I'm Just Sayin'

Saving the Universe

2012-01-24T21:40:00.000-08:00

After a brief and somewhat peaceful break of crafting, I picked up where I left off. There are a couple of "events" coming my way and I've been running around like Jerry Lewis in the Nutty Professor...thinkin' this, grabbing that, experimenting and creating up a storm. Remember, 99% of what I make is from recycled items....I'm trying to save the Universe, one craft project at a time.

OK, so I had these wooden flower silhouettes since like forever, in fact, they were in Raquel's Nursery (she's 18) and then I placed them on my porch where they gathered moss and anonymity.
They were dirty, outdated and just plain B-O-R-I-N-G!

I repainted the stems and leafs a metallic green with paint I already had, covered the flowers with pretty scrapbook paper ( had that too) applied my magic buttons ( got plenty of them) painted the pots a shocking pink ( check) and covered the planting oasis ( got it) with doilies that I per cured from a yard sale....wrapped it up in a pink bow and......it's magic. All 3 items cost me 75 cents...a quarter per doilie.

Oh yeah, I kind of sanded the edges a little to give it a little vintage look...I'm not very fond of shiny things...

And somehow, word got around at work that I like junk, so my friend Lynn, who is in the middle of cleaning out her house because she is moving, gave me a cute little lacy collar among other things. I had no idea what I was gonna do with it, but the first thing I did was tea dye it cuz I seem to tea dye everything that is white.
I ironed it.....yes people, I still iron stuff, and I attached it to a lamp and places a rhinestone bow on the edge....It'll do for now until I come across something else I wanna do and have to steal from Paul to pay Peter....I'm Just Sayin'

What I don't want...

2012-01-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

Although I don't make New Years Resolutions, here is a little list of things I DON"T want to happen in the New Year~

* I hope I don't fall down our stairs as that would set forth a bad vibe to all of Erics hard work.

* That no one reads my blog anymore and I'm asked to cancel my blog membership.

* That Etsy doesn't catch on to the lack of real talent I have and banish me from their website.

* That I confuse they're, there and their.

* Is that Pinterest starts monthly member fees and I am forced to go to a pawn shop and
pawn something because I have an addiction.

* Is to keep putting my crafts stuff away when we have company...people will just
have to accept me and my chaos. My husband has...deal with it people!

* I don't want the Jersey Shore bunch to be on regular TV....because we don't have
cable and I will be forced to do a drive by viewing like a wreak on the freeway.

* For my daughter to come home unexpectedly with her fiance and tell us they're
taking a year off school to trek through Europe to collect soil samples.

* To NEVER make a waxing appointment on Friday the 13th.

* To Ever hear..."I'm sexy and I know it", have you seen these guys...they're not.

* To see my grandsons wearing the saggy pants at any time.

* Due to the Mayan calender...for this to be my last year of life....I need more time to be
sarcastic.

* Is for Romney to be president....I want my President to work on Sundays too!

* Is to become a Vegetarian....I enjoy chicken too much and I'd be forced to make 2
dinners because my husband would never go for it.

* For Yellow to be the new black.....I look terrible in yellow...I think most people do.

* For the Kardasians to start acting like normal people....I find them very entertaining.

* Is make a bet with someone and lose and have to pay up.

* To lose my signature tag line to something like...See Ya' Next Time!

I'm Just Sayin'

My Normal

2012-01-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

Well, as normal as my life can be after a whirlwind 3 weeks of making merry. It was fun while it lasted and it's a lot of work but well worth it. Thank God (literally) Christmas comes only once a year.

All 3 of my little squirrels are back at school much to their mother's delight

The stairs are almost finished....almost!

and Raquel is safety back in her dorm

And when the dust settled and everything was put away till next time, my dining room looked half way decent...

Now? It's back to my

normal....whatever that is

I'm up to my eyeballs in Spring and Wonderland,
stay tuned....I'm Just Sayin'

The Last Entry

2011-12-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

Yup! This will be the last entry from me this year. A lot has happened, too many to point out and if your inquisitive (nosy) enough to know, go to my archives.

I don't have the energy to pack Christmas away right now and again, I plan on giving some decorations to Meredith which is my way of saying, I think I'm tired of schlepping out 13 32 gallon containers from the storage and riffling through each and every one.

My diverticulitis has flared up a little. I think it was a tomato seed, who knows, so much going on the past few days. Why didn't Santa bring me a clean up crew?

I don't intend to make a New Years resolution as the odds are I'll never keep it and anyways I am not looking forward to Jan, Feb or March as those are my least favorite months of the year...analyze all you want as I have no clue why I don't like them.

But what I do want to say is, thank you to each and every one of you who I've come to known through this blog. From Maryland, South Carolina, down to Texas, Hawaii and Canada and everywhere in between, I Wish you all a very safe and happy New Year. Thanks for listening to my vents, fears, concerns and joining me in my joys, triumphs. I will definitely be here next year reporting on the ridiculous and of course the sublime....I'm Just Sayin'

Nana Sandwich

2011-12-24T16:55:00.001-08:00

Love it!!!

Holiday Greetings from Us~

2011-12-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Wherever you live and what era you are from

East Coast or West Coast and everything in between,

and whether you believe in the Spirit of Christmas

or...a Spirited one,

and of course, the Man himself

We Wish you and yours a Fun and Wonderful Christmas and a

Happy and Healthy New Year~

Cookies and Feathers

2011-12-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

I found out what a "cookie exchange" was and I'm glad to say, I survived it. About 3 weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of meeting some awesome ladies, the Feather sisters to be exact, and they invited me to attend their annual cookie exchange and to show off my wares. So dragging Brenda along with me to Laguna Beach, both of us, not knowing what we got ourselves into, are happy to announce....We had a wonderful time and met the nicest people. First of all....this lovely lady here, Ms. Cheri Feather owns and operates an awesome company called Jewelrax. It's a company that specializes in one of kind display pieces made to organize and showoff your jewelry in a very stylish way .....I want one! She also lives in this TDF 1920 seaside cottage that is decorated in the most tasteful way possible.

~~This gorgeous vignette of stained blue window and vintage bottles~~

~~Stunning Chandeliers with touches of silver stood guard on both sides of her fireplace~~

~~Speaking of the fireplace~~

~~And here are just some of the delectable delights that graced this event~~

~~and more scrumpiousness~

~and yes, even more~

And the main reason I was invited to this little soiree, to introduce Bunny's Purpose to the Feather sisters and their flock. Needless to say, even if I didn't have a thing to show, I would have crashed this party anyways, it was that much fun.

I want to extend a huge thank you and ((hug)) to Cheri, for giving me this opportunity and for being so kind. I also would like to give a shout out to Katie Doyle who owns and operates two ridiculously fab Event Services and Decor operations....I tell ya, the style runs deep in this family. And Pam, thank you hon from the bottom of my heart for expediting things along and helping me with my obsession.

Seems like this is the beginning of a new chapter for me and I'm all ears....bunny ears.

I'm Just Sayin'

Bunny's Purpose

2011-12-07T14:30:00.000-08:00

When the last daughter flew the coop for College, I jokenly would tell people that NOW, I have no purpose. I really didn't believe it, it was all in fun kinda, I knew I had purpose and I knew there were many facets to me...one being artys fartsy in a crafty way. I knew this as a child as I would rearrange and redecorate my room (constantly) from recycled and re purpose items...I just knew.

So last week I did pretty darn good at this cute little boutique and as Eric, my helper husband and I were setting up, people were coming outta the woodwork to hem and haw at my stuff. I, being the master of "doubting my ability" was too busy to stand there and take in the praise...I was just too focused on what I was doing, besides, people always say stuff like that don't they?

So, like I was saying, I did alright, learned a little more, took mental notes and decided I was gonna go with Etsy with what I had left...

Ya know... stuff happens when you make plans...The vender next to me loved my stuff so much that she invited me to an event at her house ,in Laguna Beach, to sell what I had left. No pressure, no commission on her part, no strings...she just wants people to see my items. No other venders will be there, just me and then she tells me,"some of my friends own stores in that area
and they too will be there, so, think about it and let me know".

So opportunity sometimes kicks your ass into the doorway and doesn't even knock...I talked with her yesterday and said, "sure, I'll be there"...as cool as a cucumber but really a hysterical mess inside, which btw, I do really well.

And then, the owner of the boutique I sold at, asked me to come back in the spring. So, needless to say, I am busy...very busy and grateful....very grateful and ordering business cards for........

Yup, you got it.....

Bunny's Purpose

re~cycled, re~furnished and re~purposed

unique gifts for home decor

Dragonflys and Buttons

2011-12-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

I've hit the big time...at least in my head I have. I am selling my creations at an kinda upscale boutique in the quaint little town of Orange, California. For those of you who are familiar with this area, this little boutique is at the Orange Circle, for those of you who are not familiar with this area....this is one of the few areas around here that antique stores line four major streets with a huge park area in the middle....hence, the circle. Seems I gave my number to someone at the flea market a couple of weeks ago not knowing it was the owner of said establishment.

Well, you coulda' knocked me over with a feather when she called and asked if I would like to join in on the Christmas Boutique Dec 4th and needless to say....I was happy and excited and then curious and finally....scared. But, Ima' gonna do it, because I got nothing to lose but my dignity and lord knows....that went out the window a long time ago.

So, wish me luck, say a prayer and send me good karma, cuz I don't know what the heck I'm doing....I'm Just Sayin'

Ahead of Myself

2011-11-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah Yeah I know. It's not even Thanksgiving and I've got the Christmas blog up. Well, I've been super busy and I thought I'd get ahead of myself...guess it's better than being besides myself...lol

Anywho, I've sold some of my creations at a local Flea Market and I did quite good. I sold about 1/2 of what I made and met a bunch of good people. But more importantly, someone likes my stuff which is a huge ego booster. Thinking about doing it again...we'll see.

Raquel is coming down for a few days and I hope to actually see her. She's got hefty plans when she's here so let's hope we can actually visit, which brings me to Thanksgiving. I want to wish you all a very happy and stuffed free day. Enjoy your family and think about what you are thankful for.

Me? I'm thankful for a wonderful husband, two kind and intelligent daughters, three wacky squirrely grandsons, a plethora of great family members and friends who will always be there for me...

OH! and I'm thankful for another B~day on Friday...don't ask how old I am....I lost track in the 70's.

I'm Just Sayin'

This Is Why

2011-11-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

Fall is my favorite time of year.

I imagine myself living here, surrounded by bright and dull and muted colors of the season

strolling down shadowy paths and not knowing where I'm headed

and coming home to this....

I can dream can't I?

I Fought the Law and The Law Won

2011-11-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

I can talk about it now. I have been sworn under oath to not open my big O' mouth and spread the word of the court room. Yes people, I have been serving Jury Duty and not without a fight I might add.
It all started a year ago when I received a jury summons in which I promptly checked off the "I need an extension" box on the back. I kept them at bay for one year, yup, I have skills, I thought....till I didn't receive a response from the last extension I had sent. So you can imagine my surprise when I was notified that I did NOT show up for court and that I had to call them...ASAP! Yikes! I had totally forgotten and went on with my life when the popo caught up with me. Well, I called and I was told that I had 9 days to show up for jury duty, no and's, if's or but's, and believe me, I tried. I was also told that if I didn't show up, I'd be fined $1,000. I guess I fought the law and the law won.

So I show up at the court house at the crack of dawn thirty and make my way to the appropriate lines and window, then watch the cheesy film on our Court System and listen to a speaker go on about what an honor it is to serve on a Jury...then wait, and wait and walk around, eat lunch and wait some more. Finally got called and was asked to report to Court room #24 on the 7th floor ..and about 40 of us, looking like deer in head lights, waited patiently in the court room wondering what the heck is gonna happen.....

Too much to write right now...stay tuned for part deux...I'm Just Sayin'

Just Say No

2011-10-23T21:58:00.000-07:00

It took me approximately 30 years of growing up for me to tell people "no". No, I can't, no thank you, no, don't really want to. Family was the hardest to say no to, especially my mother as I so wanted to please her....at my own expense. Didn't know it at the time, but she wasn't impressed, just self centered. It was also difficult to say "no" to the opposite sex because we as women, we all know that when you say "NO', it means time for negotiations and let the mind games begin. The world doesn't take no for an answer very well either. How could I be so selfish, so not a team player.

I thought I could do everything. Control everything....be liked and at the same time be nice and kind. I've seen that saying that states, " don't confuse my kindness for a weakness". That was me....so I thought. Nurture this person, nurture that person, do this, do that, fix this, go here, can you please?, I knew you would come through...but I couldn't do it anymore. I came to the realization that I came first and that saying yes to everyone and everything just brought on resentment, guilt and frustration and worse....not taking care of myself.

Which is why I am teaching my college living daughter to "just say no". NO...it's not to drugs, although that would be alright too. It's just say "no" to whomever and whatever that makes you uncomfortable, tired, off schedule and just plain crazy. Through our recent talks it seems that time has started to repeat itself. So, I tell her what no one bothered to tell me....It's OK to say NO! NO, I can't go to dinner, NO, I don't want a boyfriend, NO, I need to study and NO...I just don't want to....

I told her that if at anytime she didn't want my opinion, advice or 2 cents, that she is to tell me NO thanks.........I'm Just Sayin'

Little Big Man

2011-10-12T22:40:00.000-07:00

Today is my #1 grandson's 9th Birthday. I wasn't there when he was born as I was at a funeral....ironic, I know...that's a whole other entry. But anyways, as our tradition goes, on each of my grandsons birthday day, I take them to any store and buy them anything (in moderation) that they want and in doing so, enjoying some one on one grandson Nana time. Over the years we've had some pretty good conversations...today's was no exception...

Me.........So, how's 4th grade?

Him........pretty good!

Me...... Any girlfriends yet?

Him..... No...but that will come in time I guess.

Me...... Do you like any girl?

Him......No...but you know Nana, the girls that like me chase me and bother me. That means
they like me.

Me.....ya know, your right!

Him.....I just can't figure out women.

Me.......and you never will

Him......ahhhh man!

Vintage Wreath

2011-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Being that I have a little more spare time on my hands, I've been a little busy bee here in Santa's Work Shoppe. Among many other items, I've created a vintage wreath using very old pattern paper. If your interested, here's how I did it...If your not...look at the pretty pictures.

I started with vintage patterns

and cut them into squares....you decide the size

then you fold them using the fan technique and secure them with whatever you have...I used raffia because I couldn't find my twine

it makes one of those "Old Skool" wedding flowers....remember?

I attached a ribbon and proceeded to glue gun them to a Styrofoam wreath. It actually looked pretty good as is.....

but I took it a step further....I sprayed the tips turquoise

and added some glitter

and Voila'...
a Sparkly and Turquoise Vintage Wreath. Super easy to make.
I'm Just Sayin'

School of Burlesque

2011-09-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

I see a lot of inappropriate clothing at work and we are usually on it, but today this one slipped through the cracks...

This is where P.E shorts come in handy.....I'm Just Sayin'

The Blog Doesn't Fall Far....

2011-09-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm a little surprised. Raquel was given an assignment in her Ag. Communications class and it was to create a blog. Out of my two daughters, I'd say that Meredith was more like me, but now I'm seeing a little more of me in the younger one. I asked her permission if I could put this on MY blog and she said "Go for It"...so I am.

If your interested in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animals, Nutrition or just plain nosy like I am most of the time OR....If you care about me and my well being and state of mind...go check it out....HERE

And if you really really want to...you can follow her. She's kinda easy to know...I'm just sayin'

It's SLO Time

2011-09-18T12:01:00.001-07:00

Everything went perfectly. Not only is this school highly organized, but everyone was so cheerful and happy. We met up with some friends who's son is also going here. Raquel is doing good. I'd be doing good too if I was hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, doing yoga, biking, going to dances.....etc. She loves her roommates and she's getting ready for classes to start on Monday. It was not a pretty sight as we left, but I do feel better now that we've talked. Now I gotta figure out this me and hubby thing....I'm just sayin'

A Change is Gonna Come

2011-09-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

I have been dreading this post. It's been on my mind for a while now and I've tried to come up with something clever and witty, but all I get in my head is sadness. I shouldn't be sad. I should be happy, upbeat and positive and I am...but I'm sad too, perhaps I'm many things, least of all....worried.

We are on our way to SLO and I'm sure we are laughing and singing in the car mixed in with a few words of wisdom from me and Eric, but I know my family, I know my daughter and I know myself. There will be an underlining feeling of sadness and the "not knowing" of what the future will bring. But when I think about it, this is what she has worked so hard for...This IS the future...it is happening NOW. I don't have to tell you all the work, effort and time she has put in to get to this place, nor do I have to pledge my love and pride I have...but this time has come way too fast.

And so, with all this said and done, here we are, taking the next step in hopes that everything will turn out alright and it probably will.

Da Hole Ting

2011-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Yuppers...we're back and I wanna tell ya, I'm not happy about it. There are skid marks in the Maui parking lot we're I dug in my heels...lol We had a fabulous time relaxing, eating, swimming, rock climbing, touring, walking and just being.

Here are a few pics of the view from our condo, Molekei Island from our beach, Lavender Farm, Goat Farm, Lahaina, Sunrise and Sunset. We also saw lots of Mongoose which apparently is a huge problem. Gold sand beaches, black sand beaches and white sand beaches. Ate Hawaiian cuisine for dinner every day, enjoyed a Luau and basically had a blast....enjoy~

Aloha...

2011-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Post Options, I'm 30,000 feet up in the wild blue yonder on my way to Hawaii.

Don't like flying but if it gets me to where I wanna go....so be it. There are always drugs and alcohol...lol

Be back soon and I will definitely show and tell. Don't forget me...

smooches~

Love in the Produce Dept

2011-08-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's not what your thinking or what I think your thinking...let me explain.

I just got back from my local market and as I was casually strolling in the Produce Dept minding my own beeswax, I hear from behind me, "Oh Miss, excuse me, Miss", ok, I know this person isn't referring to me as I have been called a Ma'am for a few years now and btw, I dislike it very much as I don't quite see myself as a "Ma'am, anyways...I ignore it and start rifling through the bananas when someone taps me on my shoulder, I turn around and it's an elderly lady, one that I would call....a ma'am. She says, "Excuse me Miss, but are you buying lettuce?"as she pulls out bit and pieces of paper from her purse. I'm thinking to myself, there must be a recall or a deadly plague associated with the lettuce and she's alerting me to it. Then it dawns on me....she's looking for a coupon as she says," Oh, I just know I have a coupon for lettuce", yup, that's how I knew, I don't need a house to fall on me..... And before I could say anything (insert shock) she finds it and says, "here it is, Iceberg lettuce", "Oh no!", I respond, "I have Romaine, but I need to tell you that I love you". Ok, she's kinda startled and giggles a little and before she can run away from me I tell her, "first of all, that was very sweet of you to offer one of your coupons and second of all and most importantly...you called me Miss...lol, you just made my day".

And as we parted ways, there in the produce Dept, for a split second I was a Miss and it felt good and I don't care if she couldn't see or that she was an elderly Ma'am or even if she called all females Miss. I'm Just Sayin

I'm not PMSing.....I Pinkie Swear

2011-08-09T21:29:00.001-07:00

Let me just start by telling you how much I HATE Wal~Mart. Yup, I'm probably one of the few people on the planet who will admit this....and while I'm coming clean, I will admit to...
Not liking IN N Out Burgers, New Car smell, Disliking Elvis with a passion and any board game whatsoever....WHEW!...OK, Now that that's off my chest I can get back to freakin' Wal~Mart.

Yes, I went there today...I didn't want to, I tried to think of another store that offered what I needed to get, but what store offers milk, band-aids, fruit and storage units...All under one roof?
First of all, when you are hired at the ripe old age of 75 to be a greeter, shouldn't you be greeting people with a smile? I'm really not trying to be sarcastic (although you know that's my M.O.) but the greeter looked at me, I smiled and she looked at me like she was constipated, I mean, come one, you work in Wal~Mart....go to the laxative aisle for gawd sakes. That's her job....smiling, saying hello and offering you a shopping cart...how hard could it be? It's not like she'sPMSing and even if she had a bad day (it was 11 am )...pretend smile...I do it all the time...even when I'm PMSing.

And all you people who seem to think that shopping in Wal~Mart is an amusement park for your unruly children....TAKE THEM TO THE PARK...OR LEAVE THEM AT HOME! I don't feel like scolding, yelling or tactfully teaching your children how to behave (although I have) out in public. And I certainly do not like it when little kidlets jump out at me from the center of a clothes rack.
And people...Answer your children when they say MOM for the umpteenth time....or I will.

And lastly, this is the main reason I balk at going into this store....It ALWAYS looks like a tornado hit it. Clothes strewn on the floor, clearance items in disarray and so on and so on...

But.....

There I go, cruising the parking lot and dodging slow walkers who have not a care in the world because THEIR the only person on the planet and their kids can't wait to attack the store.
I guess you can say I have a Love/Hate Relationship with Wal~Mart....I don't wanna go, but I'm drawn to it...like passing a car wreak I guess....I'm Just Sayin'

One mans Junk

2011-08-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Woke up late this morning (won't tell you what time) with nothing really to do. Raquels at the beach with FFA buddies...all day and so it's just me and Eric. He took us to breakfast or whatever that meal was at that time (oatmeal)... let's just say it was breakfast. We passed a few yard sales on the way and so, after our meal, I wondered around the city with $3 to my name and a determination to purchase that one item worthy of the Antique Road Show.

I was kinda lookin' for old patterns but I guess people are hanging on to them...then I spotted this butter dish, which btw, I need...really I do

It's glass with a bubble pattern on top and bottom and it has a silver etched floral design. I asked the lady how much she wanted for it and she told me that she's tired and just wants to practically give everything away and that I could have these matching candlesticks too....all for $1

Well, what could I do? I jumped at it, even though they came with those gawd awful tacky glass candles ( I tossed them) and for $1 I couldn't pass it up. She told me her husband is from Germany that they belonged to HIS mother. I couldn't see any signatures or markings but then again...they were filthy and they are soaking as I am writing this entry.

I love the silver etching on them, in fact, some of it is coming off which makes me like it even more. Anyways, I haven't been yard saling in a very long time and it felt good to get such a bargin.

Perhaps me and the hubster will have a candlelit dinner tonight....with butter. I'm Just Sayin'

The Wild Wild West

2011-08-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

I'm baaack! And needless to say fun was had by all...all three of us. Just me, Brenda and Phoebe also known as the Pheblet. Phoebe is Brenda's new 9 week puppy that came along for the ride. Here she is in the lap of luxury (Brenda's) while I drive to Scottsdale. This girls getaway was scheduled a long time ago before Phoebe came to be so we had to take her with us. And although the Hilton is a very gracious and accommodating Hotel, we had to smuggle her in, which was hysterical. Brenda hid her in a very big tote bag and the poor phoebs head stuck out half the time. Phoebe is a Klee Kai puppy and a very spoiled one too, but If I had a baby, I'd do the same exact spoiling...

Lots and lots of Cactus to greet us along the way and the gorgeous Red Rock of Sedona....

For those of you who are not familiar to Sedona, it is kinda known for it's Spiritual and Tranquil feel. Apparently is sits in just the right Vortex...don't ask, I don't get it either, but there IS something about this place that calms and soothes. We were surrounded by this...

and this...

We even ate at the Love Cafe and dined on a Abby Hoffman Breakfast Bagel...Phoebe ate eggs too!

We made our way to Prescott, or as the locals call is...Preskit and I absolutely loved it...more my style. The best part about the city is the old town and the square. It literally had that Mayberry feel to it. It is monsoon season so it rained and stopped and rained and stopped...all the time the sun shining through. We strolled in and out of Antique stores and ended up in an authentic bar/saloon from 1864. We also ran into some characters from that era too.

Me and Teddy Roosevelt in the town square

This is called Flash Street Theater. Who knew I had to leave Cali to see this...lol

All in all, we had a great time .Coming home we hit thunder and lighting storms, dust storms and 100+ degree temps, but us 3 gals stuck it out like Bedouins...lol My next adventure, Hawaii in 2 1/2 weeks....I'm excited...I'm Just Sayin'

Inserts

2011-07-27T00:04:00.000-07:00

Just a little note to let you know what's up and where I be. I know you worry your little blogs off If you don't hear from me (insert sarcasm) on a weekly basis.

Although the Fair is still going on, Raquel, our FFA and Small's part is done. Smalls placed 4th in Market and didn't place at all in Show, which is fine because.....wait for it.......Raquel was awarded another College Scholarship at an award ceremony. Every bit helps right?

Eric and I went to the beach yesterday and it was a beautiful day, although, I forgot the camera but trust me, it was wonderful. Especially when the dolphins swam by and play with the surfers and that one seal body surfed with a couple of people...yup, woulda coulda shoulda taken a pic.

Been busy creating tea candle holders outta shot glasses...ehh...we don't drink much anyways, (insert levity) so no ones gonna miss em'.

And now I'm gone to Scottsdale and staying in the lap of luxury here cuz the company pays for it...Brenda's company that is. I will be meeting up with an old friend from High School who wound up in the surrounding area, living on a reservation. And then, we will be traveling to here
for a few days of business, well, not me but Brenda's biz...my business is being the best friend ever...but I think she won. Oh yeah, I'll take a lot of pic (insert determination) because my camera's already in the car.....

See you when I get back (insert goodbye wave)

What Was I Thinking?

2011-07-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm home, sitting at my work/play table creating, minding my own business when Raquel calls:

Me...........Hello

Raquel....Hi Mom, wanna buy a turkey?

Me..........Umm, I need details Raquel!

Raquel...Well, Some Turkeys didn't make the weight rules and so, we have Turkeys we need to
get rid of...... I mean sell.

Me.........Are they freak Turkeys or what....lol?

Raquel....(audible sigh)...No Mom, we just have to sell them or something.

Me.......How much are they?

Raquel....I don't know yet but I'll let you know later when I find out.

She tells me to hold on and then proceeds to yell at someone regarding the price and. I hear people talking back and big crowds of people rumbling and the PA system making announcements....

Raquel....OK, It's $30.00 and the butcher will cut and wrap and deliver.

Me.........Alright

Raquel....Really? Awesome Mom. Ok, I'll talk to ya later...Love ya!

Me........Ok...Oh Wait! Call Auntie, she might wanna buy one.

Raquel....OH! Great! OK...Good Idea....your so smart....LOL!!

Me.......And don't you forget it...bye!

I didn't ask how big, what breed, age...nothing. I was taken by surprise plus, I had Modge Podge all over my fingers and it was drying. Am I? Am I really smart?

The Fair

2011-07-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

People watching, supporting Raquel and just plain having fun at the fair... enjoy!

OC Fair 2011 - slideshow with music

Summer Red

2011-07-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Red refreshing fruit in the summertime is the best...especially when it's in red and white polka dot bowls

Apples,nectarines and red plums

...and my fav...Strawberries

and from my own garden....

I don't know what's goin' on here on the West Coast, but everyone's tomatoes are phenomenal this year. I've made spaghetti sauce from scratch and have been enjoying these beauties with buffalo mozzarella, olive oil, basil and crustinis.

Happy Red Rednesday to you all!!!

ps....the corn is mine too~

Lucky Me

2011-07-15T16:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Vegas and all I did was vegetate...vegetate in the pool, near the pool and in the room. We ventured out for dinner only and did not go anywhere near a casino...not even walk through one. My intent was to relax ...and I did.

Before I left I received a wonderful gift from my artsy fartsy friend Wendi. Seems I won a pair of earrings...any pair of my choice. I picked these cute little sand dollar earrings with little tiny feathers and baby blue iridescent pearl beads. They are more beautiful in person as my photo taking skills lack just that...skill.

Wendi is one of the most creative and talented people I know. Not only does she create stunning jewelry but, she makes the cutest and cuddly crocheted hats and caps around. You can take a gander at her stuff here and drop her a line or two...Thanks Wendi and if you all wanna know why I picked this particular pair... I'll tell ya ...this coming August we are going here...

...and I thought being that I have a blue bathing suit and I'm going to Hawaii where there are possibly tons of sand dollars...I picked those. Oh Hell, who am I kidding...I just liked them~

I'm Just Sayin'

Life Update

2011-07-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

Been busy around here and haven't had much time to blog, well, it's not a priority right now but it will be come September. Got back from Palm Springs and had a wonderful time. I have one pic....this one...

Either we forgot our camera or the pictures we took we didn't like and I wouldn't be caught dead putting them on here, but needless to say...a good time was had by the both of us.

Trying to finish up my Christmas stuff but again...been kinda busy around here and seems I'm unmotivated...hopefully that'll pass...

little burlap rosettes wrapped around buttons make a very primitive and rustic Christmas Tree

I used vintage sheet music to make these....Candle holder and wall hanger. Added glitter and burlap and we're good to go

We celebrated my first born Birthday. Can you believe Meredith is 33?...she'd kill me if she knew I put her age out there...she doesn't read this blog so I think I'm safe

meredith and franklin

The staircase is coming along slowly but nicely. Eric can only work on it on weekends which leaves plenty of time for us to write all over them

Next Tuesday I will be here with my partner in crime Brenda...enough said...lol

and when I get back....It's that time again.....

Nothing says Summer like deep fried butter...

That it folks...till next time!

From our Home to Yours

2011-07-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

Everyone have a safe and sane 4th of July

ZumzumZumba

2011-06-29T12:29:00.000-07:00

I just came home from my first Zumba class and it's official....I'M OLD AND LOST MY MOJO!
I got a free one week pass for my local YMCA because I'm bored with my water aerobic class...yeah, you read that right...I've been doing that so long, I began phoning it in....so I went on to deep water aerobics....and eventually, that became boring, so I felt like I had to change it up a little...and I sure did.

For those of you who don't know what Zumba is...it's basically dancing aerobic style. They incorporate Salsa, Hip Hop and even some Belly dancing moves, which btw...I use to do way back in the day. For 1 hour, I gyrated, grind, shook, twisted and shimmied all the while keeping rhythm and trying to watch the instructor. I wasn't the oldest person there but I wasn't the youngest either which made me feel a little better but man....I have NEVER sweat so much in my life and thank goodness the moves are wild and crazy cuz my body movements fit right in. Before the class the instructor told me to just follow her feet and I'd be alright and that lucky for me, she tweaked her back and has to modify her workout. Well, if that was modifying her workout, then I'd better go out and buy Zumba shoes (which they have) and practice around the house....or perhaps put Telemundo on the TV and try to absorb some of that latin~ness.

Tomorrow I'm gonna try the AquaZumba class...yup, Zumba in the pool...that should be interesting, but as I was walking down the hallway after class, I spied a senior citizen stretch and fit class and some of the participants had the option to do all the moves sitting on a chair...
I filed that away for future reference...just in case....I'm Just Sayin'

I'm Off.....slightly

2011-06-23T11:35:00.000-07:00

First on my agenda in my new found life...I am going here

probably do a little of this

and some of this

and a whole lot of this

except I won't look like this...but whatever.....I'm gone and I'll tell you all about it when I come back.

Back to a New Normal

2011-06-20T00:20:00.000-07:00

I'm outta work for the summer and my daughter is outta High School never to return. There is no homework or schedule and I don't have to be anywhere. This is very foreign to me as most of my life I've had to be somewhere... as a mom, a wife or a working person.

Today is the first Monday that things will get back to normal....graduation and Father's Day is behind me as is everything that was "normal" to me for the past 18 years. Therefore, I've decided to create a new normal or perhaps some of you could say a new chapter.

I will go with the flow, I will explore new territory and schedules are a thing of the past...I think I'm gonna like this....If not, you all are gonna read about it....I'm just Sayin'

13 years of hard work

2011-06-15T23:10:00.000-07:00

Raquel Olivia Missbrenner

is Graduating on June 16th, 2011

with Honors

The end is near

2011-06-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

...the end of school or rather, the end of my work year. Yeah, I'm not really gonna miss the baggy jeans with the stripped underwear showing or the foul language or the girl with the white see thru blouse wearing the black bra. Not gonna miss the lack of deodorant or the enormous amounts of Axe cologne. Nor will I miss some one's boyfriend looking at someones girlfriend who is not a friend any more but is having a party this weekend and she wasn't invited but her boyfriend was so she's not gonna go but if he does she's gonna break up with him drama. The nutrient guidelines of cafeteria food will be but a mere thought as I can only stand so much of mac in cheese poured into a day old taco shell. And the echo of the kids shouting, "he butted" while they wait in line to obtain said lunch and me responding with, "butted is not a word...go to the end of the line", will not be heard for the next 12 weeks.

Yes, another year has come and gone and in a blink of an eye soon enough, these heathen children will rule the earth ...I'm just sayin'

Cherry Red

2011-06-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

Sue over at It's a Very Cherry World.....this ones for you!!

I could eat a bushel of cherries!

if fact....I probably will this summer~

Update Rhyme

2011-06-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Button ornaments made with ease

Pink yarn Christmas Tree if you please

Burlap rounds to create rosettes

make a wonderful Christmas Vignette

A new staircase made of wood

and a photo shoot......with a daughter that could~

Swap and Bait

2011-05-31T14:01:00.001-07:00

Occasionally I go to a great swap meet with Brenda, the problem, although it's not that big of one, is that If I go pick her up I am going in the opposite direction, If she picks me up, it's way out of her way, so we compromise. We meet half way, half way meaning, the parking lot of the Holiday Inn right off the freeway. This Holiday Inn sits right next to the off ramp so that when I sit in my car and wait for her, I can see the cars coming off the freeway down the ramp.....which is what I was doing when I saw this....

I watched him as I casually sips my morning diet Pepsi and thinking, man! what a life. Poor guy! People at the stop sign at the bottom of the exit giving him money and him nodding and mouthing thank you. Him not knowing where his next meal is, where he or his family are gonna sleep tonight. Does he even have a family? When was the last time he had a shower? He looked like he needed one...about a week ago. And just as I wondering how long does one stand here and ask for help, he starts to walk down the Blvd and into the the parking lot....my parking lot.
I'm thinkin' he's probably gonna use or try to use the hotel facilities or perhaps find a tree and sit and rest ..but no, he keeps walking, past me. Now I'm thinkin'...Whoa, buddy...you better not be getting into a car. Not that homeless people don't have a car, I'm sure some of them do, but this guy looked like he didn't even own underwear let alone a vehicle. And sure enough, he walks up to a truck, takes the keys out of his pocket, opens the door, reaches in, puts on sunglasses, throws the sign in the cab and grabs a cigarette from his torn shirt pocket and lights up.....and stands there taking in the view ....besides this

Needless to say, I am shocked!! OK, again, I know homeless people own cars, homelessness, meaning without a home not car-lessness meaning without a car... but really? A brand new gorgeous Ford F10 in burgundy? If your homeless your probably without money and if your without money, you can't afford food, bills, clothes and a home, but how can you afford a brand new car? You can sleep in your car but THIS was a spankin' new huge truck.

I just watched him, couldn't take my eyes off of him actually, so much so that Brenda is parked right next to me and I didn't even see her pull up. As I hop into her car I instruct her to check out this guy....Yeah?, she says. I tell her the whole story and without a blink of an eye she tells me that people do this ALL THE TIME....AND THEY MAKE MAJOR MONEY!!! She's telling me how angry it makes her and that when people have a dog with them, they make more money. I believe her. She travels for a living, here and in other countries, she's seen a lot. Me, I don't get out much, which is why I'm still shocked at this.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sure some of them are really homeless but what am I suppose to believe. I'm just sayin'

Urban Barn

2011-05-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Brenda and I ventured on over to Escondido to check out Urban Barn. This is the flea market that we plan to sell at this coming October. Talk about vintage, retro, re-purposed and just plain funky stuff...we had a ball!

Nighties created from ultra soft cotton pillow cases

Gorgeous pink and taupe Chaise just waiting to be lounged on

Chippy, Shabby and Blingy

Gypsy Wagon adorn with whimsy....
vintage baby dolls and pillow trees

It was like another world.....

Throw in a little flashback retro and our heads were spinning

and for all you Mermaid obsessive people...feast your eyeballs of this....

Not sure how I'll fit in or even if my "stuff" will, but I'll give it a whirl...in the meantime...
I'll keep creating and drinking....Cheers!

Playing in the Dirt

2011-05-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

Remember this post?
I've been playing in the dirt lately and planting veggies and flowers. This year, again, I swore I was gonna plant my tree, a petite crape myrtle and again, I swore up and down the isles of every nursery and DIY store in a 20 mile radius looking for it...no luck. Being that I had no tree, I decided to plant flowers around the edges of this area. Last year I went on a garden tour and came across a clingy flowery plant that I very much admired and after talking to the owner of said plant, she gave me some seeds in a baggie and wrote on it, "plant late January". Fast forward to this past January where I found them and proceeded to plant them...the problem was, I forgot what kind of flowers they were. So I waited and waited and did my research...seems I planted Sweet Peas and they are gorgeous!

and then I planted Mexican Sage because it reminds me of velvet...

and these guys seem to pop up everywhere and how they got there I don't know, but I like them so I let them grow wherever they want........nasturtiums

and since I can't find my tree, I decided to look for another tree that would fit my criteria, pink, white or lavenders blooms and not to tall, but alas, my agricultural lovin' daughter scretly behind my back and planted this

corn....stinkin' corn. I know, it could be worse, she could be planting something else and I know when she goes to College, I will miss her shenanigans. So, after seeing this, I went ahead and planted tomatoes,which are doing very well...

and just recently green bell peppers and something called Salsa chili....again, not my idea

I will you keep you posted on the progress and of course, I wanna see what you all planted this year...I'm just sayin'

Magic

2011-05-15T20:17:00.001-07:00

For someone who likes farms,manure, animals and agriculture....you sure clean up good...

prom

my heart

The Circus is in Town/Flashback Friday

2011-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

La Habra California, population 59,233...opps make that 59,250 with Octomom and posse of 16. Yes people, Octomom is moving to La Habra. I heard it, not once, not twice, but three times. We haven't heard news this big since the crowning of the Corn Queen at the La Habra's annual Corn Festival. Can you believe it? And it's ironic because the name of the street the clan will be living on is called Madonna Lane. You know, Madonna, mother of Jesus, the one who conceived immaculately. If this wasn't really happening, I truly wouldn't have believed it. I'm surprised the street wasn't named Angelina Lane near the cross street of "looney bin".

This quaint 2,500sq ft home with 4 bedroom and 3 baths sits cozily in a well groomed culdesac amongst NORMAL people with jobs and income and looked after children. Can I just say how happy we all are that this event will be happening on the other end of the city from me. Although, I can feel a ripple of excitement just thinking about running into the fam at the local Stater Bros or maybe me andOctomom will exchange glances in the neighborhood pharmacy. I'll be picking up allergy medication, she...she will be picking up her Thorazine Medication. I can see it now...tupperware parties, candleparties, botox parties. Anyways...How exciting for us La Habrians. A Celebrity, right here, practically in my backyard. I know....I'll send over a basket of muffins, oh wait, I better make it acouple of dozen.

Update: The clan still lives there, although at this time, Octomom hasn't paid the mortgage and is being threatened to be kicked out. Somehow, I don't believe it. All the commotion has died down regarding her 3 ring circus but her Dr. will be loosing his license.

Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy

2011-05-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

A little peak of what's on my plate. Been busy creating. Sorting through buttons, yarn, fabric and just about anything else most people discard.

This Christmas Tree is made from taupe colored yarn, an assortment of buttons , some dingle berries and lots of glitter. I found this old chippy tin at a yard sale for 10cents...

Dollar Store religious candles made into festive Christmas candles....same thing right?

and more...honestly, about 20 of them which are packed away in a cool spot of the house and this candle stick and stray votive I found that I stained

This, well, I don't know what this was when I found it. It's like a food cover made from metal with a little birdie sitting on top. Painted it, added a button ( of course) and I paired it with this once again, lost English tea saucer...I suppose you could place anything in there if you wanted

and this honey of a cookie jar hive that I painted, shellacked and topped with a whimsical bee

Your probably wondering what am I gonna do with this stuff...Well, hopefully, in October I'll be a vender in Escondido (that's near San Diego) at a re purpose, recycling, makeover flea market. One of the problems I'm having is that some of my items I've never seen before. I've looked high and low all over the internet, etsy, ebay and the assorted blogs and I'm having a hard time pricing certain items. Guess I'll find out come October....I'm just sayin'

The Royals

2011-04-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

In a world full of frustration and craziness, all eyes will be on Will and Kate as they start their journey together and perhaps fulfill their prophecy. I for one, will not be watching as I did Will's mother's wedding so long ago and even though here, on this side of the pond, we cannot relate to all the pomp and circumstance, I appreciate this diversion from my everyday life. I wish them a lifetime of love, respect and sanity.

Life List

2011-04-25T02:41:00.000-07:00

There's so much going on lately that I could write several posts and take up about 5 or 6 weeks worth...but I won't cuz I'm to lazy, instead, I'll just write a list...here goes....

Raquel got a car and not just any car, a car that my mother in law bought 5 days before Raquel was born...yup, it's a 1993 Mercury Topaz, top of the line (for that year) with 32,000 miles on it and in mint condition. It even has a little statue of Jesus on the dashboard, that I so fashionably attached a FFA flag to his hand. So now, my car isn't used for a mobile office anymore, nor does it reek of livestock and have a continuously layer of farm dust on it...It's just MY car again!

I'm officially buying College stuff, like, extra long bed sheets and comforters and mace.

Raquel, my very anti dress daughter picked out the very first prom dress she saw and we both like it....who knew?

We found a possum living up in our tree and Eric is beside himself trying to catch it. Even though he's slower (the possum) he seems to be a little more adaptable.

Easter was uneventful and I made a little mini ham for just us but I still had to endure all those scary pictures of Jesus.

Although we and when I say we, I mean Eric, has finished the little staircase it made the rest of the carpeted staircase look ugly, so, we are beginning to rip out ALL the carpet and finish it in wood. Now when my squirrelly grandsons tap dance on the staircase, it'll be music to our ears....NOT!!!!

Our house is starting to resemble a dairy, a goat dairy to be exact. We are feverishly pasteurizing goat milk and making the most delicious garlic and dill goat cheese on the planet. Thinking about renaming the house to Maison de fromage de chèvre...House of Goat Cheese!

Signed up for water aerobics again and although I haven't gone yet due to cold evening weather, I'm sooooo looking forward to putting on the slenderizing bathing suit that cost me an arm and a leg...hopefully, thinner arms and legs.

....And I'm crafting my arse off, making whatever comes to mind...and that is what I'll be posting about soon.

What have you all been up to?

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all my friends in the blogging world,

from yours truly

bunny

College Pics

2011-04-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

I finally have my camera back which leads me to think that Raquel is gonna need her own camera this coming Sept.

Cal Poly SLO Campus which sits in a valley surrounded by lush (right now) green hills

the dorms

does she fit in?

I'd say YEP!!! Go Mustangs!!!

Just the Two of Us

2011-04-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Just resting up from a frenzied weekend. Raquel and I left for San Luis Obsipo on Thursday morning and came back home Friday night. The college of her choice had an open house all this weekend and the only days she could go were Thursday and Friday as she had to be in Fresno on Saturday. The open house was very impressive and I just couldn't believe how organized and well orchestrated the event was. Raquel met with her Ag teachers and was surprised to learn that she actually knew one from all the livestock events she's been involved with over the past 4 years.
She changed her Major from Ag. Science to Ag. Communications, but knowing her, she'll do both.
Ag. Communications is right up her alley. It involves Animals, Food,Writing, Art and public speaking...all the things she enjoys. Yep, she LOVES public speaking which I found out is people's #1 fear. This surprises us because as a kid, if we were at a park and other kids came around, she'd wanna leave or, if she needed another packet of ketchup from the McDonald's counters, she wouldn't go get it...until people left the area....Who knew?

We had a great time the two of us traveling along 101 hwy singing country tunes and talking 'bout college, guys, Ag. and life. How she got so smart is beyond me and after visiting the campus for the 2nd time, I'm more than sure she made the right decision. As soon as we came home from up north, she had to repack and head on up again with her FFA officer team to Fresno for the State Conference where they will vote on the next FFA State Officers. She will be busy with evens, activities, meetings and I hear a concert with Gloriana (never heard of them) and Cheryl Crow...I heard of her...lol

Anyways, Eric and I have been on our own for a couple of days with more to come as she doesn't come home till Tuesday and just let me say that it's really strange and really quiet around here.
As we were eating dinner last night, just the two of us, I said, "so this is how it's gonna be huh?",
his reply," Yep babe...just you and me....forever" San Luis Obsipo is only a 4 hour drive....I bet I can make it in 3 1/2....I'm just sayin'

ps. I have pics but not the camera at this time...perhaps later~

Horsing Around

2011-04-09T18:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Brenda and I ventured on up to San Juan Capistrano to check out a horse show. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and big puffy clouds. The area was just gorgeous with it's rolling green hills and bazillion dollar homes...lol

There's lots to see at these events besides horses....there's dogs

Mexican Hairless ones

And Lexi, our friend Tom's dog who does tricks

There's art, like these life size sculptures

and this gorgeous mural made from strips of torn magazine

and then there's me (on a very windy day) and Tom. He was Raquel's 1st riding instructor. He still teaches, but he's also a polo player and sells very high end saddles and YES, I did go brunette but I think it faded

and last but certainly not least or the reason we were there....the jumpers

...and if it looks like a fairy tale ending to a wonderful day....it was.

I'm just sayin'

Seeing Red

2011-04-04T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have a pair of reading glasses in every room of my house and of course they must match the decor to whatever room I'm in...seriously, I'm not joking. Found a fabulous store in Palm Springs this past weekend called "The Alley" and found these beauties for my kitchen...

It's the little red things that make me happy~

Vacation Property

2011-03-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

It's not like I live in the country or way out in the boon docks. I live in a suburb in Southern California, 25 miles South of Los Angeles in Orange County. Now mind you, I do live in a hilly community smack dab between a smallish mountain range and a creek which is a city term for a wash with lots of pine trees around it. Since we moved in, about 16 years ago, the hills around us have been filling up with new construction, therefore, the animals have been on the move and wandering more and more into the communities.

We have had mating ducks in our backyard (not a pretty sight I may add) hoards of squirrels besides my grandsons, a plethora of possums...yuk! and stinky skunks. A few month ago, I don't know why, but a particular skunk was wreaking havoc on the neighborhood and skunking anyone and everything in it's path. Seemed like you had to put on your gas mask when you left the house in the morning. And Coyotes everywhere!

But raccoons, those wascally creatures are particularly a pain in the ass. Every year we get a family who takes vacation in our yard. They are a bundle of fun to watch with all their acrobatics, but they cause lots of damage. And then the other night, Raquel and I saw this in our yard....a gigantic humongous lone raccoon...

So we slowly opened the sliding patio door to shoe it away and this is what it did...

He started to walk towards us as we screamed and ran back into the house. He wondered around the yard for awhile as if he was looking for vacation property and then he just plunked himself down and proceeded to clean himself. After about 30 minutes, he got his lazy ass up and started moving towards the trees. We came out again and threw rocks in his direction only to scare him ( he was eating the cats food) where he turned his head towards us, gave us the stink eye and moseyed over the neighbor fence. Can't wait for summer...that's when all the fun starts. I'm just Sayin'

Flashback Fridays/Backseat of a Caddy

2011-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Back when I was about, oh I don't know, maybe 9ish and my brother was 11ish, we were sitting in the back seat of my dads huge Condillac fighting. I don't know where we were going, but the whole family was in that car and we were going somewhere as a family and we were gonna have fun...damm it! That was usually the tone of our family outings. My brother was picking on me as usual and I was whining. I'm not a whiner in general, but I never defended myself either because I was afraid I'd get in trouble. He was poking me and pretend smacking my head and anything else just to annoy me. My dad driving, my mother shot gun
and two loud obnoxious kids in the back, probably in our family outing clothes on our way to some place where I'm sure me and my brother had to act decent to each other and be polite.

Well, in situations like this I usually would hear "stop that" or "knock it off" and the traditional, "don't make me turn this car around, cuz I will", nope, didn't hear that one either. What I heard was "well, hit him back",
Well, it was like telling me it was Christmas all over again. I now had a reason to hit my brother, a defense and better than that I was ordered to hit him. So, as told to the family in the ensuing years to come, I doubled up my fist, swung my arm back and belted him right in the stomach, in which he promptly started to cry and whine about how it wasn't fair because mom had told bunny to hit him and that if he had permission it would then be a fair fight....blah, blah, blah. I vaguely remember doing this and what I do remember is being scared after because I knew there was a payback coming. We continued to bicker and give each other the stink eye all the way to our destination, but If these two kids were mine I might have kicked them out of the car and floored it outta there or at least thought about doing it.

Update: I wrote this entry because at the time, there was a news report of a woman back east who was so upset with her children fighting in the car....she dropped them off on the curb and instructed them to find their way home. There was a lot of debate about it. I for one, never had this problem since my daughters are 15 years apart. I have two only children.
I'm just sayin"

LIZ

2011-03-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

RIP Elizabeth Taylor

2 Events

2011-03-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Two events fell upon us this weekend, not to mention that Saturday morning, jumped in my car to take care of errands before said events, to find a dead car....hence, a dead battery.
So after some choreography and some smart quick thinking and footwork, it only set me back 1 1/2 hours.

Event #1...A Major FFA Award Banquet which Raquel was a happy reciprocate of. Apparently all her hard work in the organization has been taken notice and therefore...an award was bestowed her

Oh yeah, Alex got one too. And just in case you were wondering...YES, they are back together and NO, that is not event #2

Event #2. My youngest Grandsquirel's Birthday Party. He turned 5 and his parents decided to hold the party at our neighborhood Red Robin. Here's DJ, the birthday boy!

with Raquel and Meredith, my two beautiful daughters.

and Ethan and Franklin of course!

Grandpa and Nana, those crazy old folks

with silly Uncle Trevor, My son in law Frank, Uncle George and Lexi all having a great time.

Next week, 2 more major events...My father in laws Birthday and most importantly...my hair appointment...going brunette. I'm Just Sayin'

It Happened

2011-03-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well People, it's happened, the inevitable, the thing we've been waiting for, for 13 years. The event that has set me aback and forcing me to grow up. Time waits for no one and this one is beginning to come to some harsh realization....

Raquel had applied to three colleges, accepted to all three and today, casually, almost nonchalantly she just happened to mention that she's made up her mind and "oh yeah mom, I accepted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, school begins Sept 19th".

I knew this was coming, she said she had to think about it for a while. One school was 30 minutes away, another, an 8 hour drive up north, way up north and the 3rd, on the coast of California, about a 4 hour drive. We didn't push her, we listened to her pros and cons on all of them and I figured it would take her a while to make up her mind, being that deciding on what kind of sandwich she should make is a major decision.

I was thrown, caught off balance and now, my head is spinning. It's happening and now that it's real, this summer is gonna go by like lightning and I'm thinkin'...should I be doing something? I am totally depending on friends and family....and that includes you all.
I know some of you have gone through this and I could use a few pointers....so...enlighten me, scold me, tell me, encourage me...do what you want...I'm pretty sure I'll survive, but it doesn't feel like it right now.....I'm Just Sayin'

It's Rednesday in the Kitchen

2011-03-06T19:07:00.001-08:00

~Just a few photos of my red accents in my kitchen...I'm just a little obsessed~

I love the way these canisters create a red glow in the morning when I open my blinds

Everybody has a red hen...don't they?

The top of my kitchen hutch.
I also collect Black Americana.

Having red appliances makes me happy...

..but so do my polka dot fireking ware that I've been collecting for years

and for all you red fanatics out there....BEHOLD...

A Red ceiling...yup, when I asked the hubster to paint it red...no questions asked, because he knows better than to second guess my red obsession and besides...he likes it.

Hope you all are having a wonderful Rednesday....I am

I'm Just Sayin'

What the Hell Happened?

2011-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

I was in the process of changing up my blog look and something went wrong. Checked out Graphic Fairy to take a peek and settled on a barnyard motif, so instead of copy and pasting
a code, her blog instructed a easier way to do it. It was pretty easy and there was a step by step visual aid to help but when I was finished, EVERYTHING on my blog was different.

I'm not blaming the process, it's probably me, but for the life of me, I can't seem to change it back or even fix the damn thing. So what I'm basically saying is I'm screwed. I will work on it at a slow pace and continue to take my meds so that I don't throw a brick through the monitor and hopefully I'll win.

In the mean time enjoy my Picasso type blog

Some of this, some of that

2011-03-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

Just a sneak peak of what I've been up to...busy busy busy!

Some decorative candles

yarn Christmas Tree and whimsical Bee Hive

and a very frenchy serving tray.....

There is a whole lot more, but I don't wanna give it all away...just yet.

Enjoy!!

Question..

2011-03-01T09:45:00.002-08:00

Why would any female want to be either with or hang out with Charlie Sheen? Come on ladies...and I use that term loosely, honestly, I'm pretty sure you can do better. Even YOU, you porn actress and I use the term actress loosely, can find someone WAY better than this
ego maniacal self destructive selfish drug addict....I'm just sayin'

What a Catch!

2011-03-01T09:45:00.001-08:00

Flash Back Friday/Bye Bye Birdie

2011-02-25T00:16:00.000-08:00

A long long time ago in a land called Facebook, I stuck my big toe into the blog pool. I wanted to test the waters amongst my friends so that they could critique me and give me confidence or a big thumbs down. So I wrote stuff and then actually sent it to them until I gained the courage to go big or go home.
Lately I've been very busy with my art, kid and everything else and honestly, I'm experiencing Blog Block. So just to keep you people involved with me and to keep the Blog Gods happy, I've decided to create "Flash Back Friday's" and take from my fb archive blog and enter them here...because I can....it's my blog..and if I have time, I will write an updated commentary on it...enjoy or not~

Bye Bye Birdie

Those Freakin' Mockingbirds are at it again!

Why do the neighborhood mockingbirds sing at 4:30 am? I guess Eric had enough of the symphony in the wee hours of the morning. This morning when I came down stairs, I walked into the den and Eric was sitting in the recliner with a smug smile on his face. He asked me,
"how'd you sleep'? He has asked me that almost everyday for years so I thought nothing of it until.. he started laughing. Puzzled I asked "OK, what did you do"? He responded, "I shot the bird and I'm going to Hell." What Happened I asked. Well, apparently at dawn he was awaken by our little feathered friend and couldn't go back to sleep, so what does he do....he throws on his robe, finds the Bebe gun(I don't even want to know where it is) and steps outside into the patio. He scopes the skies and there it is. This singing mockingbird is perched on a wire above our storage shed in the back right hand corner of our yard. He sneaks around the shed ( I'm imagining a ninja) positions himself right under it and "BAM", the first shot hit and the bird went down into the neighbors Ivy.

Let me tell you how much I hated these birds. Honestly, I don't care for birds to begin with, but mockingbirds that are out of control are the worst. We have lived here for a bout 14 years and in all that time those damn birds have been out of sync 2 or 3 times. Singing and whistling and carrying on at all hours of the night. It drove us crazy and yes, Eric has sworn to avenge the birds from time to time.

But I was shocked. When he told me, part of me couldn't believe it. I was mortified. The other part was glad....now we can sleep. I still don't know what to think. . It's kinda creepy thinking that a dead bird is in the neighbors bushed because we ( yes I said we, cause I kinda feel part of this too) were selfish and thought that snuffing out a life, although a little birdie life, would make our life a little more comfy. We have Mockingbird blood on our hands! Am I thinking too much? Magnifying it? It's just a bird...one of a gazillion for christ sake! But what if this bird was a mommy bird and had babies? OK, now the babies are gonna die and the thought of that....well, I will try not to think of that. I don't know....Eric has hunted down crickets in the middle of the night too because of lack of sleep. When I questioned him more, he tells me that when he was a kid and at his Uncle's Farm, they shot at birds all the time. Seeing this little scenario kinda makes it clear on how important we value our sleep. It's all about sleep , but then, a bird is dead....sleeping with the fishes so to speak.

Later on I ask him "do you feel bad because you killed a bird? His response...No, why...do you? Well, yes, even though I personally didn't pull the trigger. He laughed thinking this was funny. I believe in Karma I tell him. If I do good, if I help people and make good choices and if I give off good positive energy, then good energy will come to me. I truly believe that....but I think I just took 2 large steps back.

Five hours later, I get in my car on this gorgeous day, ready to run a few errands, I reach for my slammin jam CD that Raquel burned for me and put it in my CD player. Well, it's not workin'. Maybe it's the CD it's self. I reach for my other slammin CD that was purchased from Best Buy....doesn't work. Oh man..my CD player worked yesterday....what happened? .Karma, right? Tomorrow I going to help old ladies cross the street and do whatever else it takes, cuz I am NOT going to Hell.

Update....I didn't go to hell unless you count sitting through Hell Boy II Hell and the Mockingbirds haven't been off since but we expect them to be any time now. Now we are dealing with stray cats....spraying and singing love songs...Uggg!!!

I'm A Grandma Again

2011-02-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

Raquel is up to her usual shenanigans with the FFA and their livestock. She is currently pioneering the Dairy Goat Program at her school and has successfully bred, raised and cared for 2 milking goats...sisters Zanzibar and Asha.

Last Monday, Valentines Day, after Raquel and a few chosen friends camped out at the school farm all weekend, Zanizibar's kids were born. Diana, the goat angel that loaned out the goats and Raquel, assisted in the birth, which took roughly 3 hours.

Raquel and Zanzibar before Valentines Day

Baby boy #1

and baby boy #2...hiding behind momma

and the both of them together with their mommy. They look like little calves because of their coloring. Raquel was so happy and proud and this whole week was spent having lunch with her boys...sitting in the pen and just hangin' out.

So Congrats to Raquel and Congrats to me, although I would still welcome a grand daughter at some point...I'm Just Sayin'

...btw, this guy (smalls) is still around weighing in at about 1,000 lbs and is coming along nicely thank you~

Say It

2011-02-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

...with S*W*E*E*T*S

in a L*E*T*T*E*R

say it over C*OF*F*E*E

....you can even say it with M*U*S*I*C

but for goodness sake...S*A*Y I*T

L*O*V*E T*O Y*O*U A*L*L

A book by it's Cover

2011-02-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

You might remember that I was trying to read whatever Raquel was reading in her junior year last year and I did pretty good, but this year is a different story, pun totally intended.
Seems she's read a couple of book that the library had on hand and when the assignment was over, she had to give them back. Although I will wait for the next classic, I have acquired a few books of my own.

I just finished " Life" written by Keith Richards and yes surprise surprise he's still alive to tell his story. Although I am a Rolling Stone fan, having seen them once in concert and own a couple of CDs, I am more interested in their life than their music...particularly Keith's life.
Ya know, the bad boy of rock and roll, the dangerous and mysterious one with either a ciggy hangin' from his guitar or mouth as he played lead with the notorious Stones.

First of all, I was under the assumption that he was too stoned to write a book so I was curious as to what he was gonna write....wrong! He's been clean for over 30 years...he just looks like death warmed over. And with me assuming that he's not in his right mind, I was wondering how he was going to remember anything...wrong again! He remembers everything, from his boyhood days to what clothes he wore on what day to song writing and everything in between. I was pleasantly surprised and a yes, a lot shocked at some of his antics and although I did expect some naughtiness, I'm am shocked to say the least, that this cat is still alive....btw, he's shocked too!

Some interesting facts....He's an only child, been married twice, the 2nd time over 30 years, had 5 children, 1 died of crib death, broken numerous bones and the most interesting fact to me....he and mick Jagger have written 99% of their music. Now why did I think that someone else wrote all those Classic Stone songs? Maybe because I assumed Keith Richards was either, too stoned or too drunk or just plain incompetent to write lyrics.....Boy was I wrong! He's pretty much a very intelligen guy. He taught himself how to play guitar at age 9 and started writing music in his early teens. He and Mick, when they're talking to each other, have co written almost every Stone song since day one. He's bright, witty and very articulate and a romantic as he also didn't sleep around so much as you would think....hmmmm, he likes to cuddle....lol

So I guess it's true when people say, "you can't judge a book by it's cover" We shall see, I am now reading "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. Yeah, I know, I went from the ridicules to the sublime...lol I'm just Sayin'

A little Dabble Do Ya'

2011-02-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

I'm dabbling in Valentine Card making.
It's a work in progress....and so am I ~

A Sneak Peak

2011-01-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

My Bestest Buddy and me are hocking our wares this coming fall at a very stylish Flea Market down in Escondido..... I'm really getting into this mixed media and altered art stuff. Here's what I've been working on.
a little of this...

and some of that...

and more of this...

and yes, I've been a busy bunny and I have no doubt that I will be showing more as the year progresses...artistic stuff that is~

My Men

2011-01-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

You all know who much I lust after this man. Since I was about 10 years old, something about him peaked my interest and still today I'm still in lust with...even more so

but...I just happened to stumble upon "The View" the other morning and to my happy surprise, Ed Harris was a guest. I've never seen him being interviewed so I was intrigued. I've always had a slight crush on him, seen every movie he's ever been in and frankly, didn't know much about him...only that he's drop dead gorgeous. Well, not only is he seriously sexy, he's quiet and shy and very reserved, which of course made me lust after him more. So I'm thinkin' my man Ed will probably fill the lust void in my head when my man Sean leaves this earth....I'm Just Sayin'

Pink Camilia's

2011-01-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

This crazy weather is turning my plants and flowers topsy turvy. It's hot, it's cold, it's windy, a tornado might hit and over and over again. I never know what will bloom and when. The tops of my Ficus trees are burnt from frost and yet...I noticed yesterday my Camilias are blooming. Tons of them

They look so delicate and fragile...but their not, their pretty sturdy and hardy and I really love the little buds

my favorite flower color too...pink

Maybe Spring will be here before we know it ~

It's like it Never Happened

2011-01-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are just a footnote and my oven hasn't been on since Dec 31th, the decorations are put away and there isn't one cookie to be seen...anywhere. It's like it never happened!

The front porch is now ready for spring, adorned with colorful wooden flowers that Eric made me years ago

I bought some post~it notes, yes, paper post~it notes that look just like these flowers. Sewed a button in the middle of them and ...

put them on a wreath and hung it up....Suh~Weet!

Darn 80% Off

2011-01-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

At a time when people at Eric's work are being layed off and Eric himself has gotten a salary cut, NOW is not the time to go shopping. I had a long talk with my self about how much I have and how grateful I am and how I couldn't possibly buy one more Christmas item. Seriously, I don't, but as I entered Kohl's (you knew there was a but coming huh?) and spied that huge, very festive sign that read ( hello bunny, yes I'm talking to you) *Christmas 80% off* it was like a huge magnet was pulling me to the back of the store. And as I'm walking back, I'm telling myself, your just gonna look, you don't need a darn thing!

Well...Here are the darn things...

Circus Flags and a Red diamond cut Hurricane Candle Holder

Some Big Top Circus Ornaments that will fit right in with my Christmas/Circus Theme

A Big Beautiful Red Glittery Believe Sign

A Holiday Welcome Flag and 3 photo holders for Eric, Raquel and Moi'

...And a little heifer with a fence for my Department 56 Christmas Village....SCORE!!

And because I can't wait till next Christmas...

the Hurricane Lamp is on display in my living~room already!

Now that I'm thinking about it...I just might be a Christmas Decor Hoarder...an organized Christmas Decor Hoarder.....I'm Just Sayin'

The Circle of the Resolution

2011-01-03T15:11:00.000-08:00

You say you made a revolution? Or did you make a restitution?....OK...I'm just trying to be funny because it's Resolution time. You know, when you pick a bad character flaw or daily issue to overcome and make good on. It usually lasts about 3 days for the thrill to be gone... from what the experts say....experts meaning EVERYONE on the planet who makes them.

Weighty issues seems to be #1 with most people and I'm thinking it's because we just had our fill of holiday cooking and festivities, when honestly, we've had ALL last year to take off the weight from the previous holiday. Exercising seems to be high on the list, but it's so cold in January and February, that you can't go outside to do it and lord knows you can't do it inside...we need a exercising buddy for that and the darn cats just stare at me, the party poopers! So we tell ourselves we'll wait for warmer weather and that doesn't happen till Easter and we all know you can't start an exercising program at that time...too tempting with all those chocolate bunnies running around, not to mention Spring break when our wild side shows up .
So we wait till Spring cleaning and THEN we'll not only get to movin' but, things will get clean...My house is too big, I'll take one room a week and that should do it but then, you come across those old photos that you haven't seen in years and you've pretty much wasted time sitting on the floor surrounded by memories. So you decide to put them in scrape books and of course it's May now and the beginning of Memorial weekend where the food fest begins which in turn, takes us to Summer and you are determined to eat healthy because fruit and veggies are so plentiful...but then again...so is Ice Cream.

Before you know it Summers almost done with and you've never hit the beach or the pool...does watering the lawns every other day count? I'm not gonna pretend here...FALL is where my Resolution Falls apart...cooler weather, kids back at school, food dates with friends and last but not least....COMFORT FOOD!

So here we are, back where we started and my intentions are good but perhaps not realistic. Needless to say, my New Years Resolution has been the same one for about
10 years. To be a better person and although I try through out the year, I try harder at the beginning of the year. So...I walk a little, swim a little, hit the beach and pool when I can, grow my veggies and eat more apples and pick up the house once in a while, but more importantly, I try to smile more, help people more and in general just be better than the previous year...

the problem is my memory is goin' so I don't remember how good I was ...I'm just sayin!

Transition

2011-01-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a new look...so bear with me. I'm tired and my neck hurts...

BTW...these are kiddos with bunny costumes....Eric says they look like devil costumes

either way...it's kinda appropriate....stay tuned

The Year of Me

2010-12-31T10:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not gonna try to be all profound or to wax poetic about the New Year...

I just know it's gonna be a good one

2011 is the year of the bunny...oopps, I mean the Rabbit ~

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

Rednesday Chair

2010-12-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

I'd seen this chair at Cost Plus many times before and I just couldn't get myself to buy it.

It was roughly $180 and it was the principle...so like a good bunny, I waited and waited and waited until....I stepped in there today and there it stood, my chair $60 off original price.

And like a prepared bunny I whipped out my $10 off coupon outta my purse and bought it...just like that

and then I sat in it...just like that, pink fuzzy slippers and all!!

Scenes of Christmas Past

2010-12-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Photo

2010-12-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

I'd like to think that people think of us like this -------------------------->

...but the reality is this

Everyone Have a Great Christmas and Have some fun while your at it!

The Circus is Coming....

2010-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

When the Circus is in town...it's Christmas!

Carousels and confetti

High wire slippers and antique ribbons

Sparkly Christmas Trees and Dancing ladies

surrounded by packages of neon treats

Some levity and good humor

a Lion and a Lion Tamer and of course....

lots of Joy, makes for the perfect Circus and Christmas Day ~

Object de Christmas

2010-12-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

Seems I get a little nostalgic this time of year. I started thinkin' 'bout Christmas when I was a kid and the objects that made it special. I know your wondering what I mean by objects. Well...these objects represent a moment in time or person that represent Christmas. I'd never seen these objects other than at Christmas time and when they came out of hiding all year long, I just knew it was Christmas.

Ribbon candy....Never saw it other than the holidays, but my Grandparents had it in a candy dish on the coffee table. Piles of strips of color and swirls, I would sit on the floor and watch it as if I was waiting for it to do something. Even then I was interested in color and design. Didn't taste so good but boy, was it entertaining to me ~

Our Aluminum Christmas tree. At the time I was embarrassed of it. Everyone in the world had a "real" tree but not us...nooo, we had a tree made of Aluminum that shined and glared at us the whole holiday season. And not only did we have this tree of silver....we had a color wheel to boot.
So the tree turned blue or green or orange depending on what part of the wheel hit the tree just right. When my parents were away and left us kids alone with the poor tree, my brother and sister and I would turn off all the lights except the color wheel and pick it up, point it in our directions and perform a little song or light hearted drama....until I broke it by hitting it (accidentally) against the wall. Now...you can't find these Christmas wonders without paying an arm and a leg. Guess my parents were ahead of their time ~

Christmas Tamales. Although I've never made them per say, I've put them together numerous times. Being half Hispanic and living in Southern California traditionally you just had to make these wonderful little gems of savory goodness. I'd go to Tamale making parties. You show up with your apron, assigned to either the Masa making department or the chili making department or like me...the putting together (assembling) department. All the time gossiping, singing, drinking, dancing and laughing but most certainly having a wonderful time. And before you know it...you can smell the mouth watering little packet of heaven floating through the house.

Nuts and the Nut cracker. My Grandfather (fathers father) would sit in HIS recliner, floor lamp at his back, pipe stand on his right along side the TV guide and his bowl of nuts and the nutcracker on his left. I loved the smell of a good pipe tobacco and the image of him sitting there smoking his pipe, cracking the nuts and talking to us about the good old days when he used to own a bar in Michigan just puts a smile on my face. And just to add to this picturesque image...he had a full head of white hair, blazin' blue eyes and always wore a sweater vest ~

Christmas butter cookies in the traditional tin....need I say more?

Lincoln Logs. My Grandmother (mother's mother) had toys at her house for us grandkids just like I do for mine. Our favorite were the Lincoln Logs. We built sky scrappers with those puppies...well, it seemed like we did. We'd all be on the floor sprawled out and lounging about with the logs, adults in the kitchen talking (arguing) and we'd be in our own little world of Tarzan or Pioneer people or camping. And occacionally my Grandmother would add to her collection and never tell us until we'd open THE closet and spied the biggest haul of Lincoln Logs know to mankind. Christmas music playing in the background, Christmas tree ( a real one) sparking in the corner, tin of butter cookies calling my name on the dinning room table and the occasional whiff of a Tamale......ahhhh, Christmas ~ I'm Just Sayin'

Christmas Rednesday

2010-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

My Centerpiece atop my dining room table. Three inverted goblets, a crystal plate, a red feathered Christmas Tree and a very glamorous Reindeer.

Christmas Soldiers guarding judging ribbons

Victorian Christmas Vignette

and Santa wishing you Joy and Peace....and lots of buttons!

Happy Happy Rednesday!!!

Goats, Doggies and Birthday Cake

2010-12-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

Earlier I hinted that we were expecting a newcomer to our fold and true to my word, they have arrived. Zanzibar and Asha (sisters) are Diary Goats on loan and will be living at the school farm. Raquel is pioneering the Diary Goat program there and Diana, the owner of the goats so generously loaned them to Raquel ...only after meeting with her several times and teaching her about milking, feeding, vaccinating, trimming hooves and fur, drawing blood and generally everything else...

Oh yeah, did I mention they are both preggers...kids due in late Feb and late March. Did I mention that Raquel is over the moon? The same day they came just happened to be Josh's B-day party and honestly....Raquel didn't want to leave these two to go to the party....we did and we had a swell time but she was up early the next day and at the farm taking care of her new girls....and Smalls the steer..remember him?

Milking Zanzibar....easy peasy..

Settling in...Asha

and Zanzibar

This is Bo, Diana's Scottish Terrier (which she also raises and shows) and will be ready to breed in about 1 and a half years...I'm thinkin' it'll take me that long to work on Eric

...and then, we go to the party and Josh's Aunt and Uncle's Blood Hound had babies...and they brought them to the party...Can you say puppy heaven?

This gal "Harley" was babysitting. Seriously she stood over the pups all night.

We had lots of fun and Josh got everything he wanted

and Eric and I will be talking about puppies in the near future....I want one!

Welcome Silver and Blue

2010-12-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

I decorated my porch with silver and blue. It has a kinda cool wintry feel to it.

Wishing you all, Peace

And Joy through out this holiday season

with gifts galore

Along with tranquility

and hopefully a little of whimsy

love, bunny

christmas Rednesday

2010-12-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

Cardinals perched upon a lamp

surrounded by a cranberry Christmas tree and some vintage ornaments... makes a very festive side table

Santa on an antique child's chair greeting visitors

and the warmth of the fireplace adds an extra glow to the day

Wishing you a wonderful Rednesday~

My Wish List

2010-12-06T08:52:00.001-08:00

Although I've been asking for years...just in case someone has pity on me this year...here is my Christmas wish list.

In that order

Santa in the OC

2010-12-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Santa came last night and we had a heck of a fun time. Actually it was Josh's parents that dress up as the Mr. and Mrs. Well, they are the Mr. and Mrs but you know what I mean...the "man" and his wife.

Some of us waited patiently for him to arrive

While others played with Harley the dog

Some took turns sittin' on Santa's lap

and some of them didn't want anything to do with it

Some strolled down the street and took in the festive decor

while others snuggled

someone asked Santa for a horsie.....again

While that someone's mother just sat back with her hot chocolate and tried to keep warm

Turquoise Christmas

2010-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to love turquoise.

It's all through my den

and rapidly becoming an obsession with me

Flu Blues

2010-11-29T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I didn't have a wonderful Thanksgiving or Birthday. It seems my hubby decided (it was a conspiracy) to come down with the flu. I sent Raquel ahead to the festivities...it seems when your 17 you get a free card and when your the wife you need to stand by your man, which I did and I was not a happy camper. I took care of him with just a little hint of doubt, thinking he had a sniffle or two, but when his temperature read 103, I became a believer and then I simmered down...with a book and a movie and the computer. I should look on the bright side, I got my exercise running up and down the stairs for 3 days and all my friends on Facebook wished me a happy B~day and I did get a pardon on Black Friday to do some damage...it's just that I don't like being left out. I should count my blessings and keep my mouth shut. I have my health, good family and friends and most of all...a discount at Denny's....

Construction Zone

2010-11-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a Christmasy looking blog right now, so bear with me

Poultry and Cake

2010-11-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Enjoying my Birthday and Wishing you all a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving...we ALL have something to be truly thankful for.

My next blog update will be from an older broad, but don't worry, from what I understand, she's still got her wits about her....i think~

xoxoxo

Project Complete

2010-11-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

Remember this post?

I'm kinda gettin' in the Holiday spirit and making these Christmas trees from buttons. Two will be gifts and the rest are mine. I had fun making them and I think I've heard every "button" joke on the planet from my family. I used felt, scrap book paper, thrift store frames that were spray painted and of course....buttons! I've got more ideas for my buttons, but for now...Enjoy!

Swap Meet Red

2010-11-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

A couple of Sundays ago, Brenda and I ventured out to our local Swap Meet eager to hunt and dig for treasure...and treasure is what we found. I purchased some vintage Superman comic books for Raquel's Beau, an old Coca Cola bucket for a friend and of course a irresistible churro...which is pretty much a straight donut...

then I found this...beautifully framed picture of vibrant red flowers. Approximately 34 x 29 with rich creme color framing. I've been trying to add little accents of red to incorporate into my very monochromatic living-room and felt that this would go perfectly on the mantel

I added a couple of accessories on either side and voile'

I love the composition of this painting..notice the detail of the almost invisible glass and the contrast of the creme to red flowers

comic books~$6, bucket~$6, churro~$2, picture~$8, bunny's happiness...priceless

I Guess Hell Froze Over

2010-11-14T20:16:00.000-08:00

So, the church didn't fall to the ground, lightning didn't strike and my shoes didn't melt today. Yes people...I went to church. No one died and no one got hitched. I went because Josh, Raquel's beau, asked us if we wanted to go. Seems his church is so big, it had to move to a bigger place and after a year of remodeling, it was dedication and party time. What could it hurt right? Let's just say, it was an eye opener. Growing up we were never forced to go to church nor were we taught about any specific religion..therefore, I always went with my girlfriends and they're families to their churches...more specifically, Catholic. I married into a very Catholic family, baptisted my daughters in the church and married in the exact Catholic Church my in~law married in. Needless to say, I am pretty used to the rituals, symbolism and bru ha ha of said religion Which brings me back to the eye opener. This was a "Christian" church. Not sure if there a several types of Christian churches but this one was so casual...next time, If I choose to go again, I'll try to remember to bring a bathing suit...that's how calm and cool and pleasant it was. Instead of the traditioan scarf on the head, and button up shirts and suits, I saw flip flops, shorts and jeans plus there was a party after with games, activities and food which is always an added bonus in my book. I always wondered about the appropriate attire. Wouldn't you think that God didn't care what you wore and that he was just happy you showed up? There was a band, a very good one with actual people who had talent, there was a slide show that was provocative yet, comical and a sermon that made sense to me. What?...No guilt, No damn nation and no worries...hmmm!

I'm not one for formal religion...I'm more of a spiritual type...and yes, there is a difference. But like I explain to Raquel....If your comfortable going, you like the people, pick out the pieces of the sermon that make sense to you and your happy with your choice....then what can it hurt?

I'm just Sayin'

She's at it Again...

2010-11-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

Raquel adopted an orphaned Steer, yeppers, a new addition to our family. What could she do but to take on another challenge. It's not like we're gonna get another addition next month...or a couple more in February...sheesh!

No name yet and he's just a baby. He only weighs in at 600ish lbs.

Coming in early December....Zanzibar...a milking goat...a very pregnant milking goat..
double sheesh!!

Oh yeah, and she was promoted to President of our local FFA chapter...which means more responsibility and work, but honestly, she loves it and as long as she can handle it we're all on board.....Goat Milk or Soap anyone?
I'm just askin'

update: His name is Screwball Smalls...smalls for short, because according to Raquel, he was the smallest steer and he's crazy...good to know Raquel...sheesh!!

It's the little (red) things in Life

2010-11-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

If you told me I was obsessed with buttons it would be an understatement. I have been collecting them for decades...even as a child. Don't know what started it...don't care...I enjoy buttons

Can you tell?

I have a project goin' on and I needed to separate a few of them by color...

pink, blue, green

even the odd ones...pearl, gold, yellow, orange, purple and silver

I'm saving these...they are some of my favorites

but honestly, nothing excites me more..(well, maybe a few other things) than red ones

and when I'm done playin'...I'll show you what I'm up too

Squirely Mummies and Batman

2010-10-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm coming down from my sugar high, I can blog about my squirely grandsons,
the 2 mummies and batman

I asked DJ to give me his scary batman look and he came up with this one...and yes, that's Meredith sittin' back there with her hand all wrapped up. Seems she was carving a pumpkin last night and carved her hand in the process. She's OK...a few stitches and some vicodin and we were

Off to trick or treatin' and posing with some menacing people

We stumbled upon a grave yard in the hood too

We had a great time walking around for 2 hours...Thanks guys for the Almond Joys and Tootsie rolls...my favorite...it was the only way I could endure all that s l o w walking...I'm just sayin'

Halloween Red

2010-10-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Keep your eye peeled

for things that go bump in the night

and critters that watch your every move

and mysterious spells

all to remind you

BOO!!!

Busy Busy and Busy!

2010-10-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

October is our busiest month. It's busier than the holidays because first of all

It was this guys 50th B~Day

and then it was my MIL's B~Day

and then it was my first Grandsons Franklin's 8th B~Day

and then, it was Raquel's 17th B~Day.
...and yep, that's her new beau Josh. Everyone say "hey" to all 6'4'' of him.

and then we had a huge B~Day bash

but wait...there's more. Eric and I celebrated our 19th Wedding Anniversary.

sorry for the bad pics...i was in a hurry.

and there's more...but I'll save it for another post. I'm kinda rushed right now...out the door for Christmas shopping...because I'm not busy enough.

Halloweeny Tree

2010-10-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

When I took down my tree in the dining room...you'd thought I'd did something illegal by the way my family acted. So after being in storage for 3 weeks, I brought it out again and this time, put it in my den. Decorated it with creepy crawlers, popcorn hands, black kitty cats and a little bit of Halloween whimsy....Enjoy!!

Circus Red

2010-10-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

Remember this vintage poster that my girlfriend gave me for cleaning out her closet? Well, just to add a little splash of red in my very monochromatic living room, I've incorporated it...hopefully successfully.

I found a huge frame at the Goodwill for $19 brought that sucker home and painted it glossy black, matted it and hung it up...Voila'

Can't wait to see your reds!!