Breaking News... This Just In!

No time was wasted in the commissioning of an appropriate vessel to honor our 43rd POTUS.

This post came about because my friend Kate G. challenged me to use the words manure and spreader on my blog. Of course the challenge came after I made a comment on her blog when she used the words manure and spreader. Her use of these words accompanied a really sweet photo taken on her family's farm. I almost feel bad that I am using the words in a less than sweet way... almost ; )

Ridiculously Random Randomness

**Let me preface this by saying that I have been taking care of a very sick little boy this week. And I'm not feeling to swift myself and not getting much sleep.

You've been warned... okay let the randomness begin!

• I am considering incorporating the word minion into a more prominent vocabulary rotation. This could be tricky.
• The sun came out for a short time today. I wanted to run outside to swim in the sunlight, but only had time to dip my toes in as I checked the mail.
• I searched for ridiculously random book titles on Amazon.com today. The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted...... actually a book title.... who knew? The Life and Times of Cookie Monster: An Expose'...... sadly no match.... bummer : (
• I have been skimming through an etiquette book - an old one. I thought it would be interesting to see the rules for behaving properly back in the day... and have a good chuckle or two. I have to admit, it really has some good info that is still practical for modern times.

This is my circumference

I finally updated my Scatter the Stars word collection blog. I added an art journal page with an original poem.

Tuesday Tidbits

Meow/Strike a Pose

I made the Catwalk! Woo Hoo! I realize this won't make much sense to most, but I wanted to toot my own horn anyway. It has to do with SIStv. Members of the design team are called Fashionistas and each week they pick layouts/projects to be featured on the Catwalk. One of my daily cards for Linda was selected for this week. (Surprisingly a very, very simple one... go figure.) I have never been one to strive for the spotlight, but it is fun to say that I have walked the walk! ; )

Slippery When Wet

It seems we have dodged the weather bullet so to speak... well at least the first round anyway. We were expecting a major 'icing event' in our area today (therefore all schools are closed). Luckily we have thus far avoided the icy roads and are dealing with lots (and lots) of rain. Always much better than lots and lots of ice or sleet. Still keeping my fingers crossed for tonight and tomorrow morning...

Back in Business

Finally re-opened my Etsy shop, Morning Star Studio. Don't have it fully stocked up yet. I have a couple of my banner creations for sale though and more on the way.

Oh to be computer smart instead of beautiful... ; )

(This saying comes from magnet I have.)

I can't tell you how long it took me to figure out a simple HTML code trick. And if I am being honest, I never really figured it out. But instead gave up and ask for help on the SIStv message boards. It wasn't even 5 minutes before several ladies responded with my answer (Thanks!). And yes it was an obscenely simple solution! Notice the new way I have added links in my posts ie colored words? That was the trick that had me stumped. I am mostly self-taught when it comes to all things computer, but I think I would benefit from a HTML for dummies book ; )

Please Welcome My Blog Guest

Kate G.

(who I have lovingly nicknamed Kate the Great) is one of my favorite people. We are both members of a wonderful moms group. She very graciously agreed to be a guest on my blog. I left the main topic open and Kate picked her faith. I am glad she did. I always love to hear Kate's refreshing take on life.

Basic background/bio you would like to share. I was raised on a farm in Indiana where I learned the values of my parents, and learned to love nature, people, and traveling (because I thought the farm was sooo boring).

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? I love creative blogs, home magazines like Country Home. Music and good scripture turns me on spiritually. Emotionally- I really love intelligence in my husband and friends.

What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Ignorance, judgmental people, and clutter. What sound or noise do you love? I love the sound of a good hard thunderstorm, the sounds in a big city, and the sweet sounds of a newborn baby.

What is your favorite curse word? sh-- (It was my Grandma's too. She always said, "Kids, please allow me one cuss word. I just need one"...that always made us giggle.)

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Realtor

What profession would you not like to do? President of the United States of America

Other than family what would you not want to live without? books and sunshine

What is the quality you most like in a man? Integrity

What is the quality you most admire in a woman? Integrity

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "I did speak to you in your nighttime dreams and in sunsets and sunrises".

Why is religion/faith important in society? I believe it provides expectations for higher living that we would not strive for if left to our own devices. "Love prompts for more than the law demands" ( quote from Dr. Milo Rediger, a university president where I attended school) What role, if any, should religion have in education and/or government? I admire the views of our founding fathers, that these should be kept separate. If God is in my heart and my children's hearts, and we strive to live a life of love, peace, joy and other good things....why does it matter if the Ten Commandments are on the Courthouse wall? I think sometimes we focus on sharing God in the wrong way.

What is the biggest change in your beliefs since your early 20's? In my 20s, I thought I could get some degrees and really CHANGE or help people. I know now people have to choose to get better...and that people are very complicated.

Describe how you envision God and/or heaven? I view God as love, so heaven is bright and warm, full of sunshine, where pain and grief no longer exist.

The works of the Bible - based on facts or fictional moral stories? I think it is both. I think God is smart enough to speak to us with moral stories that were familiar to folks at that time.

Summarize your faith in 6 words. God is Love. Can I be?

How do you incorporate your faith into your daily life? It is inseparable from my heart. I feel joy and peacefulness every day (if I avoid caffeine, lol). I feel lots of love and acceptance of people. I really don't intend to incorporate it, it is just there.

You have lived in different parts of the U.S. Any major differences when it comes to how religion is viewed or practiced? Yes, there are differences. Churches reflect the culture of the area. It is fascinating to me.

Do you have a favorite scripture(s) that you would like to share? Why is it a favorite? "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31) I love this verse because it has given me strength during painful times.

What are your thoughts on the 'organized' part of organized religion? Sometimes I think organizing religion takes the focus off God, or it creates division. I enjoy the simple religion of God is love and He is always there for us. Very simple and pure!

Thanks so much, Kate!

check out Kate's blog at

http://www.joyismychoicetoday.blogspot.com/

Rest In Peace Old Chair

I never thought I would be blogging about a chair...

This old recliner has served us well. I got it (used) in '98 through a friend of a friend. It was free and therefore perfect for me at the time. It was in pretty bad shape having been stored in a garage apparently with several cats. But I rescued it (and cleaned it within an inch of its life). It has made many moves over the years. We have spent hours and hours holding, feeding, playing with Evan in this chair. It is kinda funny how objects get personified over time - emotions attached. I am sad to get rid of this old chair. It actually looks pretty good in this picture. However in real life it is very worn, a little stained, and in places held together with bits of bailing wire and reused bolts. Pieces have fallen off here and there and never replaced. The time finally came for it to be put out to pasture. We bought a new comfy chair and ottoman today. Indeed very nice furniture, but it will never have the history and personality of our old chair... and it certainly wasn't free!

a moment of silence please for our chair... ; )

My Blog Revisited

**Updates on some of my past blog posts**

Is it just me... (talking to my organs)

I haven't been doing as much of this the past couple of months. I am however considering opening a dialogue with my right knee and one of my big toes. I'll let you know how that goes.

*
Adventures in Public School

This is probably a case of ignorance is bliss, but I feel the overall kindergarten vibe has improved. I say ignorance is bliss, because I haven't been volunteering at Evan's school this semester so I don't have any first hand experience. But Evan's teacher seems to be enjoying herself more and that does wonders for all involved.

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My Eco-Challenge

Despite a few minor-ish set-backs, I have been golden... or would that be green-en? hmmm...

I have slacked off using my canvas shopping bags (I partially blame Target's cool plastic bags which are way better than Wal-Marts and I use them more around the house). I have also given into the evil magazine spirits again. And I never got into the groove of checking out books at the local libraries (still buy them new and when possible used) so add that to my "not so good" list. I totally off-set my evil paper consuming ways in other areas such as paper towel usage (almost non-existent).

*

Confessions of a chocolate chip cookie addict

still addicted.

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What do I want to be when I grow up?

still no clue.

It's Not Easy Being Blue

I have mentioned this before... I am a blue dot in a big red sea. It isn't easy most of the time to find like-minded people in this area. But I get some comfort in knowing that there are plenty of blue dots in other places. These are ATC (artist trading cards) for a SIStv swap I participated in. It was a Liberal Rant swap. Mine card is the 'Why is there money for war but not education?'.

click on image to enlarge

Here's another project of mine. I have been making daily 5 x 7 cards for a friend of mine (and fellow crafty person) who is going through a really bad time. This is the most recent card (and just so happens to also be blue). I had fun busting out the water colors for this one.

(for more of my daily cards go to my SIStv portfolio)

Another Sneak Peek. Lucky You ; )

More previews of banners for my Etsy shop.

Banana Seat Small Pennant Banner

Nerds Rock! Large Pennant Banner

Dots and Dots of Cherries Small Pennant Banner

Evan helping me photograph the Prep School Banner today. As soon as I get some good pictures of all my creations, I will add them to my Etsy shop. And I offer a Family & Friends discount 'cuz I'm nice like that ; )

Oh Happy Day!

OH HAPPY DAY

Some Dreams Do Come True

A snippet of a conversation we had in the car this morning...

Evan: "I just can't stop thinking about Martin Luther King."

Me: "Really? What about?"

Evan: "I wish he was still alive today. He would be very happy about tomorrow."

Another snippet:

Evan: "Did Dr. King think that an African-America would ever be President?"

Me: "I think he dreamed about it. But I don't know if he believed it would happen now and in such a big way."

Evan: "He would be happy that his dream came true. (pause) I am."

Me: "Me to." (trying not to tear up)

Can You Pass?

Here's a 'just for fun' test to try. But truth be told it is an excuse to post this picture. If you would like the uncensored version... let me know! ; )

Can you pass a British citizenship test?

The government has published Life in the United Kingdom, a 150-page booklet for prospective new citizens. If you want the passport, you'll have to read the book and then answer questions drawn from its contents. So let's see how well you do...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/magazine/4099770.stm

Example Question:
Almost 60M people live in the UK. By what factor do the native-born English outnumber their Scot or Welsh neighbors?
A: By nine to one
B: By seven to one
C: By six to one

Example Question:
Life in the UK explains what to do if you spill someone's pint in the pub (we're not making this up). What, according to the book, usually happens next?
A: You would offer to buy the person another pint
B: You would offer to dry their wet shirt with your own
C: You may need to prepare for a fight in the car park

An Original

A one of a kind creation by Evan and me. It is a watercolor, crayon and marker work of art on canvas. It was Evan's vision. He was very specific on what it should look like. He did the majority of the coloring and he drew the explosion on the ground, the small jets that shot from the robots head and most of the robots mid-section. Evan says he plans to put it in his room because it will go well with his transformers. This picture doesn't do this justice. It really turned out pretty good.

three more little things that make me happy for no apparent reason

1. brand new playdough
2. light fluffy snow dancing in the breeze
3. tacky novelty fabric

Evan's Birthday Shirt

My friend Darla made this shirt for Evan.

It will be his birthday shirt.

(Hard to believe he will be 6 next month...)

She used a really cool fabric... colored squares with small skull and crossbones.

front of shirt

back of shirt (initials)

**check out more of Darla's fun and fabulous creations**
http://www.reesegrahamcreations.etsy.com/

38 flavors- a letter to the President

Dear Mr. President,

Your time with us is soon coming to an end. Your departure leaves a huge void in my life. The shear amount of painfully funny and (too often just plain painful) moments you have provided during your terms in office will be near impossible to match. So for that you go out on top. Mission accomplished, Mr. President.

I told myself I wouldn't waste any more of my blog on you. But after watching the horror that was your 'exit interview', the pull was too great. My resistance weakened. It was the perfect cherry to top off the sh*t sundae you have been dishing out for the past eight years. (And it is obvious that you still think your sh*t doesn't stink.) Maybe you will be known as the Baskin Robbins of Presidents... because of your 38 flavors (of sh*t). Unfortunately we weren't able to choose just one flavor. I might have taken Raspberry Rhetoric Supreme... single scoop please. The other 37 flavors you could have shoved up your ass.

Of course after eight years of listening to you try to talk, I don't exactly expect poetry or even a smidgen of eloquence. Heck, I hold my breath as you attempt to string enough words together to formulate a crude sentence. Being a great orator doesn't make a great leader. However it is a helpful supplement. And there are moments in history were we need a leader who doesn't stumble over or falter in search of words to unite, comfort and challenge us. My five year old demonstrates more incite and competence than I have ever heard out of you. You, Sir, are an embarrassment.

Mr. President, I'm sincerely hopeful that this will be the final letter I write to you during your stay in the white house. Now get the hell out already so we can begin to pick up the pieces and shovel your sh*t out the door.

Sneak Peek. Lucky You ; )

Fresh and fun goodies in the works for my Etsy shop

"Prep School Parade" large pennant banner

(although they appear more black... these banners are really brown)

"Polka Paisley Pizazz" large pennant banner

more coming soon!

Colorless Days and My Charmed Life

Some days just don't have the same color as others. Obviously winter lacks the vibrant colors of other seasons. But I mean color in more of a substantial way. I feel a little wilted. Uninspired. Running low in the life force department. Please don't think... oh she is depressed. It's not that. Maybe it is about being lost. Lacking a direction. I didn't plan much past the point of having my child in school. That was always the 'end point'. Just hang in there until then. Until then has become until now. And now is a blank canvas... void of color. I can fill it up if only I knew what to fill it with.

I live a charmed life. I am fully aware. I am fortunate that I have the ability to be idle and ponder my possibilities. Yet I easily get bogged down in my pondering. My brain gets clouded and I lose my color, so to speak. Oh, sweet madness. Oh, the harmony of cosmic contrasts. I am a walking contradiction and I know it. Okay enough rambling... I am off to find my rainbow or at least hot tomato red or fresh grass green. Or the blue in Evan's colored chalk box would be lovely.

Anyway, here is a quote I came across and wrote in my 'collection of words' journal. I think it kinda fits the moment.

***

"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count;

everything that counts can not necessarily be counted."

-Albert Einstein

A not so serious take on the hidden darkside of the wonderful world of Wii ; )

I wonder if my insurance policy covers Wii related conditions. I fear there will soon be an epidemic of Wii related health problems straining our nation's already precariously overstretched health care system. I personally foresee pain and numbness in the trigger finger (the 'B' button for us Wii users) being a problem. How about Wii elbow? Or Wii wrist? (say that three times fast!) There is already research suggesting that certain Wii games can lead to knee strain. Gone are the days that the only common physical condition associated with video game remotes was carpal tunnel syndrome. Now we have the potential for a greater variety of injuries. I have friends who say they have shoulder issues that they attribute to Wii play.

Oh, Wii, why does loving you have to cause such pain?

... the question

Happy Hour at the ER **One Shot Minimum

Last night was Markas' turn to visit the local emergency room. He hurt is back yesterday morning and was pretty much immobile from that point on. He finally gave in and went to the ER last night (one of the longest short trips of his life). After three hours of waiting, got a 'happy shot'. The medical professionals deemed the cause of Markas' agony as back spasms and sent him home with some 'happy prescriptions' which he is happy to have today. Markas hasn't ever had much back trouble before so this was all very random.

We took a few camera phone pictures at the ER. I know that probably seems horrible to do, but when you have a five year old with you in that situation you try to make the best of it.

Evan checking out Markas post-shot

Evan put his hands in front of the camera/phone and wanted Markas to pretend to be scared. Pretty convincing.

If Markas wasn't so miserable, he would really be enjoying all of his downtime. And I reminded him now we have matching hospital bracelets... how sweet. Doubt he can fully appreciate my humor right now. Still I try... like getting him a musical greeting card that plays the limbo song. I think that is funny! lol Poor guy is at my mercy ; )

A Bee In My Bonnet

I am a little disgusted about something. A bee in my bonnet if you will. The insane coverage of the Obama girls... I mean really... what is the deal? I realize that politics equals public life aka being picked apart for every single detail of daily existence. But if the media was stalking my child like that I, Susie Q. Citizen, would go rambo on their asses. If the people of the press want to report on a happy happening or human interest story to make them feel better about themselves, I say by all means have at it. But following around two little girls and reporting on what they wear or what backpacks they have is not only potentially damaging to their well-being, but isn't it also be a safety issue. Wouldn't giving them privacy aka some resemblance of normalcy be in the best interest of all involved? Can you at least wait until they are out of high school? If there is a public function... say at the White House... and the girls attend, cover that all you want. If they want to grab an ice cream cone at a nearby frozen treat establishment, why not let that one slide?

Really it all baffles me. Honestly I don't see how any parents would put their children in such a position... I couldn't serve up my child to the world stage like that. Yet, society's obsession with hounding public figures and their families is flat out shameful. What happened to the days of old when the most powerful leader in the world could sleep around with one of the most popular celebrity icons in history and the press reported on the color of the new drapes in the red room of the white house? How far we have come in 40+ years...

[insert art here]

I have wanted to change out the wall decor in the master bedroom for awhile. Finally pulled everything off the walls, but haven't found exactly what I want to go over the bed. Not that I really know what I want... just keep thinking I would see something and go "That's it!". I decided to take matters into my own hands. Literally. With a leftover piece of mat board, Evan's crafty paints and foam letter stamps, I came up with this 18 x 24 'masterpiece'. At least it amuses me and that is what matters right? It will do until something else strikes my fancy.

Please ignore the pile of laundry on the bed. It is not part of my artistic vision rather a too real reminder of stuff still on my 'to do list'.

**always read the fine print

It's impossible to be unhappy while riding a bike. **

**unless you hit a curb and do a triple gainer into the neighbor's yard

The best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning.**

**or after a really big poop

We are always open. **

**except when we are closed

It's a dime a dozen. **

**due to the current economic decline, regrettably this expression will now be a nickel a dozen

You are the cheese to my macaroni.**

**artificial and dehydrated

Be careful what you wish for.**

**no really. just be careful.

He/she is my better half.**

**better at spending my money. better at leaving their filth all over the house. better at finding my last nerve.

Parenthood is one of the greatest joys in life.**

**but it sucks about 80% of the time

(yes, I know I am warped.)

Crazed

I have been a crazed woman on a mission the past few days. Cleaning out under the beds, in the closets. Rearranging furniture. Swapping out wall decor and lamps. Painting trim all around the house. Forget Spring cleaning... Winter cleaning has ahold of me. Purging my house may be symbolic of the need to purge myself of inner turmoil... or some psycho babble like that ; ) I really have felt fed up and worn out. Yet I keep finding myself moving on to one project after another. I haven't been able to settle myself and enjoy my creative side. I keep thinking I will run out of stuff to do, but who am I kidding? That will NEVER happen. Someone please come and sit on me. Tell me to drop the Rubbermaid storage bins and back away slowly.

On a more normal note... okay well at least on a different note... Evan & I made a fire in the backyard tonight and roasted marshmallows. Once an outlaw, always an outlaw! Since we got off with a slap on the wrist for our gun charges yesterday, we are feeling pretty untouchable. It is of course against the law to have a fire within the city limits. Unlike the biased BB gun laws, I am fully aware of the anti-flame regulations. But since it was dark and we were in the backyard, we felt pretty safe indulging in our rebelliousness. I have to admit it took us awhile to get a good fire going. I am a little rusty with my outdoor survival skills. But with the help of a little 70% isopropyl alcohol, we were in business! See Mom and Dad... my chemistry degree came in handy after all ; ) Marshmallows were roasted and a teeny tiny bit of nature was degermed in one fell swoop.

sad news

Markas' grandmother, Doreen, passed away today in England. Nanny was his mom's mom. It must be hard for Markas (and his mom) because that side of his family is so far away. It leaves him disconnected. We were hoping to take Evan to England and Scotland this summer and probably still will go. Markas has felt the need to return there for some time and obviously wanted Evan to meet his great grandmother.

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out/ In the Slammer

Who knew? Okay probably everyone except me. I didn't know that it was illegal to shoot BB guns in the city limits. (btw, we are barely, barely in the city limits... I'm just saying.) I mean gun guns yes, but BB guns... really? Markas was at work. Evan and I decided to bust out the BB gun. I didn't even get a whiff of 'bacon' (then again my nose is filled with damn snot). Sure enough we were busted by the fuzz. Harassed by the man. Close to being locked down. Serving time in the slammer. (just kidding. I appreciate law enforcement professionals.)

Here is how it went down at the scene of the crime:

officer: "Ma'am, please tell me you aren't shooting that gun."

my thoughts: okay, we aren't shooting this gun.

my actual words: "I take it we aren't suppose to."

officer: "You can not discharge a firearm in the city limits."

my thoughts: really? not even a BB gun?

my actual words: "really? not even a BB gun?"

At this point it actually crossed my mind to deny that we were firing the gun. Only for a fraction of a second though. Clearly with our cardboard box and coke can targets set up in the yard, we were indeed 'breaking the law... breaking the law' (said like Beavis & Butthead).

officer: (very nicely) "I know. I hate to do it, but as sure as I don't say anything someone will call it in."

my thoughts: rat bastards...

my actually words: "Thank you. Now we know." (sweet smile)

We all exchange pleasantries and friendly waves.

Evan: "Boy that was close, Mom. He almost took us to jail! Why did he stop us? He is the dog catcher officer, not a real one."

I try to explain that he enforces codes and we weren't following them.

Evan: "Well good thing he didn't take us in because we would have had to ride in the dog cages in the back of his truck."

Good thing indeed!

I'm Not Feelin' It

I am just not feelin' it today. I am worn out and fed up. Not sure what is the main culprit... my melancholy mood, the never ending snot in my head, my lack of creative time lately, knowing that Markas will be gone a good chunk of this week... pick one... or two... or all of them.

I have had a head full of snot for so long I truly can't remember when it started. It isn't the miserably sick stuff just the thoroughly annoying hey enough already kinda stuff. Not sure what the melancholy is all about. I do know that the idea of making one more bed, doing one more load of dishes, vacuuming the house one more time, scrubbing one more toilet, paying one more bill, picking up one more errant pair of shoes, etc, etc might send me over the edge today. A girl's got to be honest so there it is. Not that expressing any of this will change anything other than I expressed it.

Here's to hoping I start feelin' it... soon.

I Live in My Own Little (Wii) World

Let me begin by saying I remember playing Sim City when it was still on a floppy disk. Now flash forward about a quarter of a century...

If you don't hear from me for days on end it is because I have either been abducted my aliens, fallen and can't get up, or I am busy creating my very own Wii world. Soooo addicting! It's not that I play this game all the time, but when I do I always 'misplace' big chunks of time. The people in the game look purely benign, but I wonder if they are really vessels of evil that implant mind-controlling messages. ex: "Who cares about all of your adult responsibilities. Keep building our deceivingly cute yet evil empire! Our goal is world domination!" lol

You never know... ; )