Serenity Now

Please join me....

2010-08-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

...for a little change. I have really enjoyed this blog, but as you can see I haven't been very attentive lately. After consideration I think I am ready for a little change in a slightly different direction. Please join me as I start of this new year (today is my birthday) by moving my blogging to here. I'm planning on being more active there and sharing just a little of what I find beautiful, intriguing and sometimes thought provoking and of course the occasional creepy. Thanks everybody for your support while I was searching for a little "serenity now".

Legend of the Guardians

2010-03-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

I think I just might like this.

Bye Old Cat

2010-02-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

This is my cat. Poor old thing got stuck with the name, "Brown Tail". It started when a woman saw him and said, "What's his name? Brown tail?". Too bad really, I always have the best intentions of naming my pets something cool and witty, but that seldom ever happens. And as my granny always said, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."

I was delivering flowers at a veterinary office one day 9 years ago, while there I saw this great old white cat with the prettiest blue crossed eyes. They were looking for a home for him, someone had left him for boarding and not returned. He was full grown then and not a young cat at all. Since I've had him, he's been great. Sometimes, a little persistent and annoying, but who calls that a fault? Today we had to have him put to sleep. You know, he was a survivor of this summer's horrible "bobcat virus". I mean he didn't survive it but he was the only cat to avoid it. But as will happen due to his advancing age, his health had been declining. The past few months he'd been living on a diet of cooked ground turkey and chicken livers, something he loved. Anyway, I'm going to miss him.

I'm sleepy, very very sleepy.

2010-01-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

I spent last night fighting marauding owls. Guess they've been hunting my chicken yard for a while, but my crime scene forensic skills weren't up to discovering what was really going on. I hear them hooting away every night, but had always assumed they were out making a legitimate living. Not preying on my fat happy hens. But last night I caught one red handed or red 'taloned' if you will. I have some very serious news for this latest varmint. It's a very dire thing indeed to find your self at the top of the list for chicken killers, the list of things keeping me awake at night, and the list of taxidermied (is that a word?) things I'd like to own.

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

I thought I would start this decade with a resolution more obtainable. Like learning to drink whiskey. From demon cups. On second thought I don't remember ever having a good experience with whiskey. Maybe I'll just resolve to drink diet rootbeer from demon cups, that I can do. To get Beelzebub, Behemoth, Belphegor,and Asmodeus go to: Drink with the Living Dead.

Once in a Blue Moon

2009-12-31T14:59:00.000-08:00

It does seem that I only post on my blog once in a blue moon. But tonight's moon really is a blue moon, that is, the second full moon in a month. And of course a blue moon occurring on New Year's Eve is even more special and rare. So as we stand on the cusp of a New Year under a blue moon, I raise my glass to you all. Let's take this year and enjoy what we love and hold dear and endeavor to cherish each day and each occasion to the very fullest. Chin, chin!

Now, don't I love these...

2009-12-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

These amazing pieces and more wonderful art by Nick Bantock can be found at his site.

Sew and Sew

2009-11-10T23:52:00.000-08:00

Now this is exciting embroidery! These jewels are the work of Aubrey Longley-Cook , for more of his fancy handiwork check out his etsy shop.

Whoo, whoo, whoo?

2009-10-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

As I am sitting here I can hear the wind leaking through the keyholes and many cracks in our old and still poorly insulated house. I also hear the hooting of an owl in the tall oak tree in my front yard. I love hearing him out there. Perfect soundtrack for an October night with Halloween on my mind. So speaking of owls, how great is this one? This is Chillingworth. He is the creation of the wildly talented Ann Wood. Be sure to pay a visit to her site for a real "treat".

Cute little pears!

2009-09-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I love pears and I love baby buddha shaped pears! See more here.

I can't stop myself,

2009-09-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

they are like potato chips, really ugly, with tentacles and suckers, potato chips, and you can't have just one.

I've made another one, and I like him pretty well. This one has a light inside it's head so that light filters out from his poppy red eyes. I've really had a lot of fun, figuring out how to make these and actually see them come to fruition. I must quote Adam Wallacavage here again for giving me the inspiration to make something I had seen, that otherwise could never own.

Adam Wallacavage: "I think it was the idea of creating the things I simply wanted. I've spent countless hours in my life scouring through flea markets and antique stores and decorative arts museums and I never had money to buy the things that inspired me. Or I felt this compulsive urge to acquire things that was kinda obsessive and not very good feeling. I basically realized that I had the talents to hand-make the things I wanted to see and it has been such a blessing to have gotten to the point of where I am now, where I feel I can have anything I can imagine, if I can figure out a way to make it."

I haven't decided whether or not to list this one. I really like having these creepy things hanging around my house. I'm sure I probably should not be decorating my house like the set of a spooky movie but it's what I'm feelin' right now and has been loads of fun. BTW I was really honored recently when etsy and Paste Magazine's Assistant Editor, Rachael Maddux chose old Pearl as part of their best animal themed items on etsy. It was HUGE for me, I am so flattered that my item would even be considered. I stay well grounded by the number of 'I can't believe that's so ugly' blogs that my stuff appears on. I kind of understand this as these are not for everyone and yes, creepy and yes, ugly, but that's what I was going for. Really. It is. What I was going for. Really.

What I did on my summer vacation.

2009-09-10T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't go anywhere for a summer vacation. But here are a couple of pics I found on my camera from summer. The first is my birthday cake. I haven't had a birthday cake since my mama passed away in 2004. She was a real stickler that I always have a cake. She would enlist someone to go get me the very prettiest cake every year. And of course me being me, I LOVED the corner pieces with lots of frosting roses. Guess I must have reminisced about that quite alot. So my darling little girl got me a cake with frosting roses everywhere and in my favorite color! Boy did we enjoy it!

"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple..." and pink skulls on my shoes. Love these comfy shoes. Would have died had my children tried to wear something so fugly. But in my bizarro reality think I may be rockin these. (Which is the exact reason that I fear for my sanity.) One hot July day, I mean really hot July day, (did I say it was a hot July day?) we found this guy. This poor little fella had fallen down into a barrell of feed and could not claw his way up and out. When my husband found him, he thought he was dead as he was totally unresponsive. But after a closer look we could see he was barely breathing, and totally dehydrated. So drop by drop, we gave him water, then pedialyte. When he regained conciousness he moved on to canned cat food. After a few days and an amazing recovery he was ready to rejoin his family. Since then I have seen him several times as we had marked him with a squirt of green livestock marking paint. Guess all's well that ends well. He's not sickly in this photo, but enjoying a scratch on the back from my hubby.

That's about it for the pics in the camera, but I am looking at the calendar hoping to take a summer vacation in the fall. We'll see.

I'm Baaaaack,

2009-09-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

and I can't say where I've been. You see it's in the contract that I signed. Noooooooooooo, not really, that's a lie too. I haven't been anywhere and I haven't done anything, at least not blog worthy.

But, you know how you wake up some mornings and try really hard to get a good start, a positive start? I personally use my Stuart Smalley affirmations, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and dog gone it people like me!"

Unfortunately most days I don't even buy that line of crap and for those days there are these cards. Cards that get right down to crux of any situation. Believe me they have a card here for ANY occasion. Just don't expect any Hallmark hoo-haw. You can get yours at the Bluebarnhouse Store.

Babysitter's Club

2009-07-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

I've been babysitting for several weeks. A teen-aged friend of mine needed a place to keep his chickens for a while. Actually it was 100+ chickens. The keyword being "was". Due to my swell animal husbandry skills in combination with his "not quite adequate" fence building skills, add to that an attack from a natural born killer, you have a recipe for disaster. There are now about 70 chickens and one very happy, healthy, well-fed skunk. My chicken numbers are dwindling but on the other hand, my skunk is thriving.

I've got places to go, people to see...

2009-07-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

and things to carry and now, thanks to Roxanne at Cheetah Velour, I have the cutest aqua bag with the sweetest green lobsters to hold my things! Don't you just love it? Most days are fun but today was really, really, really fun! I love surpises and when I got my mail today here was this waiting for me. Thanks Roxanne for this cute crustacean bag and thanks for making my day special!

Run, don't walk...

2009-07-09T09:25:00.001-07:00

right over to the Hollow Happenings blog and see the amazing photos from Heather's trip to the Galapagos. While you are there check out this season's ADORABLE babies!

As summer simmers...

2009-07-06T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have found myself to be an infrequent blogger, very blase and uninspired. That is until I came across these images. Once more I am amazed and in awe of the creative genius that some possess.

Just when you think you've seen it all...

A sleeping giant was awakened in Nantes, France, the birthplace of author Jules Verne. This giant puppet was made by theatrical artistes Royale de Luxe. I have no words to describe the awe that I feel when seeing such creative people at work. via socyberty

This group of street artists is also responsible for the Sultan's Elephant shown here.

via Ronnie del Carmen

Congratulations! We have a winner!

2009-06-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please......... the winner is.......

everyone who left a comment on this post. Chris, Kimberlee, Jeanne, Roxanne, Auntie J, Karen and SoRelleES, thank you for reading my blog and commenting. I have some of your addresses, but will need a few more. Please email me at cryssun@aol.com with your address so that I can get your owl to you asap.

Thanks again everyone for playing along.

Angry Little Owl Giveaway

2009-05-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

I will soon be posting my 200th post. Which is very surprising as I am not usually a person who sticks to anything, unless it's a bad habit or grudge or some equally appalling characteristic. But I must say that I have enjoyed my blog and all of the new friends I've met through it. I have been so lucky to see your blogs and meet so many super talented people. So I'd like to celebrate by giving away one of my angry little owl lamps, I have many colors that you can choose from. Please leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner's name and announce it on my 200th post.

Our Girl Pearl

2009-05-28T13:07:00.003-07:00

Here she is! From the murky depths of my workroom to the cobwebby heights of my dining room. I present to you my latest creation.

Words from

Adam himself:
"Adam Wallacavage: I think it was the idea of creating the things I simply wanted. I've spent countless hours in my life scouring through flea markets and antique stores and decorative arts museums and I never had money to buy the things that inspired me. Or I felt this compulsive urge to acquire things that was kinda obsessive and not very good feeling. I basically realized that I had the talents to hand-make the things I wanted to see and it has been such a blessing to have gotten to the point of where I am now, where I feel I can have anything I can imagine, if I can figure out a way to make it."

Photo above: (Left: Maria Grazia Rosin, Center: Maria Grazia Rosin , Right: Adam Wallacavage)

The Killer Inside Me

2009-05-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

No this isn't autobiographical, but instead is a movie that has been filming in Guthrie. Guthrie is the location of our county seat and our nearest real grocery store. It's a very neat old town with beautiful architecture in the downtown buildings and scads of stately victorian homes. The movie is based on a novel by Jim Thompson and will star Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Casey Affleck and my favorite Simon Baker from The Mentalist. They have sets around a really neat old house with cranes and the whole nine yards. Big exciting news from around here. You can read more about it here .

What? You don't love it?

2009-05-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

And now I am a victim of my own success. You will never guess my surprise and momentary horror to find that while achieving my insignificant "Fifteen Minutes" that all reviews were not to be complimentary and some a rude reality check.

Before explaining that further, I have a confession to make. I haven't always embraced my bizarre and yet quirky dark side. I was one of "those" women. You've seen their blogs, filled with adorable cottages, darling crafts, comforting collectibles, cutesy kitsch and garnished with a healthy sprinkling of pink and aqua glitter. A few years ago I thought I could never get enough of the anthropomorphic salt shakers, faded floral pillows and the sweetly adorable. Truthfully I still love all that too. But while surfing the web I came across those who love Halloween as much as me, and blogs who embrace an affection for nature, some who like the things that are just a little different, but still amazing and awesome, you will find these blogs linked on my sidebar. I thought that TotusMel said it beautifully when she said:

"All the cute and the precious have been found. All the kitties and puppies have homes. The candy colored, the eco-friendly, the hipsters of the handmade are all duly covered elsewhere. Here I will find the slightly odd, the darkly beautiful, the elegant and steamy pieces of goodness. I am very particular in my tastes and though I promise you that I will share nothing but the most intriguing of my discoveries, you may not always like them. I must also confess that I have no real artistic nor fashion background to base my finds upon. These are simply discoveries dug up from the depths of etsy or perhaps elsewhere, brushed off and presented for your approval."

That is my thinking on the matter exactly. Cute has been done and done well. The things I set out to create were a little creepy and I wasn't reaching for beautiful, classy or cute either. So to find myself the topic of a post on the Ugly Things for Sale blog should really come as no shock. Guess I was just momentarily surprised that there was such a blog. But you can find my octopus chandelier right there next to the steaming pile of poo and the uterus earrings. It's all good though. There are those of us who create ugly and those of us who write about ugly.

I've got a few skeletons in my closet

2009-05-21T19:43:00.002-07:00

Some in my kitchen, several in the dining room, a couple in the living room and a bucket full on the porch. I just know I'll have several bone related projects. Maybe this is why I have very few visitors.

It's Alive!

2009-05-21T19:43:00.001-07:00

For the experiment to be a success...

2009-05-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I love Young Frankenstein or is it Fronkensteen? My own monsterous creation, the Kraken chandelier, has gone to live in Las Vegas. So I've been hard at work in my laboratory, working on more cephalopod lighting projects. I'll keep you posted if the experiment succeeds.

Lovely Wallpaper

2009-04-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

Lovely wallpaper, that is, if you squint and cross your eyes a little and are very sure to not look too closely. If you do you will see bugs, creepy, crawly bugs, ants and cockroaches. Link via Neatorama

This may tickle your fancy.

2009-04-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

I know a pun is the lowest form of humor. But seriously, what do you think of this chair by artist Elyse Hochstadt?

He strikes again!

2009-04-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

My nemesis strikes again. This time in a more covert manner. You may remember my 'friend' the bobcat from this post. This week we lost our 2 cats in one day to a disease called cytauxzoonosis , which is a tick borne disease that is transported from bobcats to domestic cats. The disease lives in bobcats causing no problems but is usually (95%+ mortality rate) fatal to cats. The cats first showed signs of the illness Sunday and by the time we reached the vet Monday one had died en route and one had to be euthanized due to his poor condition. One of the major problems is the ineffectiveness of the flea and tick repellents. We have used Frontline on our animals with good results until recently. It seems that exterminators have begun using the chemical that is the active ingredient in this product to spray lawns for pest removal. As often happens the fleas and ticks have become "superbugs" and are now immune. Anyway there is no real treatment for this disease and the surviving animals are usually supported with extreme measures. Poor Poopy and Big Pussy were not so lucky. Both cats will be missed, in the words of Bas Rutten, "God speed and party on!" Here's a picture of Poopy, Big Pussy hated the paparazzi so no pics are available.

Housekeeping Made Interesting

2009-04-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

You probably wouldn't guess that this is a dual purpose Horned Toad. Check it out here.

A little steampunk love!

2009-04-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

I've been chosen to receive a little steampunk love and recognition. This is so exciting! The Kraken chandelier, which is listed in my Lanternfly etsy shop, has been featured in Totus Mel's Wunderkammer blog. The reason I am so thrilled is that she features some really GREAT steampunk artists who have created some amazing things. Her blog is very interesting and features some "fantastical" steampunk items. She really does find, "the slightly odd, the darkly beautiful, the elegant and steamy pieces of goodness." To be included in her selections is very flattering. Be sure to pay her a visit there. Then stop in at her etsy store where she creates beautifully tatted steampunk and gothic jewelry.

And you were worried about your neighbor's Pitbull

2009-03-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Abdullahi Mohammed with his hyena, Mainasara. This image scares me more than any scary movie or ghost story. I don't know why exactly, except I think hyenas are very scary and dangerous looking. Did you know that they compete directly with lions for food and that they often fight lions and win? This man who has hyenas as quasi-pets looks very fierce also. Pieter Hugo's images of Africa are striking and very thought provoking. See these and other amazing images by photographer Pieter Hugo.

Check out this article about Hugo. I LOVE the internet.

His Masters Voice

2009-03-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

I've always liked this painting and the RCA advertisements that featured it.

Now I like these gramophone chandeliers. You can see them at Dan Marty Design .

The Civilized Way to Settle Things

2009-03-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

She's here!

2009-03-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

lechuza
1. Any elusive bird-like creature/spirit that terrorizes people, esp. at night. 2. A witch or "bruja" that has taken the form of such a creature. A lechuza can appear at any time and any place, but these feathery spirits seem particularly prone to spread their wings and terrorize those who have consumed alcohol. Cars driving down lonely highways also seem a favorite target of lechuzas. Especially common in Mexico and the southwestern United States

The fabulous Chris K created this spooky girl for me and I love her! Chris is so talented and has such a fun and spooky take on his work that I am always so excited to see what he is doing next.

To top it all off he awarded me this great blog award, I am so flattered! Thanks for the award and la lechuza!

Uncomfortable Chair

2009-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

Very interesting art pieces by Allanah Currie, formerly of the brit group, The Thompson Twins. Now an artist/upholsterer making a statement with these taxidermy furniture pieces. Check out more at Miss Pokeno , her website.

New Sneaks

2009-03-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Of course I need these shoes. Did you know that you can design your own at Zazzle ? Which is what I did with this hawk skeleton image that I like.

The Day Wild Indians Almost Killed My Dad

2009-03-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

It's funny how things that may seem horrifying or embarrassing when you are young are really funny in retrospect. As readers of this blog know, I love my dad and miss him constantly, because of the good things he was and in spite of the things he wasn't. Sadly, my dad in his younger days (when I was a kid) was a racist as were many white men of his generation. Even sadder yet, he actually worked at trying to teach me those values. Thank goodness that didn't take.

The recent passing of a friend's brother brought to mind the day when I thought I had killed my dad. At least you would have thought so if you had seen his face changing colors from red, to blue to purple and back to red, and watching him struggling for breath and control as he waited to get me alone to lecture me.

The day and the event leading up to his apoplectic rage were the most common and routine of any 6th grade girl. I was only walking home with a classmate and his brother. Probably walking home with two boys was enough to get me in trouble. Both boys were visibly taller than me and if you take into account their long hair wrapped with brightly colored yarn and very obvious Native American looks they were strikingly different. Needless to say my dad wasn't celebrating our ethnic diversity. Those guys were beautiful, not to mention friendly and kind. Maybe that's why I enjoyed our walks home from school. I really liked Roy Bison, my classmate, who made an effort to be nice to me and his brother Gideon, who would join us as we passed the high school on our walk home. I only went to school there part of that year but will never forget Roy and Gideon.

The good part of the story is that as my dad aged he changed, at least in the fact that he finally outgrew old prejudices about race and differences.

Thank goodness we are never to old to learn.

The picture above is Gideon Bison.

Sometimes Walmart doesn't have what you need,

2009-02-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

especially when it's little brown bat curtain finials.

The rest of the story...

2009-02-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

well, I don't know the rest of the story. When my husband stepped outside this morning, this little guy was standing on the porch. The cats were standing on the porch too, looking innocent. Well as innocent as cats can look. We picked him up and looked him over and could find no injuries at all. His wings seemed to be working and we could find no puncture wounds. But something strange had to be going on for a wild hawk to let humans pick it up and check it out and then sit calmly upon my husband's hand for a picture taking session. We took him out into the woods, well away from houses and cats. After arrival there and a little more visiting he flew to the top of a nearby tree. I would like to know how and why he came to be on my porch but unless the cats tell guess we'll never know.
BTW, Happy Birthday "Rusty Shackleford" !
UPDATE:
After thought and consideration the new theory is that this fellow was swooping in to get a bird and crashed into one of my kitchen windows. He was found directly underneath a window and in close proximity to one of the many birdfeeders around my house. He had been seen swooping around before dive bombing my chickens. He's very ambitious as he is only about 1/10th the size of my chickens. I've perused the bird field guide and think he is a Sharp Shinned Hawk. Named for their long spindly legs.

Thanks!

2009-02-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

Everyday as I wander the web I am amazed and astounded at the beautiful things I see, also that there are so many talented people out there! It's so wonderful that people do blog and share their thoughts and talents. What I find even more astounding and amazing is that these talented people would give me an award for my blog. These three awards were given out by some of the most talented women who make the most beautiful art. You must visit their blogs and see for yourself.
Nicole at Girl from Stand Up Tub Land has given me the Kreativ Blog award. Her sculpture, assemblage and jewelry are beautiful.

Then I received this Beautiful Blog Award from Mary at Green Woman Creating. She does assemblage art using natural elements which I LOVE. She also shares her techniques.

Today Loralynn at My Art, My So Called Life honored me with this One Lovely Blog award. I only wish I could make art like her beautiful quilts. Until then I visit her blog to get an eyeful of the lovelies.

Once you visit their blogs you will see why I am so flattered and I will be passing them along. Thanks girls!

Geek Love

2009-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

I highly recommend this book, but be forewarned, it's the type of story that you will either love or hate. It's about the inner dynamics of the Binewski family who are carnies. It is told from the view point of Oly Binewski, an albino, hunchbacked dwarf and her relationship with her parents and siblings. Her parents, outwardly normal looking people, who with the help of poisons, insecticides and radio-isotopes "engineer" their special family. The children are Oly, the enigmatic Arturo, born with flippers for limbs also known as Aquaboy, the twins Electra (Elly) and Iphigenia (Iphy) who are conjoined, Fortunato (Chick) who has the power of telekinesis and several others who didn't live but travel along with the family in their jars of formaldehyde. The first fifty pages will grab you and drag you along for a wild ride. Don't be afraid, step right up and read.

A Balanced Diet

2009-01-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Almost everyone is still talking New Year's resolutions and diets and those that aren't are all about the chocolate for Valentine's Day. Chocolate is great, don't get me wrong, but my heart lies with the marshmallow. And all that stuff about you are what you eat, well, there just may be something to that. My friend Holly, from Sweetheartville came for a visit recently with her adorable sweetheart family and planted a seed. She had made marshmallows and said they were very good and not too hard to make. More and more on these icy evenings my thoughts turn to hot chocolate and marshmallows. Which I think is more about the mallow and hot than chocolate. I had seen Martha Stewart make them before, but just because Martha can do, certainly doesn't mean that I can. But this evening I will embark on the journey and I'll let you know how it turns out.

UPDATE:

Just for this month, this year, today, right now, I wish my name was Marsha, so I could say I just made Marsha-mallows. Mission Accomplished! That announcement isn't premature as we've already partaken of the fluffy little morsels and deemed them great! Of course the hot chocolate made the "old fashioned" way with Hershey's cocoa, milk, sugar and vanilla cooked on the stove helped make them ooey gooey and delish. The perfect end to a cold winter day.

French Laundry Marshmallows

3 envelopes of unflavored Knox gelatin
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cups corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar for dredging
Preparation:In the bowl of an electric mixer, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water. Soak for 10 minutes. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil hard for 1 minute. Pour boiling syrup into gelatin and mix at high speed. Add the salt and beat for 12 minutes. Add vanilla and incorporate into mixture. Scrape into a 9 x 9-inch pan lined with oiled plastic wrap and spread evenly. (Note: Lightly oil hands and spatula or bowl scraper). After pouring marshmallow mixture into the pan, take another piece of plastic wrap and press mixture into the pan. Let mixture sit for a few hours. Remove from pan, dredge the marshmallow slab with confectioners' sugar and cut into 12 equal pieces with scissors (the best tool for the job) or a chef's knife. Dredge each piece of marshmallow in confectioners' sugar. Yield: 12 large marshmallows

Happy Birthday Sarah Jane

2009-01-28T21:41:00.001-08:00

Today would have been my mom's birthday and man oh man do I ever miss her. She was quite a dynamic character. Life with her and my dad may have been a lot of things, but boring wasn't one of them. My mom had polio when she was 9 and spent many years away from home in the hospital having surgeries on her legs. By the time I came along she wore a leg brace and walked with a cane just fine. Her handicap certainly never defined her. She could do more than any woman I have ever known. I like to think I get my strength and feistiness from her. I think of her everyday, but especially today.

My new addiction

2009-01-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

While wandering the internet I've come across this great blog, Hollow Happenings. It's all about the activities at Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center near San Juan Island, Washington. There are lots of adorable pictures, wildlife information, heartwarming stories and a few sad ones too, but well worth the visit.

I've never seen a bakery product I didn't like...

2009-01-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

...til now. These gruesome little products are made by Thai artist Kittiwat Unarrom. If you were to go all "Donner" on them, you would find they taste just like chicken, no, bread! I try to think outside the box, but never in this lifetime or a couple of hundred more would it dawn on me to make realistic body parts from bread dough. But that's just me. As for this artist, amazing! He is the son of a baker taking the family business to a whole new level.

The only thing better than recycling...

2009-01-11T12:08:00.000-08:00

...is recycling creatively. Check out these beautiful sea creatures made from recycled plastic containers by artist, Miwa Koizumi. She also has some great shopping bag kites.

I love the Discovery Channel...

2009-01-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

and the History Channel, but the only thing worse than Shark Week, is Armageddon week. Who knew there were so many ways for the world to end?
"I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." ~ Scarlett O'Hara / Gone WithThe Wind

Thank God I saved my spats!

2009-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

I haven't worn mine since the late 1800's, but I knew if I saved them they would be back. And sure enough, here they are. These are the work of German designer Maide Munchen, whose slogan is "Good Mood Fashion". If you would like to see more, check it out here.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T12:17:00.000-08:00

I haven't felt like a "cup half-full" kind of girl for quite some time. But things are different these days and I feel deep within my bones that things are going to be ok, not just ok, but good, well not just good, but great! I don't know why that my outlook should change so drastically perhaps it's just some sort of chemical imbalance or the onset of dementia. The news is full of very worrisome things. In spite of the fact that our country has finally elected to change what has been the status quo, there is a daunting task in front of our new leader. He will indeed need a righteous wind at his back to begin to repair the damage our country has suffered. So if this guy is optimistic and you are optimistic then I can be optimistic. I don't have a whole country to fix just a very small corner to work on, no bigger than the square footage of my humble little house. Surely the things I do here can make a positive change in my life and in the lives of those near me. Last night, in our little town (this is tiny town America, not Times Square) at the stroke of midnight, there were fireworks, not just a few, but all over our town. I stood in the cold till I couldn't stand it anymore, then peered out of my breath fogged window at the sparkly vision. I couldn't believe how many people were so excited to ring in a New Year and this year, so am I. A happy healthy and prosperous New Year to you all!

...unless it's a black eye.

2008-12-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

I think my daughter could be bi-polar. What else could explain the disparity between her bumper sticker and choice of Christmas gifts? Gandhi, UFC?!?!

Widen my horizons

2008-12-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

You know, if it weren't for the internet, I very much doubt that I would have had the opportunity to see so many creative artists. There are tons of recognized artists who have shown their work in different places and untold thousands who's work is shown only in their etsy shop or blog. I am one of the lucky ones who get to see and enjoy these treats. I am especially fond of the artists who work with "found" objects, Michelle Stitzlein is one of those. These moths are georgeous.

Happy Festivus for the rest of us!

2008-12-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for the airing of the grievances and the feats of strength.

I've been baking, cleaning and decorating,

2008-12-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

NOT!

From deep with the bowels of my laBORatory, I've been creating, not cute little gingerbread men and beautiful Christmas packages, but the kraken. Well he's not so much a giant and really scary cephalopod, but I like him. They do say that "necessity is the mother of invention" and since I didn't have a spare $10K around to shop for an octopus chandelier, I crafted my own. Even if I do say so myself, I LOVE it! Now, I've got a lot of Christmas stuff to catch up on so off I go.

A Very Coral Christmas

2008-12-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Now don't I just love these festive red decorations, this red coral candleholder, this chandelier, this placemat , and this print fabric.

Spirit of the Buffalo

2008-12-16T11:22:00.000-08:00

I love my state and it's people (in spite of the fact that they continue to be the reddest state in the country) and we recently celebrated our centennial. I know other states and cities have similar projects, but ours is the the "spirit of the buffalo". Oklahoma artists paint these bison statues and they are placed throughout the state at various locations. Here are a few of my favorites. Of course I really like the skeleton buffalo located in front of the Orthopedic Associates in Oklahoma City.

Dear Santa 2.0,

2008-12-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

For a white Christmas I may need these:

Dear Santa,

2008-12-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

I don't usually ask for much, some slippers, Earl Grey tea, just a few little things, you know what I like. That is until now. This year I want world peace and an octopus chandelier. These wonderful undersea creations were made by photographer and sculptor Adam Wallacavage. The photos pretty much speak for themselves. I think one of these would be just the right touch for my dining room. Check out these images by Todd Selby, of Adam's home it's a carnival for your eyes. Of course Santa, if there isn't room in your sleigh, at least there is this diy project at Paper Stampede that I can begin working on. Thanks for the world peace thing though.

I know it's a sin, but I...

2008-12-06T07:53:00.000-08:00

cov⋅et
1.
to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others:

to covet another's property.
2.
to wish for, esp. eagerly: He won the prize they all coveted.

to have an inordinate or wrongful desire.

these wonderful creations of Gail Lackey. Never, really I mean, never in my life have I wanted a doll. I just hadn't seen these dolls. They are the most amazing, delightful and a little bit creepy dolls that I have ever seen, each a work of art. She is the Tim Burton of the doll world. There is a book of these dolls called Ghosties and I will have that. But for now I live with guilt, a needful desire to possess these dolls, yes I want them all. I not only covet the dolls, I covet the doll's dolls.

I lied I did want a Chatty Cathy, but she could talk for God's sake. It's pretty early in the day and I've already sinned twice.

British Cooking 101

2008-12-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

My daughter thinks he's really cute and I really like fish and chips. She has all of his cookbooks so here is his recipe.

Jamie Oliver's Fish and Chips
INGREDIENTS
2 Pieces Haddock (200 Grams Each, Skin On)
250ml Beer
1 large Free-Range Or Organic Egg (Separated)
Salt Flakes
2L Vegetable Oil (For Frying)
500g Floury Potatoes (Skins Left On Or Off)
Malt Vinegar
150g Plain Flour
Method
Pour the vegetable oil into your deep-fat fryer or a large frying pan and preheat it to 120°C. Cut the potatoes into 1cm thick slices and then across into 1cm wide chips. Fry in the preheated fryer for about 5 minutes until almost cooked, then drain them and put to one side. Turn the fryer up to 180°C.
To make your batter, place the flour in a mixing bowl and add the beer and the egg yolk and whisk together. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white with a pinch of salt until it starts to form soft peaks. Carefully fold the egg white into the beer mixture until it’s just mixed in, making sure you don’t stir it too much.
Hold one of the haddock fillets by the very end of the tail and dip it into the batter. Let any excess drip off and then carefully place it into the hot oil. After a couple of minutes add half the chips and continue to fry for a further 5 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy and cooked through.
Drain, keep warm and repeat with the second fish fillet and the rest of the chips. Sprinkle with salt, drizzle with vinegar, and serve with some pickled eggs and gherkins. Delicious!

Thank goodness I have a fry-daddy.

I Love this Suitcase

2008-12-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

This was my dad's suitcase, not one he used for clothes and traveling. There were always photos and mementos stored in it, watches, dice and decks of cards his dogtags and marine service medals. I loved it, for the cowboys, horses, wild cows and flowers on it. It was special to me when he opened it and we talked about the things in it, now I try to remember the stories to tell my kids. When we traveled my dad would sing while he was driving, songs like Tumbling Tumbleweeds and Ghost Riders in the Sky. The tooled images on this bag remind me of those songs and those days. I really miss him.

School Nurses Office

2008-12-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

My son went to the school nurse's office today, to get a flu shot. The nurse noticed he was anxious pale and sweaty, she instructed him to blow on a cotton ball, an old nurse's trick to keep his mind off of the injection. After a cup of juice she sent him back to class...he's the teacher and is 27.

Protea and Kangeroo Paw

2008-11-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

I love these flowers, this arrangement is gorgeous. I would add a few Kangeroo Paws and little more eucalyptus to it. Protea can be dried after you've enjoyed your bouquet.

Deer Little Rupert

2008-11-28T10:52:00.000-08:00

No it's not Santa, snowmen, wise men, trees, lights, elves or stars, it's deer that are my favorite symbol of the holiday season. And never in my life have I seen such a tiny sweet little deer. His name is Rupert he was born prematurely by c-section after his mother was injured by a car. He stayed in ICU at the Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire England. Here are more photos and an article.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:05:00.000-08:00

Amber

2008-11-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

No diamonds, emeralds or pearls for me, I'll take amber. Not only is the color entrancing the origin and composition are enigmatic. Amber is fossilized tree resin, most of it is between 30 and 90 million years old and often contains "inclusions" which could be plants, insects or small animals. It occurs in many colors from whitish to black, my favorite being the honey yellow-orange. Amber contains organic energy and is electromagnetically alive. It has been used as a healing stone since ancient times. Amber is one of the birthstones for November and also symbolizes 10 yrs of marriage. It is associated with the signs of Leo and Aquarius. The fact that it's organic along with it's warm and delicious color is why I love it.
In case Santa is interested here is where the earrings were found.

Good Stuff!

2008-11-23T18:18:00.000-08:00

It's almost guaranteed that I never spent this much time doing homework, but I have put in a little research on the "Sonoran Hot Dog". No, it's not some species of wildlife or new dog breed, but instead something near and dear to my heart, a good ol' hot dog. I came across several blogs and other sources reporting on this southwestern delicacy. Sometimes served from hot dog carts and very popular in southern Arizona eateries. After research and a field trip to a Latin grocery store to get bolillos, a great big soft and slightly sweet Mexican bread, I embarked on this culinary journey. Beef weenies, wrapped with hickory smoked bacon are grilled til they are golden brown, then placed in the opened bolillo. Next top this with pinto beans, grilled onions, chopped tomatoes, and chopped fresh onion. Steam on a ribbon of mustard, mayo, and green chile sauce. I made my green chile sauce by putting green chiles, you can use canned, into the food processor with a little water and a dab of olive oil, then process until smooth. The whole shebang is served with a grilled yellow pepper on the side, if you please. I think an ice cold Coca Cola is madatory. Like Will Rogers, who never met a man he didn't like, I can honestly say I never met a hot dog I didn't like. It was a hit with the family and will be added to the hot dog rotation. Check out this video to see an expert at work.

Chris, how did you know?

2008-11-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's something I've always wanted. To be "uber" something. And to find out that my blog is uber amazing? That is uber flattering! Chris at Designs by CK, who I consider the ultimate blogger, with the ultimate blog and creator of wonderfully spooky Halloween art is who awarded this to me. His blog is always entertaining, and I am always waiting to see what new art he is working on. So please visit him and say hello to Dr. F. N. Furter while you are there.

Here are the rules:
*Put the logo on your blog or post.

* Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!

* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.

*" Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from."

Now while I am feeling oh so "euro", here are a few blogs you must check out:

Girl from Stand Up Tub Land

Thanks Chris!

Did everyone know about this, but me?

2008-11-20T11:39:00.000-08:00

Lordy I love Tim Burton movies, I want to rent a space inside his head. I love the images, characters, scenery and sets. I love the pointy buildings and kinda scary heroes. I can only imagine what wondrous sights he will create from Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Check out the rest of the cast here . Then visit Donna O'Brien's post and proposed blog event.

I've been tagged

2008-11-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

by Tara at Nothing Elegant, which is a total misnomer, her blog is great ! I am always excited to see what she is blogging about next. She has tagged me to tell 7 things about myself.

1. I currently have slight laryngitis from trying to sing No Sleep Till Brooklyn by the Beastie Boys, on my daughter's Guitar Hero Rock Band. I am always going above and beyond to entertain the family.

2. I love, love, love my pretty chickens and their beautiful eggs, except for one cranky one.

3. My friends bring me things they think I will like, feathers, weeds, bones and even a snake skin that was found in a tree.

4. I love all of the reality shows, like Project Runway, Top Chef, Top Designer, Dirty Jobs, Deadliest Catch, etc, etc.

5. I used to hate Johnny Depp, Leonardo Di Caprio and Daniel Day-Lewis, now I LOVE them.

6. I think my favorite food has to be hot dogs, I would love to go to Chicago, just to have a Chicago Dog.

7. One of my favorite luxuries is sleeping in freshly laundered and line dried sheets, topped off with a fluffy chenille bedspread.

Instead of tagging my friends individually, I will invite them to please participate it is nice to learn more about you all.

Origami Bugs Me

2008-11-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

Not really, I'm just jealous. Each of these origami insects by Taketori are made of one sheet of paper, no glue with some paint. Here is the link to the website where you can see more of these amazing bugs. This is another link.

My cat doesn't need a fez...

2008-11-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

...or does he? Here is the pattern if your cat needs a fez. Damn, I can't knit.

Who needs Manolo Blahnik?

2008-11-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm taking a deep breath, regrouping, turning the tv from cable news, and letting go of the political blogs.The country is going to be in good hands. Now I can get back to the blogs I love and inspire me. On that note, are these not the most adorable things that you've ever seen? Oh...my...gosh, Cinderella, eat your heart out. I want these and in every color. My clever friend Karen at A'Musements, designs and creates the darling little slippers, just perfect for decor, Christmas tree and package ornaments, or just because they are too sweet to resist. Check these out and all of the wonderful and very French things there. Her blog is a feast for the eyes and her witty writing style always brightens my day.

Have you heard the one...

2008-11-06T12:02:00.000-08:00

"So a Black guy and a Jewish guy walk into this white house… and they decide to run game hard and get shit done. Seriously"

2008-11-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks!

2008-10-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all of you, who have been so kind and left comments and sent e-mails to me. I am so flattered that you enjoy my blog and my view of my little corner of the world and some of the things I find interesting and intriguing. I want you all to know that I have met so many interesting fun people and great new friends. I LOVE your blogs, it is so amazing how many inspiring, creative people there are out there in blog-world. Your blogs amaze me, there are so many wonderful things to see and learn, about your hobbies, interests, family and you. So THANK YOU and keep up the great work!

Ghouls Gone Wild

2008-10-27T13:30:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma City's annual Halloween parade was last Saturday night. The grand marshall was April Wahlin, the Next Elvira, the Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne and of course the March of 1000 Flaming Skeletons. I haven't seen it, but here is a pic of Wayne Coyne from his sci-fi film, Christmas on Mars. Check out this IFC interview.

Shadow Shot Sunday

2008-10-19T08:45:00.000-07:00

Theremin

2008-10-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

So, how do you like my new spooky music? I heard it on playlists on a friend's MySpace page and had vague recollections of having heard it before. It is by Clara Rockmore (1911-1998), theremin virtuoso. If you don't know what a theremin is, I didn't either, thank god for the "internets" though. It's an electronic music device invented in 1919, that is played by not touching it, but by waving your hands around between the two antennae. It has been used in movies as spooky background music, but Clara Rockmore took it to another level and could play the classics on it extremely well. She was great friends with theremin inventor, Lev Theremin, it is rumored that he even proposed marriage to her. Some movies that featured theremin music were, The Lost Weekend(1945), Hitchcock's Spellbound(1945), The Thing Another World(1951), and more recently Batman Forever (1995), eXistenZ(1999) and The Machinist(2004). Which just goes to show, I can learn something new every day. (Not how to play the theremin, but that there is a theremin.) For a sample of Clara Rockmore's music check out my playlist on the sidebar.

Gone

2008-10-17T14:53:00.001-07:00

I had green glitter,

2008-10-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

but if I had Swarovski crystals...

These are designed by Fabien Baron and aren't they deliciously spooky?

Architectural Shadow Shot

2008-10-12T13:49:00.001-07:00

Fab Five

2008-10-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is one of Martha's ideas, she did glittered skulls and bones under glass. Of course Martha's are perfect and mine are kind of moldly looking with patchy glitter (that wouldn't stick in some spots), which only reinforces the fact that I am definitely not Martha. I've used miscellaneous candleholders, green spanish moss and really cheap skulls with green glitter. I like it. My kids are always afraid I will use something like this year round....now there's an idea.

I have a very special friend...

2008-10-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

who always is thinking of me and doing sweet thoughtful things. After I had a not very great week, my friend came in with this wonderful bag for me and a cute little sugar skull key cover. So very thoughtful, from someone who is always calling me the "sugar skull queen". She is such a beautiful, funny, thoughtful person, I am so lucky to have her for a daughter. She blogs too, at Shirley Clifford at tumblr .

Chickens in the Shadows of Autumn Trees

2008-10-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

October

2008-10-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

"...that country where it is always turning late in the year. That country where the hills are fog and the rivers are mist; where noons go quickly, dusks and twilights linger, and midnights stay. That country composed in the main of cellars, sub-cellars, coal bins closets, attics, and pantries faced away from the sun. That country whose people are autumn people, thinking only autumn thoughts. Whose people passing at night on the empty walks sound like rain..." Ray Bradbury 1955 October Country

"Welcome to a land Ray Bradbury calls "the Undiscovered Country" of his imagination--that vast territory of ideas, concepts, notions and conceits where the stories you now hold were born. America's premier living author of short fiction, Bradbury has spent many lifetimes in this remarkable place--strolling through empty, shadow-washed fields at midnight; exploring long-forgotten rooms gathering dust behind doors bolted years ago to keep strangers locked out.. and secrets locked in. The nights are longer in this country. The cold hours of darkness move like autumn mists deeper and deeper toward winter. But the moonlight reveals great magic here--and a breathtaking vista."

Hey Harriet I want to play too!

2008-09-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Harriet, here's my shadow shot, not very artsy but striking none the less. Or maybe not.

1925-2008

2008-09-27T14:30:00.000-07:00

He was not just a hottie, this guy was the real deal.

Just Messin Around

2008-09-20T15:58:00.001-07:00

I worked diligently most of the day painting the exterior of our house. No, it's not finished, but I took a break anyway and took a few pictures. Here are the real sugar skulls I've been working on and also some felt sugar skulls. How do you like this very cheerful weed? My new yellow yard shoes with ladybugs that I got for my birthday. And Howdy enjoying a sugar skull.

And Next

2008-09-15T22:42:00.003-07:00

I can hardly wait!!!!!!

I don't know what to think about this...

2008-09-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I have no idea what to think of this or rather these guys. I paid very little attention to the Jack Black movie, Nacho Libre. Jack Black wearing a leotard and speaking with a fake Mexican accent didn't sound like my cup of tea. But while surfing the net I happened across the Luchadores, or Mexican wrestlers. I know our very own wrestlers are somewhat bizarro themselves. From way back in the day when my cousins would watch the Sheik, Gorgeous George and the Fabulous Moolah on our grandparents black and white TV, to the somewhat more current Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Rock and whoever is the big thing today, they were never anything I would spend much time watching. But these elaborate Mexican characters, their skin tight garb and whole head masks are creepily fascinating. They are either interesting, scary or creepy. I just don't know which. Check out more on the Luchadores blog.

Chimians

2008-08-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

I think this Ohio girl has a really unusual perspective. I love her creature creations, the sculptures, softies, and illustrations are colorful, fun and definitely unique. Check them out at The Morninglori Vine.

I Am Conflicted or R. Lynx in the Henhouse

2008-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

I love nature! I love animals! I just don't like to see nature taking off with one of MY animals in it's mouth. We recently got our first egg and way earlier than anticipated. A perfect blush-brown pullet egg. It was adorable it made the cutest sliced boiled egg on a salad that you've ever seen. Woo hoo, project egg-stravaganza coming in early and on target. That is till Rufus arrived, Rufus Lynx, or Bob Cat as he is sometimes called. He has been quietly breakfasting and sometimes brunching on my hens. Just one or two at first when no one was around to see his felonious ways. But now he is offending in straight up broad daylight right in front of my lying eyes. He came over the fence grabbed a startled Spitzhauben girl, looked over his shoulder, winked and took off. Now the conflict sets in, I say I don't believe in capital punishment, guess we'll have to see how that one plays out. But for now the theme of the day is reinforce, reinforce, reinforce then electrify. This probably won't turn out well, I HATE electric fences, I get 'bit' more often than I think I deserve, but guess I'll try it before resorting to... well, you know.

Summer of Kiwi

2008-08-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Continuing on with my summer of all things New Zealand. I really like the singer, recording artist and actor, Prince Tui Teka's beautiful rendition of the song E Ipo. It was written by Maori composer, Ngoi Pewhairangi as a tribute from Prince Tui Teka to his wife Missy. (He died of a massive heart attack while performing at nightclub in the mid-1980's. Missy passed away suddenly in February of 2008.)

E Ipo

Ki a koe te tau To you, my darling

āku mihi e. my greetings

Ahakoa haere koe ki hea no matter where you go

maku rā koe e whai atu e. I will follow close behind

Ko taku aroha my love

ka ū tonu. will remain firm

Tēna ra e hine come my beloved

huri mai rā ki ahau e turn to me as I stand here

tau nei hei, utanga a.tu, and I shall carry your love

e Ipo. with me.

Otirā, e hine, Indeed my beloved

ku-a tau-nga kē tēnei tinana, my whole self is at home,

a-ue, ki te aroha Oh yeah! With your love,

e Ipo. (E. I. Pō) my darling. (Eh! At night!)

My darling Missy

You are always on my mind

Wherever you may go

You take a part of me.

My love for you is endless

Keep me always in your heart

For you are a special part of me.

My never-ending love.

Tēna ra e hine Come my beloved,

huri mai rā ki ahau e turn to me as I stand here,

tau nei hei, and I shall carry,

utanga atu, your love with me.

e Ipo.

Otirā, e hine, Indeed my beloved
ku-a tau-nga kē tēnei tinana, my whole self is at home,
a-ue, ki te aroha Oh yeah! With your love,
e Ipo. (E. I. Pō) my darling. (Eh! At night!)

Ki te aroha e Ipo Oh your love my darling.

OMG it's hot in Oklahoma!

2008-08-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's so hot! Even the poor animals are struggling to stay cool. Andy took Woogie out to play and we filled his wading pool so that he could cool off, he has been trying to stand in his water dish to get relief. I searched several stores before I could find more of his favorite toys, which are small glow in the dark dinosaurs that he takes to his pool and washes and leaves. He also got a new stuffed baby bear to wrestle with. When shopping at the thrift stores we are always on the look out for different crib toys with mirrors, bells, horns and spinning things, he likes the same things that most babies like. Can you see he is missing a toe on his right front paw? It's the result of a carpet fiber accident. I think he has the cutest little feet.

This is Fierce

2008-07-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

I have no idea why, but I am really lovin the haka. It started with my facination of South Pacific culture. The movie Once Were Warriors which was made in New Zealand about a Maori family and featured a scene where the teenage son learned to do a traditional haka. The haka is a tribal dance done by both sexes and all ages is usually performed at important ceremonies. Warriors did a haka before engaging in battle. Those of us in the northern hemisphere may recognize it from rugby games where the teams from Tonga, Samoa and New Zealand do the traditional dance before games as a challenge to the team they are playing. It is great to see the New Zealand All Blacks throw down the gauntlet to the likes of Ireland, Scotland and South Africa, but even better when two south seas teams play each other and both do the haka. The team that begins will end their ceremony with a leap, some slaps, a grimace and of course the traditional sticking out of the tongue. Take that Samoa, you've been served!

If you search You Tube you can find women, Japanese children, Hawaii's football team and a multitude others participating in this type of throwdown. I think that next time some old lady steals my parking spot I will jump out and begin my own haka. These gingerbread guy's haka is pretty fierce too.
For more info check it out here .

The Art of Jack Howe

2008-07-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some intriguing pieces by artist Jack Howe. I just love art that can be done without a trip to our local chain craft store. My posting has been sporadic due to another run in with an insect. This time a Brown Recluse Spider. I can't believe that I once wanted to be an entymologist. Now I am looking for Orkin in the yellowpages. Anyhow, check out more art of Jack Howe's and avoid these:

Never make eye contact...

2008-07-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

...with a gorilla. It seems as if a woman in Amsterdam had the daily habit of visiting Bokito, a gorilla at the Rotterdam Zoo, and tapping on the glass making faces and eye contact with him. Zookeepers had warned her not to do this, that eye contact signals aggression to gorillas and the display of teeth is not a smile. Bokito escaped and attacked the face-making woman, biting her over a hundred times and breaking her arm. He was finally corned in a restaurant, sedated and captured. Now visitors at the zoo are encouraged to wear these swell fashion accessories while viewing the gorilla exhibit. I can't decide which is creepier, a grudge-carrying gorilla or bizarre looking zoo visitors. On second thought I think I want my family members to wear these when they are in my presence... I don't like gawking people poking fun at me either.

"They tried to make me go to rehab...

2008-07-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

...I said no, no, no."

Today, while my son was jogging, he was joined by this little girl. She jogged along with him all the way home. Her mother had been killed beside the road and she was looking for new friends. As many animals as we already have and as adorable as she was, we knew we were not equipped to raise and rehabilitate a deer. Thank goodness I was able to reach a very nice woman who does wildlife rehabilitation exclusively and this little girl was soon on her way to rehab. Julie Miller of Enid, Oklahoma is a federal and state licensed wildlife rehabilitator. She takes in all kinds of wildlife and after care and rehabilitation returns them to the wild. Julie currently has 4 deer, this one makes 5, raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, owls, quail and numerous other animals in her care. What a hard, hectic and rewarding job it must be.

2008-07-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

I need a new lamp, this could be it. After checking here maybe not.

You Make the Call

2008-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Edgy fashion accessory or versatile pet?