  It doesn't matter how many times we go over it, we can't change our past.  We can't change our future.  We can only know we are there if we are needed. 

Arts and Crafts Bazaar

Well, I didn't sell out at the arts and crafts bazaar, but all the table runners sold, I sold several eyeglass cases, and 11 gift card wallets.  Two of the people who wanted wallets were out of town, so I am hoping they will buy when they get back.  I am pleased with the money I raised for the church, and very glad it is over. 

WOW! What's Up with That?

WOW, I heard from both boys today.  The oldest texted twice, and the youngest called and talked to me for 40 minutes. 

Unless I am feeding them at a restaurant, it is very rare for me to hear or see both boys in one day any more.  

Wonder what's up with that?

The World Just Keeps Getting Smaller

I was sitting at my desk working on adding links to a group email this afternoon when I received a text from a friend.  It read "The new hire here is___________. She said she dated your brother. So dish... Is she ok or are we in trouble??"

My first response in my head was how on earth did they end up discussing who she dated.  I mean this girl and my brother broke up 4 years ago, and they did more than date, they were together for several years.  I started wondering if you have to put past relationships on job applications nowadays.  

After I recovered from the initial surprise of the first text I responded and we had several back and forth texts about how they got around to this information only to find out that another person that works with my friend knows my brother.  WHAT????

I just thought the whole thing was weird. I haven't seen my brother's old girlfriend in about 3 years.  I haven't seen my brother in over 4 years. Now in one day, a friend that until recently I hadn't seen in six years is working with 2 people that know my brother.  The world just keeps getting smaller everyday.

My brother loves stuff like this, he seems to always have some six degrees of separation story to tell me, so I decided to call him so I could tell him about his ex working with my friend, etc.  When he answered I said "Hey you are never going to believe this but ____________" that is as far as I got because he then said "Oh yeah, she is working at ____________, along with another friend of mine and evidently a friend of yours."  HUH? How did he find out already? I guess his ex remembered how much he likes stuff like that too.  

I Hate Creepy Doll Heads

A friend of a friend sculpts dolls. She does very intricate work on the dolls, and truly is an artist, but I find the damn things creepy.  Their faces get in my brain and really mess with me.  Today they called me over to see some of her collection and there was no way to say "no."  I did manage to avert my eyes during most of the visit, but there were times they just put them to my face and I had no choice but to look and try to hide my shivers.

I used to be the queen of watching horror movies. I would sit up all night long watching them as a teenager, but then of course I could sleep all the next day. 

When Raymond and I were dating he hated horror movies but he would go with me and then be mad because he went.  It used to crack me up.  Later he got used to some of them and would watch them without griping too much as long as they weren't too horribly frightening.  I remember us going to the drive-in to see a double feature of  The Fog and The Hills Have Eyes.  We went back to my parents afterwards and by the time Raymond left the lake fog had settled in over our property.  The lake fog was always thick and wet, and you were lucky to see a foot in front of you.  I remember having so much fun messing with Raymond that night as he went to leave.  He complained about that for years and years.  

It wasn't until I watched Pet Sematary while I was pregnant with the oldest that I started hating watching horror films.  I have watched very few since that time, and I don't care much for most commercials for horror films these days.  The worst of all of the horror film commercials are the ones for Chucky movies. I hate that doll. It creeps me out big time.  I have never seen a Chucky movie because of how much the doll disturbs me.  Those damn dolls today reminded me of Chucky. Even just sitting in a room today knowing that one of the creepy dolls was in the room behind me gave me the willies. 

Now I found out that I am going to have to deal with these dolls for several months.  I may never sleep again.  I just can't get their creepy doll heads out of my brain.

After 1:00 A.M. Again

Well here it is after 1:00 A.M. again and I have no desire to sleep.  I am going to try in a little bit. I can't take a sleep aid tonight because I have to be at work early tomorrow.  

 

Every time I am up this late I have the desire to listen to my dear old friend's favorite Lady A song. 

 

Another Use for Binder Clips

I was still wide awake at 4:00 A.M. this morning.  My brain just would not stop with ideas, worries, and ifs, shoulds, coulds.  The lack of sleep last night is catching up with me at work.

As I was siting at my desk putting away office supplies I purchased yesterday, I stopped to look at my new green binder clips.  As I was admiring their color I realized a new use for the binder clips.  I could take two clips, attach my upper eyelids to my eyebrows and anyone coming into my office would think I was wide awake and just being my usual odd self.  Of course my eyelids would never be the same, but how many people actually notice them behind my glasses?

It would be so much easier if I had Raymond's talent of sleeping with my eyes open. (Which always really freaked me out.)

Fairly Productive Night

I just looked at the clock and discovered it is after 1:00 A.M.  I had no idea it was this late. 

I have have a fairly productive night. 

All bills have been paid.  The AT&T bill was $175 more than normal and I almost had a heart attack.  Turns out they finally billed me for repairs made to me equipment back in July that were not covered by my contract.  I really wish I could get Raymond's name off a couple of bills. I have sent his death certificate into the electric company several times, but they still haven't removed his name. 

I went through all the mail that has piled up in the last week or so.  The man cave table is clear of all my debris. 

I cleaned the kitchen.  I have most of the garbage ready to go out tomorrow night, and the recycling is all in the inside bin ready to go down the driveway. 

I also have ten gift card wallets ready to hand sew and velcro. 

Not a bad evening. 

Guess I better go to bed so I can be alert at work tomorrow and awake when I have dinner with Loni (if she is well enough) and the youngest tomorrow night. 

Proud of Myself

Tonight I decided to really make myself a real dinner and sit at the kitchen table to eat it, something I never do unless I have someone here with me. 

Now I admit I did not get one of my recipes out and cook, I made a PF Chang frozen meal and some spring rolls. I had not tried this meal before, and I usually use a different brand when I want Chinese food at home, but I wanted something new.  I also made myself a dish of fresh raw veggies (no dip).

It was very disappointing.  The taste I wanted just wasn't there.  I always know when the taste is not there because I find myself just putting the food in my mouth, doing the minimum about of chewing, and swallowing without tasting.  I did eat an entire spring roll, but I threw the rest out, and the chicken/noodle dish wasn't very tasty so after a few bites I threw all of it out too.  I didn't see any reason to eat calories I wasn't enjoying.  

I ended up having some Kashi cereal and my veggies.  

I am proud of my choices tonight.

Eyeglass Case Inventory

I spent the entire weekend making eyeglass cases.  I thought I would be able to finish and then work on wallets, but it just didn't happen that way.  

I cut my finger on Friday afternoon and the cut just kept opening up and bleeding all weekend so I had to have my left index finger bandaged and it made the hand sewing slow going.   It also made the yoyo making difficult.

I think I ended up with a decent enough selection for the bazaar.  I just need to make some gift card wallets this week and I will be ready.