Christmas Update

Christmas has been busy, shopping, wrapping, baking, cooking, washing, running around. I feel like a mac truck slammed into me but I so far made it this far! I admit to being one of those that struggles during the holidays mentally but the busyness helps that though it hurts physically. SuperSpouse, BigBoy, VolleyGirl and I have had a wonderful time and will continue making memories for a week more before BigBoy goes back to school. The weather has continued to be atrocious with rain but it let up enough on Christmas Eve and Day to give us a dry holiday! I'm still not ready to return to cooking but apparently the Christmas meals have worn off and they are all hungry....

I have been unable to sketch or paint and have a bit of clean up to do before I can. Here's a very quick and rough pencil drawing I did right before Christmas. Christmas photos to come soon!

Always has been and will continue to be a Special Day

All my life, today has been a special day. Not just because it is the eve of Christmas Eve. It was the first family Christmas party, at my paternal grandparents' house, it was my mom and dad's wedding anniversary, but most importantly, it was my mama's birthday! Today, things are quite a bit different, of course, I will not be going to my grandparents house like we did my entire childhood, nor will I sing happy birthday to my mom and present her with a gift that I tried to wrap in order for her not to guess it first. She would have been 78 years old today. In 2000 we celebrated my parents 50th anniversary but in less than two years my mom would be gone and my dad was too, just over a year later. We refer to it as his "bonus year", since the doctor didn't expect it at all. He went into the hospital for the final time on the 23rd. The great thing is their oldest granddaughter's first son was born on the 23rd four years ago today. He was due on the 19th, as soon as we heard that, she and I both wondered if it would be possible. As Christmas drew nearer, her doctor wanted to schedule the delivery, naturally, she chose the 23rd. She prepared to check in the hospital the night before....and did, but she was never induced. She went into labor naturally that evening. So, little Finn came just when he was supposed to, on his great grandmother's birthday, just according to plan! It will always be a special day for sure.

The photo is mom with my daughter just after VolleyGirl's tearful pre-school Christmas program, at least 13 years ago. To be half the mother, I would be greatful.

Hot Holidays and Reverence

The weather has been atrocious here for days and days. Too warm and rain. Rain, rain and then....more rain. Frosty doesn't have a chance around here! Forecast: rain. The Canine Messiah (Apollo) had to check out the display of the real Messiah. No, he did not bring with him a gift of kibble.....he would have long eaten that. Colored pencil sketch.

Visions of Something........

I am enjoying the sketching this Christmas season. I am having visions of things I could sketch, still have several I would like to do. Cake...of course, like to bake (and eat) them. Like visions of sugarplums dancing in my head....except - it's not. I don't even know what a sugarplum looks like. Believe me, I need no more confusion going on inside my head! Yeah, what of it, I'm blonde, but it isn't all natural these days. This was created with colored pencils.

Christmas Sketching

I did the header photo last week. It is in colored pencils. I have completed a couple of them now. Many of you have inspired me to sketch, I have really enjoyed it. See Christmas Kitty layout below!

Does He KNOW He Matches The Tree???

Finally....his first pictorial......and obviously he knows how to work it, work it, work it! Honestly, this cat has not had previous modeling training. There are many more of these but they have been sent off to be printed up for his portfolio!!! This is VolleyGirl's kitty, he is a ragdoll cat. This Dec. 23rd will be eight years that he has been with us, arriving at 10 weeks old. We brought him home on a busy day, as it was my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I had a cake to pick up, family dinner to attend, then family came over to the house afterwards. He was great. Oh, his name: Dudley. He is a people person, but NOT a lap cat. I have begged that cat to sit in my lap, but he does not, that I kind of miss. He does visit me each night, waking me up. He loves to aggravate His Royal "Hine"ness Apollo on the staircase since the Canine Messiah is not allowed on them. He does love to mess with the tree but will finally settle down and lay under it, perhaps knowing just how lovely he looks beneath it!

Yes, he does climb up the inside middle of the tree.......

Working on the "Christmas Extravaganza"

I have only had time for a little color pencil sketch..this was just before Thanksgiving. I will have a difficult time in the next few weeks to paint. Decorating, shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing...recovering from decorating, shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing!!!! Wish I had taken photos of the two cakes I made, "Lipsmackin' Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake" and a carrot cake. I have increased pain and problems in my leg from my back but treading easily to avoid a major problem as I had last year on Thanksgiving weekend. (Holding breath, fingers crossed, saying prayer!)

That's BigBoy and VolleyGirl the day after Thanksgiving. We were all out working in the front, trying to get as much done as possible since BigBoy was leaving that day to return for school. He and his dad LOVE to put out LOTS of decorations in the front. I have yet to get any up inside but will have them complete before BB comes home for the holidays a week from TODAY!

My First Award, My First Meme, My First Tag

Soulbrush honored me with my very FIRST AWARD! It is the Lemonade Award. Thank you dearly Soulbrush! I am not real clear as to what it is for but I figure it means I am sweet and sour simultaneously and worth at LEAST 50 cents! I'm just excited to be thought of. Now, she has requested me to list 7 Random Facts about myself (to see what makes me so sweet and sour!) Bookmama has tagged me with my first meme. So here goes..................

7 Random Facts (about me)

1. I have been married for 25 and a half years now and a stay-at-home mom to a son (20), daughter (15) for 20 years. Christian, conservative.

2. Like to prepare desserts, decorate cakes (started out doing my kids' birthday cakes)

3. Just started painting on canvas a year ago, first since college.

4. Enjoy performing in theatre (when I can, didn't begin until age 35) have played "Amnesia" in Nunsense, "Prickly" in Magnolia , emcee events such as dance recitals and fundraising auctions.

5. Was a tomboy growing up (2 older brothers, no sisters). Played football, basketball, baseball and tennis with my cousin as the seasons changed. No teams for girls where I lived back then.

6. Love to sing but didn't sing in front of anyone until I was 35. Have performed solos in opera, contemporary christian, country, blues, gospel and broadway tunes.

7. Suffer with degenerative disc disease in neck and back, fibromyalgia, arthritis and putting off a total knee replacement (dislocated that knee in college while practicing for a dance team!)

That should put some type of picture (probably a cartoon) in the minds of some of you as to who I am. There is more that I could add either, I will get tagged again or you will have to wait for my sizzling autobiography!!!

My First Meme:

The rules? Answer the following questions in one word and then pass it on to seven others.
Tagged by BookMama.

Where is your cell phone? Pocket

Where is your significant other? Study

What is Your Haircolor? Blonde

Your mother? Remarkable

Your father? Unforgettable

Your favorite thing? Singing

Your dream last night? Duh

Your dream/goal? Accomplish

The room you’re in? Kitchen

Your hobby? Painting

Your fear? Aging

Where do you want to be in 6 years? Walking

Where were you last night? Home

What you’re not? Satisfied

One of your wish-list items? Countertops

Where you grew up? South

Last thing you did? Grapes

What are you wearing? Sweats

Your TV? Awards

Your pet? Multiple

Your computer? Totally

Your mood? Depressing

Missing someone? Parents

Your car? Pleasurable

Something you’re not wearing? Perfume

Favorite store? TJMaxx

Your summer? Short

Love someone? Yes

Your favorite color? Pink

When is the last time you laughed? Today

Last time you cried? Bedtime

TAGGED for this meme, You're It ! Cris, Lindsey, Michelle Lee, Karin Bolstad, Leet, Robyn, and Lisa Reed

BEHOLD! The Canine Messiah...

He was indeed sent. in order that some might live a more complete and fulfilled life. There has never been, or probably never will be another four-legged creature to walk these hallowed floors (floors that need cleaning again) of this house that shall be held in any higher esteem. This very moment, he is whining for his supper. I prepare it with the utmost care, for this is his sustenance, served twice daily. Food that is precisely soaked in very warm water - no other food of any type passes his hanging, spotted mouth. Still crated at times due to the fact that he insists upon looking for anything to put in his royal mouth. Friends, I give you His Royal "Hine"ness - Apollo. Sixty-five pounds of majestic mischief.

Fall in Love

This is my latest "Maytagarama" in progress. I believe I am getting a bit faster with my work, need to. VolleyGirl said she would help me put up all of them on a slideshow here soon. Thanks for all the comments this past week....so nice to find them during the day!

Here are just a few of the photos I have taken lately. Love those turning leaves and this is why I love to paint the scenery around here. How many of you know what's in the field in the second photo?

Painting and Punkin'

My latest completed painting is a 5x7 acrylic that I donated to VolleyGirl's school fundraising gala last Saturday evening. SuperSpouse and I attended and had a great time with our friends and looking at all the silent auction items. I sold bingo cards for an hour or so and that is pretty fun as well. I am well into another "Maytagarama" and my goal is to get those out of here by Turkey Day. A friend of mine owns some laundramats and asked me to do 14 old washing machine themed paintings. It is not exactly a subject matter that does it for me but gives me some compensation!

Originally I was going to put an image of His Royal "Hine"ness, the Canine Messiah or as I call him -Fat Bastard, (Apollo the English bulldog, four-legged, mechanical-tailed ruler of our abode) on our jack-o-lantern. I did not leave myself enough time to do it after working on his heavenly image for a bit. I had to punt (yep, football term) and went with "THE" A. Then the time, actually, the sun was setting on me and I had to decide to put in the "Roll Tide" - not as perfected as I would like, but the message is clear. If only I could have added the #1 on Friday! Some of my newer blog friends, Alabama football may be foreign to you......in a nutshell, around here it is right up there with the election. (For many in this part of the country, it would be more important!) SuperSpouse attended UofA and BigBoy is there now. We're No. 1 ! Yeah!

It is Done !

The old woman is finished, bless her heart! She thought wash day would never end!!! This is my very first person to have painted. Yeah, I know, I have a whole lot of improvement to do. This is from my series of laundry themed 24x36 paintings that I am doing for a friend. I am working hard to get these finished so I can move on to something else. There will be another I must do almost exactly like this one but I don't want a duplicate, hmmmm, will be changing it up somehow. Presently working on a 5x7 of a beautiful fall-changing tree for VolleyGirl's school's fundraiser. That should be finished later tonight or tomorrow. Wow, I'm thankful I don't have to clean my clothes in this manner. I have had quite a bit of experience in hanging clothes on the line when I was a junior high and high schooler. I particularly recall hanging out a line full one summer when temp was about 103. Glad to finish, free to go swim across the street. Sad when mom called informing me the line had broken, clothes on ground......went home.

Paint and Polish

Ta-da! Here is my latest finished painting. I have another in progress....two actually. I have yet to paint today because I have been living out another dream in my life - yeah, scrubbing toilets, washing clothes and cleaning floors. The feeling of satisfaction is somewhat lackluster upon completion of these tasks. I will admit to a slight sensation of glee, just like in the commercials when the lady stands back, leans on her mop and smiles with satisfaction. Aggravatingly I will be required to do the same exact thing over and over and over and over............ Could you imagine creating the same painting repeatedly for the remainder of your physically able lifetime? Ugh.

Brush, Ball, Boy, Bladder, Back, ...........

I am working on this 8 x 10 for the school's big fundraiser.....no, the Teletubbies are not about to pop up over the hill.....

Still going to games and practice for VolleyGirl. She has been moved to varsity for the rest of their season, jv season is over. Last Friday's practice was three hours. Coach confessed she had been hardest on VG all season. Mother Hen urge to smack her with my my big wing......but VG has thrived this season. Fall break this week, no school....but practice every day!

BigBoy has bounced in today for a long weekend. Has only two days off during this break. There is plenty of food to be prepared...........always fun when he's home - keep your hands to yourself while he eats.

Well into my second week of coughing now. I swear a small chunk of lung came up the other day. Sick of it and so is my bladder. It's not a new bladder, it's been around awhile and the pressure is getting to it. Same with my back. If there were any goo left in my discs, it surely would have ruptured by now...hmph....one time, it's good they are dried up. What organ is going to be affected next.

Leaves, football and, of course, sneezing

Photos snapped last year. Yellow tree at school, while waiting on VolleyGirl. Red trees enroute to school. Hope to use big tree in a painting I will donate to school fundraising gala and used the red tree photo for a painting that I donated to a silent auction Bookmama was organizing.


My most favorite time of year is the fall and there is a cool crispness in the air............eventually.

• Dead leaves are so lovely.
• You either are sweating in your costume or freezing, never seems to be just right.
• Growing up, homemade popcorn balls with molasses was THE best.
• Sitting in my dad's lap when the witch came on screen during the one-time Fall showing of "The Wizard of Oz!"
• The lady that always gave us a cupcake when we were trick-or-treating. How do you put THAT in your sack?
• The old man, rubbery mask that I was so afraid of it scared me even if it were lying on the couch.
• Elementary school's Halloween carnival........amazing. Dad's hamburgers there and the the fish pond....great prizes!
• Sounds and smells of the football game.

WEEKEND UPDATE: Volleyball tournament on Saturday. Arrival time: 7:50 a.m. Departure time: Approximately 5:15 p.m. Usually we pack up after lunch, not forwarding out of pool play, this time, undefeated and first in pool play. VolleyGirl was playing awesome. Result: 2nd place finish, big trophy and a butt that still flat from the bleachers.

BigBoy came home. Prepared him food. Helped him Saturday evening with an art project. Asked him last week if he wanted me to prepare him something special, like a cake. "Mom, you know I don't eat that crap" Fast-forward to Friday night after his stomach is full of shrimp, "what's for dessert?" "I thought you didn't want any." (Feeling bad, of course, as a devoted, spoil-your-college-baby-home-for-the-weekend) "Mom, you know, I want you to surprise me." Gee thanks. Lesson learned. Hmmmmm, what will I bake for the next weekend.

Memoriam

Today marks six years of a large void that began in my life with the passing of my mom. It certainly has become easier on a daily basis and life continues on heartily, full of blessings galore. Yet, it is amazing how quickly I can begin weeping in sadness. Not sure if grief describes it. Void describes it best. There will always be a large hole in my life that will not be filled. It was her place and only memories run across that barren space somewhat like a movie screen showing home movies. Often I think in situations, "What would mama say?" Usually, it's a humorous quip that comes to mind or a clear expression on her face still so familiar. One of the best feelings was seeing her standing at my front door, holding a basket with something usually early Christmas morning to witness grandchildren discover what Santa left, at difficult times during VolleyGirl's babyhood or just to visit. Simultaneously wierd and wonderful when I make a comment or gesture that is just so her. I may be alone in liking my hands a bit rough-just like hers. Always held her hand before kissing her bye and leaving her room. All I could say, as I bid her final good-bye was, "thank you, thank you, thank you"! Thankful my kids remember you. In memories, you really live on. I know you live, there. If I'm half the mom.

Long and Winding Week

I am looking for more time to paint. This wash woman is begging me to finish her...............she literally has only one leg to stand on!!!

VolleyGirl has had one full week of volleyball. Almost a 2 1/2 hour practice Monday, games Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (all out of town), practice Friday, and tournament out of town yesterday. She has also been up every night until 12 doing homework and some mornings getting up after 5 to study more. She's exhausted and not happy, to say the least when she heard there was a two-hour practice scheduled for today. It was a steam room at the gym yesterday, the gym had no air conditioning and no fans. VolleyGirl stated she was so tired she couldn't focus, doesn't surprise me. Today she needs to do Monday and Tuesday homework and get in bed early. Never any time for anything else.

BigBoy is working hard at school and attended the football game last night. I can't express how proud and relieved I am for how well he is doing there. Blessed to the max. Last night around midnight he was starving and had to get 10 soft tacos- poor thing. A football player in class told him of a "hidden" store on campus where he could purchase gym shorts, tshirts, shoes, bags, etc for cheap prices in the large/overgrown sizes. He has spent a portion of his birthday money on it. He tried to convince VolleyGirl she could roll up an men's XL pair of shorts and it would look fine. She declined the kind offer. He comes home this next weekend and I am excited! Already making plans on what to feed him.

A Typical Family Birthday

We celebrated BigBoy's birthday yesterday since it's tomorrow and he returns to school this afternoon. I have always made the kids some fun cakes......this one was totally for fun. BigBoy didn't choose this theme like some of his in past - Power Rangers, Golden Retriever, Toy Story; no, this was all me and VolleyGirl's humor. It was not my neatest at all...it's a Mounds cake per his request. I haven't made my buttercream decorating icing for one of their cakes in two years since VolleyGirl had a hot pink polka dot cake. We were SO EXCITED when we found this plastic hunk! For it to have a red "speedo" matching the 20 candle we had found was just too much......pure ectasy that it also matched the "speedo" on the plastic blow up man for your keychain that I also had found. He thought I had found a bulldog for his cake......maybe next year.

Yes, the cake tasted like a Mounds bar!

It's Been Fun!

Bye-bye Olympics. It's been real fun. Except for the rythmic gymnasts, c'mon, that's a bit like the synchonized diving - I was doing the same thing in my yard when I was 8, 9, or 10, jumping around with a piece of crepe paper streamer left over from some event. Throw it in the air, spin around and try to catch it. Ditto for the hoola hoop, toss it up and try to thread your body through it as it came down, pick it up with your foot instead of bending over. Now the rope, same thing, I just thought I was wimping out of jumping when I was swinging it around my head, tossing it on the ground and jumping over it. Always, always, there was the roar of the crowd I could hear in my head! (No, it hasn't just been occuring in recent years that I hear voices in my head!) So there you have it, the birth of rythmic gymnastics, but it belongs in the front yard with the kids like synchonized diving: 1 - 2- 3 - JUMP! OK, granted I was never 8 foot tall with a 12 inch waist and I could not bend my leg over my back and shoulder and touch my bosom, neither could I stand there and simply lift my leg straight up beside my head and slap my ear. Sure, I envy their flexibility, especially since my back and leg trouble are so bad in the mornings and at certain times that I am barely able to properly clean my own backside (wow, that was frank!) . It was impossible for me to watch the routine from the very pose they struck waiting the starting music. All I could see was Will Ferrell or Mike Myers in the pose, I saw, clear as day, the looks on their face and the poses, not to mention the outfit they would choose. Too many years of watching Saturday Night Live (confession: since it began) prevented me from watching the routines with an open mind, just couldn't do it. Wouldn't you love to see Will and Mike synchonize dive?

One more observation at the track. Sure the ladies are wearing the super skimpy outfit so as to cut through the wind and not be held back but what was up with a couple of them having 20 lbs of long hair blowing in the wind? Every other athlete was slicked back, shaved off or shrink wrapped in some way. Don't tell me that didn't cause a major drag? Could they have at least shaped it up in the form of the cyclist's helmets that come to a dangerous point on the back. That just befuddled me. Befuddled, is that a word? VolleyGirl and I really enjoyed the Olympics and I told her they would be back in four years and she would be in college!!! Yikes! Last time the summer olympics she had just started sixth grade and volleyball. Who knows what things will be like next time summer olympics roll around.....hopefully I will still be able to bend my elbow and take in nutrition......................

BREAKING NEWS!

I finally got to paint some yesterday and frankly, it felt good. More later.................................

Out of the Nest.............For Now

This was lunch prepared for BigBoy yesterday before he left for school. One of his favorite meals this summer was a corn boil chocked full of shrimp, smoked sausage, potatoes and of course corn. For dessert, a long time favorite of his - Cinnamon Pull-Apart Cake. We attacked it like starving piranahs. I wrapped the measly leftovers and sent it on with him.

I was resolved to not shed a tear so as to not make him feel sad. I had almost made a clean getaway after giving him a last hug by his truck when I turn around and see both SuperSpouse and VolleyGirl with tears. Well, so much for that. His dad will certainly miss the buddy he's had all summer to work with, play online poker, caring for Fat Bastard and the past week of frantically finishing their project - the patio. Oh my gosh, the patio, that is a mini-series in itself. I should have documented it on video. VolleyGirl will certainly feel the void of no one shoving a bare armpit in her face or mooning her at every turn.....that's the mild things. Ah, older brothers, a unique gift to younger sisters for sure. I should know, I have two of them. Believe me though, VolleyGirl is very gifted herself at grossing her brother out, more so with words. They get a kick out of each other. She will not feel the absence as much since she stays so crazy busy and that will pick up this week as games and weekend tournaments begin. For me, it just feels quiet and sort of empty right around here right now but I know that he will enjoy his freedom again, I will miss purchasing large quantities of food and yes, the laundry load will drop, but he will spread his wings and fly with an unlimited food card and his very own washer and dryer in his new apartment!!!

Precious Memories..........Still Linger

These are a couple of my "artsy" photos from the beach a couple of weeks ago. The girls had a volleyball on the beach - of course. I sat in a chair trying to catch a good shot of the birds and have a couple of really good close ups.

Still working hard at getting things ready for BigBoy to head back to school next Sunday. Went down last Sunday and helped put things together in his new apartment. Hanging alot of pictures, shower curtain, etc. He has a nice place and I am very excited for him....makes me want to clean out the clutter here at home!

VolleyGirl couldn't be much busier. It's pretty much school, practice, homework, bed. She is practicing two and a half hours a day. I was hoping she would be in bed by 10:00 but that hasn't happened every night. She usually has around 3 hours of homework. Games start next week, that will be even more challenging.

I've not made much progress with my painting....not a good thing. To whack a bit on a dead horse....I washed 21 loads of wash this past week and still had two ready to go. It occurred to me that I should have had my friend take my clothes to their laundrymat in exchange for the paintings - really missed that deal. I have also decided that when my time comes I will be buried in a washing machine. Fold me neatly and I should fit.

Apollo, a.k.a., His Majesty, His Royal "Hine"ness, the Canine Messiah or as I call him - Fat Bastard is really going to miss BigBoy when he's away at school....as will we all. BB is already looking forward to taking him down there for visits for a week or two at a time. (I eagerly look forward to his visits there too!)
I have been watching the Olympics as I prepare supper and folding clothes, really good. The gymnastics though - that's just not natural. What is it with the guys wearing suits that from the waist up looks just like the women's. Right before they swim with goggles and caps, you can't tell the difference. I don't miss those disgusting speedos the men used to wear, the ridiculous skin tight capris are awesome though. How can those bikinis that beach volleyball teams are wearing be comfortable, can they not make a wedgie-free bottom to wear?

Where Did It Go?

Summer flew by.....of course the kids here don't get a real summer vacation. They just get a small portion of the summer for a break and it has flown by. I took VolleyGirl and three of her friends to the beach and they had a very good time. They ate like BigBoy! This is my favorite photo from the trip.

Today is SuperSpouse's birthday so yesterday I went gift shopping in addition to getting groceries. I have been a cooking fool this summer! I pampered him thoroughly......just hope what goes around, comes back around is really true. I brought his paper and coffee to bed, prepared him a lunch of fried chicken, cream corn, fried okra and green beans. Made him a coconut cake, all from scratch from Paula Deen's grandmother's recipe, AND made homemade ice cream. He was very pleased with the gifts we three gave him. I think he is a happy man tonight! Sooooooooo, I will try to get back soon cause I've used all I have for one day. This week VolleyGirl starts school and practice everyday topped off with a carwash next Saturday. I must help BigBoy get things together he needs for his apartment and somehow get some painting done! I am really anxious to get back to it.

Going Where I've Not Gone Before........

Here is the latest in the maytagarama series to be complete. I just got bored with backgrounds and just did something different. Why I did not paint it on the vertical is just as much a mystery to me as it probably is to you. Visions of landscapes, fruits, clouds...love the clouds...haunt me, no, they laugh at me because I am not painting them yet until these whirlpoolaramas, whatever, are complete. I am thankful for the work, thankful for the work, thankful for the work...

What is it with these paintings of old washing machines and laundry that seem to take FOREVER for me to complete??? It's like a boxing match that keeps going into rounds that you wouldn't think they would (OK, I realize that sounds like a comment from a male, which I am not, but I had this vision of the bell ringing and a bloody, sweaty fighter heading to the corner and sitting hard on the stool, needing aid!) I mean knock them out already! These are trying for me, but I think they will make me better. It is crystal clear to me what I want to be painting. This is not my forte. God is making me stronger and using BigBoy and VolleyGirl as helpers! They were laughing at the old woman I have sketched out. (Look up) Hey, I know people drawing/painting is not one of my gifts. I almost begged not to have to put people in any of the maytagaramas but yea, doth The Maker has another plan....and believe me, it is not of my own! Trudge on....

New Adventure!

Monday morning I am driving VolleyGirl and three of her friends six hours away to the beach. This will be the first time she has had a friend go with her on a vacation AND the first time I have driven that far without the SuperSpouse. The girls are SO EXCITED and I will be AFTER I reach our destination! SuperMother-In-Law, SuperSister-In-Law and BabyNephew will be there also but are leaving in the early a.m. for optimum infant sleeping. It will be a memory maker for sure. The girls will not be any trouble, they just want to swim in the pool, be on the beach with one day of a little shopping, get matching airbrushed t-shirts and will take HUNDREDS of photos of themselves! If you do not have a teenage daughter then you are not aware that there are millions of girls that are semi-professional models already. VolleyGirl and her friends snap themselves constantly when they are together, just to look at them and laugh, whatever. I enjoy trying to get interesting photos and will probably try to get some good ones of them on the trip. Wish me luck, cause if there is a wrong turn to make, I can make it. It's the last hurrah before school starts..........so sad. Back to school sales are still depressing to me. That's another story perhaps I will share to kick off the school year. Tomorrow I will prepare a blueberry cobbler for the family's lunch. For the trip, lasagna, cookies, muffins and the simplest, yet most amazing treat of all: Rice Krispie Treats.

Dear Me,

Skipping around reading different blogs this time of year there are those gushing over the wonderful vacations they have taken and the fabulous adventures had outdoors. Perhaps gardens have made them proud and more importantly eased their grocery bill. I am still relatively new to this realm of public diaries for all to see. Recently, I have enjoyed reading entries written by parents to their young children in recognition of birthdays. Usually it is a letter, of sorts, remarking on the cute things the child has said or done over the year and how quickly the years have past. Often I have thought about how most of the things we say and do as a young child are noted by parents and others of more maturity. Ah, yes, children do say the darndest things....can't take credit for that, thanks Art Linkletter. A sizable portion of you that are still ravaged by youth do not know who Mr. Linkletter is. No matter really. My dear parents are gone, so I decided to share some random thoughts I have today, my birthday. Maybe many years from now one of my children can read it back to me and see if I can remember writing any of these words or remember any of these thoughts. Will I long for the good ol' days I have now? Just have to wait and see.



Thoughts to Myself so I May Think Them Later


Birthdays past I have heard my mom tell the story of going to the hospital for my birth. My dad, friendly man that he was, kept talking to people along to way while she tried to urge him on, in great pain and with urgency but trying to pretend like all was normal. Finally, she made it to the maternity area and she knew I was anxious to appear. Super bummer for her, it was too late for any meds to ease the pain. I'm number three, the baby, the only girl....and I was already being a pain in the butt (area). Oh no, breech. Uh, a really super bummer, doubled-over, greet the world with my moon breech. Sooooooo sorry mom, didn't mean to. I like to think I was bent over laughing already, but not because of the excrutiating pain that must have been. Bless her, she always wondered if that was the root of all my back trouble. Who knows, wasn't your fault anyhow.


Some of the cute things I did this year were....hmmmm....ummmmm....... there was the time, uh, no, didn't mean to do that. Well.....uhhhhhhhh, oh yeah! Isn't my blog just the cutest! I enjoy it so far, as I write, I really think that I am speaking to literally vast amounts of people. My innocent excitement and naitivite is certainly cute....especially at my age. If nothing else this shows my determination since so far the most comments I've had on one post was three. That poor ol' horse I keep crawling back on is sooooo sway backed and has no teeth, but it's so cute!


Painting, I started it in the Fall. Not as bad as I thought I would be, the cobwebs, I mean. Hey! I can paint from the image in my head and not just from looking at something right in front of me! Maturity? Untapped talent? Years of images viewed, filed, and stored now in the aisles of my
noggin? I'm an artist, not a brainiac. Yippee!

I started giving my nails a little attention. No, I'm not tacky....that often. Once I learned years ago that SuperSpouse couldn't care less what my nails look like, correction, SuperSpouse doesn't care for long nails, well, I rarely made time for them. Just kept them clipped short. Frankly, it has been very convenient all these years. But whadayaknow, I became self concious this year about my nails. The ones that weren't cut off years ago at the cotton gin look amazing!

The way I have been giving some of my dishes I prepare for my nicknamed family some presentation in recent months has been so Paula Deen of me. Hey y'all, it can taste good AND look purty! Bawn your petite!

Years ago I was under the impression that an antique was something at least 50 years of age. I don't know if that is correct or not. I do like older pieces better than new ones. I am getting very used to myself too, knowing me better than I ever have. I will be prized in just a short time.

Old underwear is not a good thing, even if it is rarely seen by others.

High heels are almost out of the question for me these days so thank you hoity toity fashion gods for making flats acceptable. Visualize my heels dug in creating a perfect row for planting as I try to stay far away from dark tan, match everything, old style nurse's shoes.

The way I pull the covers up to my neck and 26 seconds later throw them off in one smooth, swift swoosh!

That quick flipping back and forth of my hand close to my face with that distinctly southern charm.

Sometimes I get things mixed up because I misunderstood a word. Everyone around me still thinks it's funny!

Just a few of the things that I observed about myself that are special and unique to me. This next year will have more titillating and riveting nuiances that I may or may not notice. Those of us that are on the verge of seeing our teeth grow longer - still changing by the year.

I love me anyhow and don't even give a rip that it's not that cute.

"Sunrise, sunset"

I got a little painting done the other night. Today has been filled with running errands, cooking, baking cookies and rice krispie treats for VolleyGirl's team get together tomorrow and last but never the least: wash. Completed that close to 10 pm so I opted not to start painting that late. Racked up 18 loads of wash this week and there is probably two loads left in the laundry. I believe we are on our third washer. Considering setting my easel up just outside the laundry room. Hmmmm, I may be on to something there.

I took this photo a few weeks ago. The days are flying by and making me feel like I am being left behind. Behind being the key word. The magic pill to give me the energy and drive to push beyond what is required every day has not been found. Somehow, I must get more done each day. I think I am so accustom to feeling bad that it is the norm, and my norm doesn't get extra projects done. Hours of painting done after a full day or getting closets cleaned out, rooms cleaned out, floors cleaned, those types of projects are not being completed. Treading water, always treading water. Perhaps waking up feeling tired has a bit to do with it. I must press on and manage my time better....the plan now is just not working for me. Suggestions welcomed.

Too Many Irons in the Fire

How can I paint when my poor aura is practically squished into non existence by all the other things on my "to do" list. Cry me a river (couldn't resist), yes, I've washed 14 loads of clothes since Friday and ran the dishwasher every day and took VolleyGirl to buy three birthday gifts, buy food, prepare food, wah, wah, wah! Prepared a corn boil for the 4th, I grill out all the time so had to do something different. It turned out very good and EVERYBODY liked it! No multi-menu! Stopped by BookMama's house for her youngest's birthday party. Sooooooo cute...but I am not partial. Later my family all loaded up in the car like sardines, taking the Canine Messiah also to view the fireworks. It was a good day.

Down By the River

I have finished this painting. Not saying that I am overly pleased. May I use that artsy, sound like I am speaking from my aura and say, "My work is a continual progress...what flows from my soul through the brush is much like waves crashing on the tiny pebbles of sand which have been formed over thousands of years, neverending, ever changing and each and every frame of time is different........" Basically, I've never painted a flowing river and I am sure that the next time that I do, it will look better. I do not like people, oh, don't get in a tiff, I mean painting people. I have seen people my whole life but they do not flow naturally from my brain to my brush. I am pleased with her left arm though and hopefully next time I am painting a person they will be lucky enough to have more parts that I am pleased with. Hmmm, that sounded funny. Didn't help my very delicate ego that my kids laughed at her.....so.....poor thing, she's on her knees washing clothes in a rushing stream! What did you expect, a supermodel? I think the painting has a folk art sort of look to it. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think. I am getting close to finishing my first round of the "matagaramas", then I get to do them all over again. Gulp...guess you will expect them to look better next time. Hmph, that depends just how my aura feels the day I am painting.

Blurred Areas Are Good To Go

Today I had my mams grammed. It was a man that invented that machine and ex-women's prison guards are hired to conduct the procedure, I know it! I don't think anything spewed out........just felt like it was going to. Sorry for that gross graphic, but, hey guys, maybe you get the picture, ok, you're right...nothing would help you guys, I just got the mental image of a guy with eyes bulging and tongue hanging out side of the mouth. You ladies though, if you are being all that you can be without being in the Army, then surely you have been through this. If not.....GO DO IT! Should have said that first after warning them to stop reading. Two weeks ago, I had my papparazzi test.So..........the way I see it. The two areas that are always blurred out on tv should be good, for now.

Why, you ask, no painting updates, duh, have been too busy lately with deadlines of other things. I must get some painting done in the next few days. Should have the one I am working on complete in a day or two. Check back to see!

A Look Through the Ages

Our family's birthdays are in June, July, August and September. The run kicks off with VolleyGirl and this past Sunday was her 15th birthday. Although she continues to be a trusted teenager and has never given us any reason to worry (thank you God, seriously). Seeing her develop into a beautiful young woman each day combined with the milestone of reaching the age of receiving a driver's permit has brought a few images to mind:

Installing a GPS somewhere on her body

Iron bars on her bedroom window

Multiple deadbolts on her bedroom door

Customized polyester loose fitting pantsuit


If you have any connections with how I can take care of any of the above, please, let me know.


As for BigBoy, he turns 20 the first of September. Not any particular milestone there, leaving his teen years, the year before he is legal. Here again, we have surely been blessed with a good young man. So next year there will be two milestone ages reached by our offspring: 16 and 21. Whoa.



SuperSpouse is one year younger than I am and likes to remind others and me....which I quickly respond that the maturity and wisdom shows...on me! I always tend to look ahead to what age I will be next year and next year is the BIG one for me, 5-0. Gulp. I don't like it. I feel like a tweener, not the ones that are not quite teens but not little girls, no, the ones that aren't seniors but not young either. Yeah, yeah, I know, you're as young as you feel. Don't go there, with a total knee replacement on hold, degenerative disc disease and going through the big M on the early side, I feel more like, well......not in the sunset of the 40s! Funny thing, when worse your back gets, the stronger gravity becomes...I drop everything. I can't even call it midlife, how could that be, how many people do you know that lived to be 100? Huh? No, I probably am well past midlife, that kind of came to mind just yesterday. Just what is it like? First, it requires Penzoil motor oil in to keep that silky sheen on your legs and feet. I may as well bathe in it. Forget eating, just smelling the food causes you to gain weight. The memory. What memory. I tried to be nice to an elderly man: he hit on me. Even I know it sounds stupid when I use the cool words, the young people do. The clothes: not old enough for the shoes like nurses used to wear, can't walk in the younger, hipper ones. You don't really want to know any more. The good thing is, by my age, you don't give a crap anymore what anyone thinks. The offspring, they are still plenty young enough that I can embarrass them.

Here's a tip for those of you that would be purchasing birthday cards for our family next year. Go down to the section for milestones: 16, 21 and 50. For SuperSpouse, buy a whole bunch of cards about gas or bulldogs and you're good. He will enjoy them all. Please, hold off on the cane, prune juice, reading glasses and denture cream for me, but if you find a good deal on a case of motor oil......

Just One Word....

Why????

Kind of a Grind

Slowly, but surely, I am finishing these maytagaramas. It is somewhat of a grind, though I am thankful to have the work but am eager to do other subject matter. Naturally, ideas are popping into my head constantly! I am also very anxious to do some watercolor. It has been more than a while since I have done that but I'm game!