Year Two Begins...

Sitting here in misty tears this morning-I know, that never happens! Blog hopping, meme seeking goober that I am, I discovered a gem from linking up with Ann Voskamp yesterday at Holy Experience. I was hoping to find a meme to whip out, no thinking required. No such luck. So, I decided to peruse some of the other bloggers that had linked up with Ann yesterday to see if they were linked up to any other 'through the week writing prompt blog sites'--you  never know what little treasures you might find, as well as writing friends you might make. One link screamed at me because the author's name is Dawn and the photo attached is this:

How I feel most days anymore...

I wasn't going to click on it, it was just too obvious, right? I clicked on a couple others, read their gratitude lists, left a comment here and there, clicked back to Ann, and Dawn's link is still calling me. Oh all right!! I clicked....Not only is it a beautiful blog (with ocean music! You know why? She's from Rhode Island!) And she's got pictures of this altered book project she's doing with a Maine theme--did I not click the perfect link right there?? And it gets better because there's this prayer retreat like right close to where we should be in MA at the beginning of September--if I can just get there!!! So, is this like God giving me a sign, a ray of hope? I don't know--but I pray that it is...

Then there's like a hundred other links on her site I want to click on and investigate but we have a showing this morning and friends coming to take away some of our plywood stash out back, try to clean up the yard a little (thank you Jenn and Jeff!!), and I need to run to Walmart, of course....but you can check out her site here or by clicking on the button below. It's awesome and it's probably where I'll be browsing the rest of the afternoon, or at least a good portion of it--need to get something done for Artful Wednesday tomorrow!! Happy Tuesday!

Happy Blogiversary!

Wow--one year ago today I started my blog...To date I've written 333 posts, have twenty-one members (Yay! Thank you!), and even started a second all-art blog, A Tangle in Time. I've made some great blogging friends along the way, had some great insights, shed my share of tears (yeah, that would've happened anyway...I'm such a blubberer), and really have had a lot of fun writing, meme-ing, giving thanks, trying to keep accountable but not always succeeding...ah, such is life, am I right?

And today is Monday, so that means it's time for some more gratitude, counting towards 1000 Gifts:

533. Back to School clearance shopping

534. Still showings-and I love it when they show up on time

535. Html magic and learning how to put goodies in my sidebar--Look! ------------>

536. The cutest Chinese Crested visiting one of our neighbors this week (which means I get to play with her!)

Okay, this isn't Lily but just another adorable CC just in case some of you don't know what they look like. Seriously, isn't this the most insanely cute dog you've ever seen?? I SO need one of these!! Again, shocked, I know, right?? LOVE!!!

537. These little white pills that help me keep it together when it feels like my entire world is spinning apart...That makes me feel weak to be dependent on something like that and I'm not proud but I'm seriously thankful for not having had a complete mental breakdown this year....

538. New tangle pens 50% off! I love you Michaels coupons!!

539. Baby Squiggy and Lenny's first birthdays, Lenny hatched a week or so before Squiggy...bad mama forgot when I announced Squiggy's birthday on Facebook but we all got new toys to celebrate! (*In my defense, Squiggy was hatched here, Lenny is adopted and hatched at my friend Jen's and I'm not sure of his exact birthday...still feel like a bad mama....I love you Lenny!!)

Let's party!

540. Thunderstorms and rain desperately needed! (Although the timing could've been a little better...just sayin'...)

541. Birthday party and ice cream cake

542. Cuddles with Clyde, the single most gorgeous Siamese I have ever known and makes me covet--I want this kitty-kitty!!

Those eyes!!! And his whiskers are striped! I love you Clyde!! Cutest cat ever anywhere, hands down!!

543. And, always, hope...still clinging to hope. Please Lord, hear my prayer!

I had my first tremor while driving yesterday. Fortunately it was fairly mild and I pulled over until it passed. Still it's scary to think about the possibility of losing control while behind the wheel, especially with my Bug in the backseat...Please, if I may ask for your prayers of safety, strength, patience and peace while we continue to wait to move and finally have our family back together under one roof again--I thank you.

And a huge thanks to everybody who stops by to read my blatherings from time to time and leave little comments so I know my time here isn't a complete waste. Thank you!

Won't you click over and join us in counting the joy?

Sunday Stealing: Too Tired to Think (Like, isn't that my theme this year??)

So, okay, somehow I missed this last week and it's supposed to be a two-parter, but since I'm catching up you get the whole shebang in one flat out dealio--how lucky are you??

1. You have 10 dollars and need to buy snacks at a gas station. What do you get? First priority is an iced latte, Bug would have to have burger sliders, we might have enough for a bag of chips and a Gatorade...

2. If you were reincarnated as a sea creature, what would you want to be? A manatee--are they not just the sweetest creatures that ever lived???

3. Who’s your favorite redhead? Fred and George Weasley, or, if it has to be a real person, Philip Seymour Hoffman, or maybe Sweet Pea even though she peed on the livingroom rug yesterday--grrrr...

Yeah, I peed on the rug but Tucker ate the table...

4. What do you order when you’re at IHOP? I order the healthy spinach omelet thing although I'm dying inside to order the stuffed french toast!!

5. Last book you read? George RR Martin's Clash of Kings, I'm in the middle of Storm of Swords right now. This series has to be the BEST I've ever read--they just keep getting better and better with each chapter and that never happens with series! I love you George!!

6. Describe your mood. Bleh. And hungry.

7. Describe the last time you were injured. So embarrassing...I fell off the treadmill. Jim can appreciate this as a fellow spinal stenosis friend, we have balance issues on a good day--standing can sometimes be a challenge. So, running on a treadmill and signing to Adele at the same time, I was just asking for trouble--and I don't even really know sign language anymore, I was mostly being dramatic...So, twisted my knee and scraped my arm pretty good. Ah, the joys of being retarded...

8. Of all your friends, who would you want to be stuck in a well with? First I would choose Missy because the two of us could easily find stupid things to laugh over and be entertained for, well, at least a few minutes until we realized Sheetz doesn't deliver...But, then, I realize she's short, so probably someone taller that I could stand on their shoulders and maybe get out (sorry Missy...I still love you!!!) So I choose the one cashier guy at Sheetz--he's not exactly a 'friend' but he's 'friend-ly' and probably the tallest person I know...Or even better, Timmy, 'cuz Lassie would go for help and get us rescued! Sorry Missy and Sheetz cashier guy!!

9. Rock concert or symphony? Rusted Root wasn't playing any concertos on my birthday!! Woot woot!!

10. What is the wallpaper of your cell phone? The number? (We'll just say "hi" - promise.) My Bugster. Really?? My number?? The premise of this meme is stealing and I'm supposed to trust you with my cell number???

11. Favorite soda? Root beer.

12. What type of shirt are you wearing? A Cadillac racing T, 'cuz I'm ritzy like that.

13. If you could only use one form of transportation? Horseback!!

14. Most recent movie you have watched in theater? Brave--it was awesome!

15. Name an actor/actress/singer you have had the hots for. The dude who plays Thor in the Avengers--yum!!

16. What’s your favorite kind of cake? Birthday! And I want a big corner piece with all the extra icing and a giant rose, thank you!!

17. What did you have for dinner last night? Cheesy tuna pasta (a Spark People recipe)

18. Look to your left, what do you see? My pile of sketchbooks and art journals and a Zendala template to work on later today

19. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes, so it's easier to get them on in the morning before my workout--anything that makes working out easier is worth the time and effort....

20. Favorite toy as a child? I had a whole slew of those little plastic animals--I would even stash the little animals from the Christmas decorations, you know like for the under the tree villages? I wanted ALL the animals--go figure, that's so not me...

21. Do you buy your own groceries? Um, yes...

22. Do you think people talk about you behind your back? No, my life isn't that interesting to warrant talking about in front of or behind my back...

23. When was the last time you had gummy worms? A few weeks ago after our trip to Baldinger's, mmm worms...

24. What’s your favorite fruit? That's too hard to choose! Watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, kiwi, pineapple, honeycrisp apples, peaches, nectarines, ruby red grapefruit, blood oranges....aaahhhh!!!

25. Do you have a picture of yourself doing a cartwheel? Hahaha--like I could ever get these legs that high in the air!! LOL!

26. What type of errands do you like running? Ones that involve lattes at Sheetz

27. Have you ever eaten snow? Hello, it's me...I LOVE snow!!! Of course I've eaten it!!

28. What color are your bedsheets? This week, aqua

29. What’s your favorite flower? I like daisies and black eyed susans and Queen Anne's lace and violas and irises and echinacea and those giant lilies

30. Do you do ballet? Only when I'm feeling exceptionally retarded and usually end up falling on my face and hurting myself like in #7

31. Do you listen to classical music? Once in a while...it's very calming and sometimes I need that

32. What is the first TV Theme song that pops in your head? Game of Thrones! I'm such an addict!!

 33. Do you watch Sponge Bob? If Bug has it on, I'll watch a little bit--c'mon, you gotta love the Sponge!! Or at least Gary!

34. What temperature is it outside right now? A glorious sixty-eight degrees! Heavenly!

35. Do people consider you smart? I don't know...maybe? I don't know what people consider me to be...probably don't want to know, either....

36. How many piercing do you have? Just my ears, twice on each lobe and one in my cartilege

 37. Are you signed on [to] AIM? No. I don't AIM anything. Ever. Do people still do that??

38. Have you ever tried gluing your fingers together? Oh, like you haven't

39. How do you feel about your family? Have you read my blog like at all???

40. Do you have an iPod? No and not likely to ever own one.

41. What time do you go to bed? On a good night, 7:30. Any later than that the next day is not gonna be pretty.

 42. What CD is currently in your CD player? Adele 21

43. What movie do you know every line to? Every Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Princess Bride, Finding Nemo, Benny and Joon, Monsters Inc, Wall-E, Shrek, and What Dreams May Come

 44. What is your favorite salad dressing? My own, which is usually balsalmic vinegar with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

45. What do you want for Christmas this year? Snow and maybe a Pug puppy

 46. What family member/friend lives the farthest from you? Where? My Aunt Marion, in Colorado (she's also my favorite by the way....)

47. Do you like hugs? Yes

 48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach? Yesterday--waiting for my car to get finished with its inspection and praying to make it home on time for our showing, wishing the rain would stop but it didn't but at least I did make it home on time--now back to praying...
 

49. What’s the way people most often mispronounce any part of your name? They say our last name Morris--really?? Oh, and when we lived in TN, I was instructed that the 'proper' way to pronounce my first name was Daw-wun, almost like Dow-wun, so okay--how do you say lawn and fawn?? Buncha rednecks...

 50. Last person you hugged? My Bugga-bugga

Out With the Old, In With the New

Feelin' the blues this week. Some of you may remember the purple dress I bought earlier this year for the dinner cruise Bill and I were supposed to be going on in August.
Here it is:





Well, I'm taking it back to Penneys today. There's no way I'll make the cruise next month and seeing this dress hanging in my closet every day just makes that point painfully clear, along with the thought that I won't be seeing my husband anytime soon, either. Good thing I didn't bother with those $40 sandals to go with it...Ah well, there will be other cruises and other purple dresses.

On an up note, Michaels has a 50% off coupon online for today and tomorrow only, so I printed mine out and a-tangling pen shopping I shall go! I've been waiting to get a set of Pigma Micron pens for a while--yeah, it was supposed to be a weight loss reward but we all know how well that's (not) been going and I need a little art supply sunshine pick me up right now. Okay, material things are only temporary bandaids but Micron pens don't contain any calories and they're not covered in fur or feathers, so at least it's a better bandaid...

I did do a little tangling yesterday. I'm trying to plan a large 9x12 Zia and wanted to do a spread/spill of spirals, so this was a practice play:

A little spiral play

I've fallen in love with the Ixorus pattern and have a little Mi2 spilling from the center spiral (this week's Diva challenge pattern...lovin' it!) Eh...the whole thing needs some work before I start the final version but just wanted to give a sneak peek...

So happy Thursday! I (HOPE!) I have SYTYCD on the DVR for later...tonight is Project Runway--more to look forward to. Toss a little latte in there, it could be a good day after all =0)

Thankful on a Monday

I messed up this week and forgot to write down the things I was thankful for every day. Then this morning I read this post about the Aurora shooting and awakened to how wrapped up I am in my own head. I don't watch the news. I honestly don't know even a fraction of what happened in that movie theater. I've gotten bits and pieces from Facebook, mostly angry jibes from people furious that this shooter would be glorified in the slightest manner. But reading this woman's story and how thankful she is that she and her family-her husband and two daughters-survived this tragedy, just struck me over how much we all take for granted. Simple life. The precious gift of a family.

Another friend sits in a hospital room this morning as her husband prepares to undergo bowel resection surgery tomorrow. I miss my husband but he's safe and healthy. I am thankful.

I did catch a few things last week: a friend from Lutherlyn at Alameda's day camp this week for Bug. He struggled with some bullying issues there last summer and I was hesitant to send him back this year, but he wanted to go so he could swim every day. He still had a couple issues with this same kid from last year, but having Luca there made it a better week. We're still done with day camp this summer. Personal play dates and trips to the pool on our own are far better than putting him at the mercy of this other kid.

A friend's husband who works at the electric company helped get our power back up and running the one morning after a squirrel found its fate on a transformer across the street, and our next door neighbor who showed me how to unlatch the garage door from the electric opener so I could get my car out! Freedom! The electricity was back on, and the air conditioner buzzing brilliantly by the time I got back from dropping Bug off at camp and a quick swing through the pet store--and it was forecast to be one hot, sticky day! Really thankful for John, quick service from the electric company, and for air conditioning!!

We have a quiet week ahead. A dentist appointment this morning, a trip to the library tomorrow. Maybe we'll unplug for an afternoon and go play at the pool, hook up with a few friends. All gifts, this simple quiet life. I am thankful.

Five Minute Friday: Enough

How many times I snap at Michael, "Enough!" Either he's tormenting one of the dogs, or making some brain stabbingly annoying sound, or gabbing instead of eating. The fuse runs short and I shout, "Enough!" Or I bark at the dogs, "Enough!" to stem their barking at the cat across the street or a neighbor walking their dog past the house. Lately my plead is "Enough!" to God for this waiting has gone on long, long enough...Enough.

I'm in the middle of reading Romans this month and chapter 11 was this morning's reading. The end of the chapter is this:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments,
and his paths beyond tracing out! 
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.     
To him be the glory forever! Amen. 

I don't claim to know what God has planned for us. All I know is that, really, I'm ready to get going. Enough is enough. I plead for Him to hear my prayer, to have mercy and bring our family back together. Please Lord...enough.

 

Hanging By a Thread

My Accountability Thursdays have gone straight out the window this summer. First I had a tremor, then I had a birthday, then I had a headache, then we went to the movies...and I've eaten and lazed and ran out of time for morning workouts. My get up and go has gotten up and went--without me. I partly blame stress/depression from still waiting to get moved, but excuses don't do much for the waistline. I keep thinking it'll all be better after we get going--I'll have a fresh new outlook and renewed motivation along with a new (non-stalker ruined) neighborhood to go running in and an actual husband at home to keep an eye on Bug while I take an hour to eat up some pavement and revel in the fresh air and sunshine. But, what good is that doing me in the meantime?? Not one miserable iota.

I've pre-registered for the fall session of #HelloMornings-a daily morning accountability group--over at Must Love God, but that won't start until August 20th. What's a girl to do in the meantime?? I'm trying to hang in there...better choices today make for a better day tomorrow. Sometimes though, you just want to eat cupcakes and let tomorrow take care of itself because I only have enough strength to see me through today...and who doesn't love cupcakes??? Right? I know, I know--I'm only gonna regret that cupcake in the morning--and the next multiple weeks' mornings as I try to treadmill that cupcake back off my thighs...

So, today is a new day. I've had my fill of cupcakes and I have an obligation to be good to myself so that I can be good to Bug and all these critters in my care...Plus, the happier I am health wise, the better I tend to do creative wise and that's a big holding on point for me as well this summer. So today I choose No Cupcakes!! And I will head downstairs as soon as this is published to get at least a quick run in before Bugalicious needs dropped off at camp for the day. One positive baby step at a time and trusting in God to carry me through and grant me the strength I need to overcome those cupcakes when they come calling in my weakness...

Click below if you wanna sign up for #HelloMornings with me, or just to read more about it...Time to get this show back on the road!!

Summer Thankfuls

Yesterday turned out to be pretty much a misfire. We tried to go to Art in the Park at McConnells Mill, ended up driving a good four or five miles past our turn into the park, turned around, drove past the turn again because some people like to drive right up on your bumper and I was afraid this guy would rear end me if I tried to slow down to make the turn. So...got us turned around one more time and finally made it into the park. Pulled into the first wrong parking lot (but took advantage of the restroom while we were there) Back in the car to the proper parking lot, looking for the Art portion of the day--nothing. Drove down to the grist mill and there's never parking available there, so swooped around across the covered bridge, almost running over one hiking family (um, there are actual trails for a reason--not supposed to hike IN the road!!!) and then almost ran over a couple walking their Chihuahuas three separate times--really??? No art stuff to be found anywhere...so headed back towards home. Along the way we thought we'd try to stop at this coffee/candy shop in town. Passed our exit for Main St. but managed to get off at the next exit and still, drove up and down looking for the store until I pulled out the Garmin and plugged in the address--"Arriving at destination! On Right!" Park, get out of the car. Walk up and down Main St, still couldn't find the darn store--until...we get back in the car and Michael looks at the window right beside us...really??? And, of course they were closed. Everything is closed on Sunday in town. Waste of time. Bah. Sheetz it is and let's call it a day! Yeah...

So, continuing counting to 1000 Gifts:

511. Friends over for a visit
512. Swimming in the neighbor's pool

513. Cute puppies to play with at the vet's
514. A friend's good news from the doctor!
515. Four a.m. wake up! So good to be back on schedule!
516. Teaching Bug to cook
517. Fun tangles
518. Good books for Bug at the library
519. More showings!
520. Perfect hardboiled eggs-mmmm....
521. Ativan to help smooth out a super stressful day
522. Butter-this beautiful moth we rescued:

523. Silliness with Bug--he's cracking me up this summer!!
524. Ice cream with friends at Debbie Lee's
525. Finally a chance to serve at Katie's Kitchen-beautiful meal, beautiful people
526. Brave--what a great movie! See it!!
527. Friend sleeping over
528. First car cruise of the summer
529. Ice cream smiles
530. Pea all fresh and clean and nails trimmed perfect (Pics of Pea, ice cream and the car cruise are all on yesterday's post if you missed it)
531. Double header movie night with Bug: Twister and Aliens in the Attic
532. Sheetz to the rescue!

Join us in counting to 1000 Gifts:

No Stealing

Yeah, I'm not playing along with my usual weekend memes...especially now that the Imaginary Meme is finally over, I feel rather...I don't know, kind of like when you finally take all the Christmas decorations down and the house seems all...empty...and blah? Yeah, like that...Maybe next week I'll be over it and feel like playing again.

But, we've had a fun weekend so far. Bug's buddy, David, spent the night Friday, which was also the first car cruise of the year at Meridian Station. What could be more boy appropriate than strolling around, looking at a bunch of really old and really cool cars? Um, apparently not strolling so much as rather poking and chasing and throwing walnuts at each other, then ooo-ing and wow-ing at this car and that...They seemed to have fun and no cars were harmed in the pitching of walnuts--thank goodness, because also apparently Mom's voice saying, "No throwing walnuts around the cars and people!" is inaudible when Boy-silliness is in full gear. It's all right--they didn't listen to the old fart who told them to stop, either...Boys will be boys. When they did stop throwing walnuts, it became stick throwing time...then the farting and the burping...And I actually took them inside (in Public!) for ice cream after we'd seen all the cars. Fortunately they'd settled down (somewhat) and happily gobbled up their cones.

Awesome cool cars and super old trucks

It was Corvette night and this one was our favorite

Loved this paint job

I'm a sucker for these cars!

Funny story--Bug and I saw this car at Sheetz one day (yes, I live at Sheetz almost as much as I do at Walmart these days!) and were excited to see it again at the cruise. Bug actually asked the guy if he'd ever seen a white Kia one day at Sheetz (not even the model, just a white Kia--they're so rare, of course he should remember, right??) And the guy asked back if Bug was the guy with the cool white Kia--totally blew Bug away that he'd seen us! Haha! Great guy, great car--this is why we go to these things =0) Okay and to scope out cute puppies, too...

Ice Cream!!!!!!!! It was hard to say which one had more ice cream on his face when they were done...

The boys stayed up 'til well past one...talking and giggling and watching cartoons (thank goodness for OnDemand--you can watch cartoons twenty-four hours a day!) They slept til almost ten, got everyone fed waffles and OJ and straightened up the livingroom and packed up all of David's stuff that had been scattered in every room and down into the basement--Pokemon cards, ninja stars, his rock 'n roll CD...I hope we found everything!

After David went home, it was time to whisk Sweet Pea off to the groomer's to get her nails done. It's definitely a two person job and she acts like she's being absolutely murdered the entire time, so I can't possibly trim her nails myself. But one of the realtors showing our house last week came down to the car to fuss all over Pea (she said she rescues Bassetts--awesome!) and highly recommended the groomers at Whispering Winds Boarding Kennel after I'd told her how bad Pea freaks out when you try to touch her feet to clip her nails. They did a fanastic job, gave her a bath while she was there, too, so she's super white and fluffy now, and the girl who worked on Pea said she wasn't too bad at all when she clipped her nails! Yay!

Precious pretty Pea--love her gingham bandana!

Today we're off to church then Art in the Park at McConnells Mill in Portersville (weather permitting--it may rain on us...) But! I'm hoping it'll inspire me to finally start working on my watercolor art journal that I picked up a few months back...The girls in the Zia Yahoo group shared some great links and ideas with me and I'm feeling it's time--(hubby's thinking it better be about time--haha! I buy these things then they sit...Okay, okay! I'm on it!!) So, wish me luck and I'll post some pics as things progress (I hope!!) Happy Sunday everyone!

My First Blog Award!!

This Tag award was given to me by Jim at http://willingtomakeadifference.blogspot.com/ I'm not really sure it's an official award, but I'm a sucker for recognition so I'll play along, right? Why the heck not! So, many thanks Jim, may your day be at least partially nude. 

Okay, Tag award rules are that I must answer the 11 questions and then pass the tag to 11 others with 11 questions who have less than 200 followers. Sounds an awful lot like a chain letter to me...


The 11 question are simple: must choose one or the other

1. Paper, plastic, or bring your own bag? Bring my own even though it seems to truly annoy every cashier I've ever encountered. I know they're a pain to pack and it's so much easier to toss one or two items into those cheapy plastic bags, but I really don't need the backlog of plastic bags at my house and never remember to drag them back to the store for recycling and reusable bags are so much better for the environment--are we just going to wait for the world to implode before we actually start trying to make a difference in what we're doing, people???

2. Pajamas or sleep nude? I know Jim sleeps (eats and breathes) nude, some of us have children running around the house and clothes are not optional, so not exactly pajamas-I usually sleep in whatever I plan to workout in the next morning--shorts or sweats, depending on the weather, and a T. Not sexy, but comfy, and my husband is 600 miles away anyway. The dogs could care less what I wear to bed, just that they can get in bed first and hog up as much space on it as they possibly can--who cares if the human gets a good night's sleep?

3. Hamburger or hot dog? Veggie burger, or even better, a Portabella mushroom burger--mmm! I gave up hot dogs years ago after watching what actually goes into them, and I stopped eating beef this year as well, only reinforced by the whole pink slime story--eww!! No thank you--bleh!!

4. Tea or coffee? COFFEE!!! As if there's any comparison!!! Preferrably a latte, iced, with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle--oh sweet joy...

5. Walmart or Target? I confess I'm a Walmart girl, but if you know me at all, you already know that to be true. Don't get me wrong, I like Target, their mascot dog is the cutest thing ever. Walmart doesn't even have a mascot--maybe that's how they keep their prices so much lower: they've eliminated the need for dog food, flea and tick preventatives, and veterinary care in their overhead-smart, really smart. But seriously, why would you shop at Target and pay more money for the exact same thing that's considerably cheaper at Walmart? You don't get to see the mascot dog, he's never there. I'm not sure he even really exists. He could just be a computer mock up--think about it! Yeah, Walmart...my happy place.

6. Disneyland or Six Flags? Neither--Universal Studios to do Harry Potter's Wizarding World unless someone is willing to fly me overseas to London to tour the Warner Bros. Studios?? Huh, huh? Any takers?? I can do a mean pouty boo-boo face! Someday...someday...You know, I used to want to go someplace real, like Australia--somehow now all I want to do is walk where Harry killed Voldemort and Molly blew up Bellatrix after she had attacked Ginny...Next I'll be wanting to go tour imaginary Westeros...

7. Cat or dog? I don't care. If it's covered with fur or feathers or fins, it's probably lived in my house and if it hasn't, it probably will at some point in our lives. I'm an animal fanatic--love them all!!

8. Book or a movie? Books, hands down--they last longer, they take you further into your imagination. Movies are a good back up, though. I can't even count how many times now that I've watched all the Harry Potter movies, and the Game of Thrones series on HBO is right up there with Harry as well...

9. Who do you trust the most, friends or family? Have you met my family???

10. Soda or water? Water. I can't drink all that sugar anymore--bleh!

11. Companionship or love? Love. I am a total mush head for love. And good companionship, I would think, would entail love on at least some level, right?

So, okay, now I'm supposed to impose, I mean endow eleven others with this, um, prestigious award and give them eleven new questions to answer. Seriously, how did I get into this?? Oh yeah, nekkid Jim...My only problem is that most of my followers aren't writing bloggers, more art bloggers, and my fellow meme bloggers most likely have already been tagged?? So, if I have tagged you and you think I'm insane (which, okay, you're right) and you don't care to play along, that's okay, too and I hope you'll still love me (see #11...)

My Liebster Award Winners (heh heh heh) are!!:
Jenn @ http://jenn-modernfarmwife.blogspot.com/
Toby @ http://thoughts.com/profile/MindLint
Lara @ http://laraslifeadventures.blogspot.com/
Alice @ http://thecreatorsleaf.blogspot.com/
Okay, so I don't have eleven...please don't take my Liebster away!!

Now, for those willing to play along, here are your eleven questions:

1. Pie or cake?

2. The Notebook or Titanic?

3. Silver or gold?

4. Monkey or llama?

5. Sweet Tarts or Sprees?

6. Ebay or Amazon?

7. Wisdom or innocence?


8. Pen or pencil?

9. Stability or adventure?

10. Mountains or ocean?

11. Blue pill or red pill?

So, okay! I hope my winners will play and swing back on by to leave a heads up in the comments so we can read your answers!! Jim--thanks again and go put some clothes on...Oh, and if you don't have a blog but you just want to answer the eleven questions or simply say HI! You can do that too--I love comments almost as much as I love love...

Life and a New Artful Wednesday

So we are into month seven of waiting for this house to sell, truly a test of patience and sanity. We dropped the price a little more and that seems to have brought a fresh onslaught of showings. We had two last weekend and two more this week. Yesterday, I buzzed about, sweeping and dusting, picking up here and there before settling into a little tangle time. Bug occupied himself on the computer with a game of Roblox and he let the birdies out for some play time as well. Here is Loki, our Green Cheek, chilling on the floor, shredding Bug's popcorn (all the white crumblies in the background)...after I'd already swept in there...thanks guys--but isn't he cute???

Shredderman

After re-sweeping the office and finishing getting the rest of the house in order, dinner eaten and dishes washed, it's time to wrangle up the dogs and vacate the premises for the showing. The realtor showed up early, not a big deal. Scooted all the dogs down to the car and flicked on all the lights. Thankfully, one last check revealed Bug had gone to the bathroom and not flushed--really?? Not a good selling strategy there, little man!! So glad I checked!! Such is my life...The next showing is later this morning--fingers crossed and prayers going up!!



I did manage to get a couple tangles done this week. I'm still running behind on challenges--where is all the time going?? Summer's just flying by...



Tangle Journal Prompt #26: Tangled Trees-I didn't quite go with the guidelines here as the trunk, I believe, was to be done with ink and a dropper, which I don't have, so I just tangled a tree. It feels overdone to me, too busy. I wish I could learn to cut back and let up...I'd paint a wash in for the sky maybe and do something different with the grass if I'd do this again...but I kinda like the tree itself at least!

This one isn't a challenge piece, just a spiral design I played with...

Michael said to me yesterday, "Why do you always draw shells? Draw something different!" Really? I love doing the spirals and they are all different...he liked the Squid though (tangle pattern in upper right area. I wisened up a little on this. I'd done the spiral and was so afraid of ruining the design, I made a few photocopies and played around with different pattern ideas on the copies before I committed them to the finished piece--so much happier with how this turned out now!! All bubbly and floaty...And!! I had worn out my first 'tangling' pen from a set of Prismacolor fine line markers and finally opened a set of Faber Castell artist pens I'd bought a while back--and fell head over heels in LOVE with these pens!! So much smoother to draw with, the color and lines are sharper! They're just a dream! Happy happy!

So, that's what I've accomplished this past week. The rest of this week is looking crazy busy, but hopefully I'll find time to play in there as well! Have a great rest of your week and thanks, as always, for stopping by!

Life's a Beach

It took me a while to find a meme this morning, I somehow completely forgot about the Queen's Meme for Tuesday...the brain, just not what it used to be anymore...But what a perfect meme: the Beach!! You all know how I am dying to get my butt up to New England and the beach...a little more visualization to help us along that path:

Aaahhh, Horseneck Beach, how I long to see thee soon....

And away we go:

The Beach Meme #122

I love beaches. All beaches. Any beach. Anywhere. All are a slice of heaven on earth. Let's channel our coastlines, shall we?

1. When you take a vacation at the beach, what do you like to do the most? I love early morning or evening walks in the sand with the surf gently tickling bare feet, scouring for the perfect seashells and just getting lost in the rhythmic wash of the waves and thesmell of salty sea air...and boardwalk shopping and dining alfresco...margaritas and oysters, oh my!

2. You are on the beach enjoying the nice clean fresh air. The sunbather in the chair next to you lights up a cigarette. You do not smoke. You move your chair. Then the person you sat down beside lights up another cigarette. What would you do? And how many times would you move around the beach to get away from the carcinogens invading your vacation? Seriously, right?? I am SO thankful people are no longer allowed to smoke in restaurants--it never failed, I'd sit down and someone next to me would light up...oh puke!! I'm trying to eat!! Bleh!! But, fortunately beaches are long and wide and I tend to veer away from the crowds, so that typically helps avoid smokers in my air space.

3. Do you think smoking should be permitted on public beaches? (see #2) *Sigh* I personally wish smoking would be banned everywhere. It would be great if they could make designated smoking areas maybe, away from the water where the kids are playing. Don't breathe your cancer on my kid. Thanks.

4. Have you ever encountered a shark or other dangerous animal at the beach? Just angry crabbies, but they're not typically life threatening. Land Sharks! Fins to the left!!! Aahh, Buffett...

5. Do you prefer hotels, condos, or cottages at the beach? I prefer my HOME by the beach!! But a cottage would be incredibly awesome and romantic...

6. Describe your worst experience with accommodations at the coast. Haven't really had any bad accomodation experiences that I can remember--you're at the beach for Pete's sake, how bad can life be??

7. Describe the best beach vacation you ever had or tell us about your fantasy beach vacation! The best beach vacation is yet to be when we're finally moved and our family is finally all back together again and friends come up to visit and we can take them whale watching or seal spotting--I am so excited, it's like being a kid waiting for Christmas to get here...Soon, I hope! Soon...

Birthday Week Thankfuls

It's back to reality week and I'm more than ready...I had such a great birthday--as late a night as I can handle--we were up 'til midnight! That just doesn't happen in my life and I was too wiped out to stay up for fireworks the next night--but the Rusted Root concert was more than worth it! I'm just happy to be getting to bed at a 'normal' time (for me, that's about eight o'clock) once more so I can get up and get something accomplished in the morning before the day's half gone. Plus the heat finally let up yesterday so I could shut the air conditioner off and throw open all the windows to enjoy the fresh breezes blowing through--heavenly! I am so not a heat and humidity kind of girl--give me five feet of snow any day!! I also need to get back on track food wise--too much birthday cake and margaritas and other high calorie indulgences...I'm a-feared of facing the scale this week (yeah, okay, it's been more than a month since I dragged that thing out of the bathroom closet--I may make it wait another week until I have some healthy progress under my belt again!) (Confession/translation: Planning on going to see Brave on Wednesday and I am simply unable to resist movie theater popcorn...so the scale can wait!!)

But, I was more than blessed through my whole birthday week and it's time again to count those gifts:

493. Birthday lunch at the Harmony Inn with my aunt and uncle. The Inn is supposed to be haunted but we didn't spy any ghosties while we were there--Bug wants to go back! Too many Ghostbuster viewings for that kiddo!
494. A stop at Baldinger's Candy Store to stock up on some sugar for the week!
495. The Big Butler Fair -always my favorite thing to do over my birthday AND!! (496.) My favorite band playing that night:  Rusted Root !! Not only that, but (497.) we were front and center, as close to the stage as you could get! Such a great show--Bug's first concert and he loved it, danced his little heart out and pounded along with the drums--my little Root Head!!
498. Making it home safe so late--I really can't see anything driving at night anymore (I'm old, people!!)
499. So many presents I totally wasn't expecting! I felt completely loved by hubby and friends!
500. Rainbow birthday cake--the prettiest cake I've ever seen and, oh yeah, ate every last crumb!! (Sorry, no pics--I have been really neglectful with the camera lately! I will try to get better with that!)
501. Family up for a Fourth of July cookout
502. The gift of air conditioning in this horrible heat wave week! Bleh! 102 heat index?? No likey...
503. Two showings and continued hope
504. Bug going to another sleepover and (505.) Movie night for me! Woman in Black--creepy! But, I will always be a die hard Dan Radcliffe fan--so cool to see him in something new! And speaking of:
506. Harry Potter weekend on ABCFamily (I am so happy!!)
507.A surprise Sheetz giftcard in my mailbox! Thank you Amy, Scooby, Holly and Maddux!
508. DoubleStuf Oreos and a big glass of milk (another reason to avoid the scale for the week...aahhh!)
509. Temps finally in the eighties and a serious break in the humidity
510. God's hand...

Please pray for us. I just heard from Bill that the house we planned to make an offer on went under contract this weekend....patience, strength, and peace...we need our family back together soon...

Join us in counting His gracious gifts...

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, The Missing Parts Eight and Nine

I love this picture!!

141. What's the difference between Stealing and other memes that you do? This one is on Sunday...and there's more questions. Actually trying to find some other memes for through the week...

142. Best cartoon show ever? Either the Pink Panther or Mr. Magoo.

143. Does it matter to you if your significant other smokes? Yes, totally! I want him to be healthy and around to make up for all this time we've been apart!!

144. Do you ever use your full name? No. Completely annoyed when someone uses my middle name--only my Gram could get away with that.

145. Do you get annoyed easily? Use my middle name--are you paying attention??

146. Indecent proposal: Would you sleep with an attractive billionaire for millions of $? I'm thinking...I'm thinking...Okay, no.

147. Where do you draw the line? Apparently somewhere after entertaining the idea of sleeping with billionaires for lots of money...

148. Have you ever been on a road trip? Many, love road trips, especially road food!

149. What’s your favorite drink? How many times are we gonna ask this?? Drink of the week has been margaritas, though--celebrating middle age...crap...

150. Which is better, amazing eyes or an amazing smile? Why? Eyes, I'm a total sucker for eyes...

151. What was your first thought this morning? Holy crap, it's after six! Hate sleeping that late...

152. Have you ever wanted to go to sleep and not wake up? Yeah.

153. Would you try to take over the world? Didn't we already do this one, too? Who wants that kind of responsibility??

154. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? Hubby surprised me with the most beautiful red roses on my fortieth birthday, waiting on our table at dinner at PF Chang's--that's huge for him 'cuz he's not big on mushy romantic things.

155. Have you ever been asked to do something disgusting? You've obviously never had to change diapers or clean up your dog's diarrhea all over the house if you can ask this question.

156. How much cash do you have right now? On hand? Twenty bucks, I think-left over from the fair last week. Don't like to carry cash because it makes me spend impulsively on stupid things.

157. Tell us something totally random about yourself. I kissed Mike Glabicki after a Rusted Root concert in Columbus and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!!

158. What really turns you off? Meanness. I don't understand mean people...

159. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity? Yes, I think it was Diane Keaton and someone else said I looked like Sarah Palin.

160. You’re having a bad day. Who do you want to talk to? Missy, 'cuz she talks me out of stupid things like smoking or having margaritas on top of my Ativan.

161. Have you ever studied the Bible? I do a little Bible study every morning and I also go to a friend's Bible study at her house a couple times a month. Love it.

162. What really turns you off? Repetitive questions. Seriously annoying.

163. What's a goal that you'd like to achieve? It used to be getting published. Who knows, maybe someday. Also to maybe have an art show or to get certified as a Zentangle teacher.

164. Name one celebrity you hate, and why. Angelina Jolie, she's a husband stealing whore.

165. What’s your favorite store? Sheetz!! And Michael's. And Staples. And Amazon.

166. What's one goal you’d like to achieve this year? To sell this house and MOVE!!!

167. What's the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? Okay, so when did it become "preferred sex" rather than opposite sex--I mean, I get it, we no longer live in a hetero-sexual accepted only world...Anyway--whatever. Eyes--again, are we not paying attention? See #150 and #162.

168. Who is your oldest friend? How long have you known them? Emilie!! I've known her forever and a day and we've each moved like a bajillion times but always manage to stay in touch and hopefully we'll find more ways to actually cross paths more than once every fifteen, twenty years! Love ya' girl!!!

169. Do you like photography? I do, I wish I was better at it. My nephew's wife, Melissa, is such an amazing photographer--you can get lost in beautiful photos and she's got that touch.

170. Pain or no gain? Yeah, I believe that.

171. What's something people say that you generally find annoying? "You haven't sold your house yet?" Really? Am I still standing here in front of you???

172. How often do you change your myspace/facebook/etc profile? Whenever something changes....???

173. Do you ever cook? Daily, love to cook!

174. Have you ever been on a boat? Yep--lots of boats, lots of times, love boats!!

175. What do you do most when you’re bored? Watch TV and eat.

176. What is your favorite musical instrument? That's a toss up between guitar and piano...and drums...and flute...

177. What’s your phone ringtone? For my hubby, Uncle Kracker "Follow Me", for everybody else, some stupid ringtone that came with the phone. Text ringtone is Creedence "Long as I Can See the Light".

178. Have you ever been in a movie? (Either amateur of professional.) No.

179. Describe your life currently in five words. I love being a mom.

180. Where did you last fly to and why? Flew home to Pittsburgh from Tennessee when my dad passed away.

Sunday Stealing: The Imaginary Meme, The Final Part (Whew!!)

181. What's the BEST rock band that you have seen live?Rolling Stones, hands down, though Pink Floyd is an incredibly close second...

182. Could you image being in a situation where you would run from the police? No, that's just so far from the reality that is my life...mmm, yeah, no.

183. Have you ever been asked for an autograph? Yes, actually.

184. What would you change about your living room? That it would be in Massachusetts...

185. Do you drink out of glass or plastic most of the time at home? Plastic. I have these four water bottles I continually refill. The other cup I drink out of is my Christmas Snoopy coffee mug. And no one touches my coffee mug without dire consequences!!!

186. Last hug? Earlier this morning when Bug woke up =0)

187. Have you ever had to make up your mind? Yeah, my mind without makeup isn't fit to be seen in public, oh wait-that's my face. Um, actually, yesterday...had to choose between two potential houses...

188. What is on top of your refrigerator? Most likely a good coating of dust and Bug's lunch box from school (actually survived the year so he can use it again next year--miracle's never cease!!), our knife block, my super cool purple cooler that I bought for the school field trip this year, and a couple bird dishes and Bug's drinking bottle from camp. Aren't you glad to know all that?

189. Did it work out for you in terms of kids? (Meaning how did it work out & are you happy. In other words, from “Have none, wanted none” to “8 kids & 3 grandkids) Yeah--I have a super awesome Bug to spoil rotten and I have successfully managed that and I have a super amazing beautiful step-daughter. If we were meant to have more, God would've blessed us so, and so, yes, I am very happy with my kids.

190. Are you afraid of the dark? Only when I'm awake.

191. What if you had three wishes – what would you wish for? If I told you, they wouldn't come true--don't you know anything???

192. Do you feel sad often? Yes, because I miss my husband terribly. But, I have been blessed with some incredible friends who've totally been by my side through this year and I know it's not forever, so looking for that light at the end of the tunnel...

193. Have you ever been in lust for an extended period of time? Since I met my husband....twelve years ago?? Yeah, I think that's an extended period of time!

194. Do you shower daily? Yes, thank you!

195. Have you ever prank called someone? Haven't we all? Prank called, drunk called, stalker called...what else does one do with their phone??

196. If you have a garage, is it cluttered? Only where all my husband's stuff is crammed, but he cleared out enough room for me to park in there for the winter so it's not too bad. He rocks.

197. You are about to die. What do you do with your worldly possessions? My worldly possessions don't amount to enough to worry about if I'm about to die.

198. Tell us about the first time that you bought a car. My Chevy Chevette--goodness gracious, that was forever ago!! I can't even remember. Okay, thanks for making me feel old.

199. What is your favorite type of music? I love current Christian music, and Adele, and Rusted Root, and anything you can really belt outloud or dance like an idiot to.

200. What’s your family like? There is not enough virtual space available to go into all of that...Which family? Birth? Adoptive? Immediate married? In-laws? All insane. 'Nuff said. Seriously.

PS: They skipped Parts 8 & 9 and posted them on the Fourth, so backtracking and catching up...I'm sure you won't want to miss it. Yeah, okay--just humor me....

Saturday 9: Whatever Gets You Thru the Night

1. What helps you get through the night? Earplugs. I'm a super light sleeper and even the dogs' breathing can keep me awake. Gotta shut it all out or forget it!

2. Do you ALWAYS keep an open mind? No. Some things you know better than to waste time thinking about, so not an open mind all the time.

3. Who is the wisest person you know? I can't remember his name...One of the adult Sunday school teachers at our church in TN. He is also a surgeon and simply brilliant, incredibly, amazingly smart.

4. Who is the strongest person you know? Physically? My hubby.

5. How would we tell by your behavior if you are having a bad day? It's typically written all over my face. I wear my heart on my sleeve and if Mama ain't happy, truly ain't nobody happy...I need to not do that--seriously I'm not five anymore...

6. Does your ego sometimes get in your way? My ego? No. My oversensitive emotional basketcase-ness? All the time.

7. Do you believe in Zen? If yes, can it be mastered? I believe I can fly...Oh wait, wrong song. I believe in the Zen of Pooh. Darn it, that's wrong again. Tao of Pooh...What's the question??

8. Do you believe you could teach someone, like your child, to be competitive? Isn't that what coaches do all the time??

9. Do you believe home is not a place but rather a state of mind? Home is not a state of mind, rather a state of being. Or is that the same thing? I don't know, we've moved so many times...Where is home? Is it where I grew up? No. Is it where I live now? No, because we're in the middle of moving--again. Will it be wherever we get settled? Home is where you're happy, where you feel safe and loved. Okay, so that is a state of mind. Nevermind the previous rambling. I know, too late...sorry...

 

(Editor's note: "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" was recorded with Elton John who returned the favor of John helping out on his version of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". Elton after the session predicted it would hit number one. John told him that even "Imagine" never hit number one & that John Lennon would never have a number one record. They waggered a bet. If Elton won, John would have to preform both songs on stage with Elton at a NYC concert. It hit number 1. It would be John's only #1, and that appearance with Elton, keeping his wager, would be the last live performance that John Lennon ever did. He preformed a third song, "I Saw Her Standing There" as a tribute to Paul, who wrote & sang it. He introduced it by saying "Here's a number by an old estranged fiancé of mine." Enjoy your weekend. Peace & Love - Bud)
~Thanks for that tidbit Bud!

Artful Fourth of July!

Rusted Root!! Aaaahh!!

My head is still reeling this morning from last night's concert. I got to see my favorite band, Rusted Root, play at my favorite event of the year, the Big Butler Fair, and all this for my forty-fifth birthday! Great, great birthday!! But time to get my feet back on the ground here--I have family coming up for a cookout later today and, of course, it rained pretty good last night and the dogs have tracked a bunch of muddy pawprints all over the place...a-mopping we shall go!

But, I've been trying to catch up on the Diva's Challenges this past week, and the Zia Journal Prompt, and then I found a graph paper composition notebook for forty cents at Staples that I'm filling in with tangle patterns which is gonna take forever--but!! It's actually been inspirational, drawing these patterns in and looking at all the variations online (and I've only made it through A and half the B patterns--aaahh!! It's a slooooow process!!) I'm rediscovering favorites and finding new loves...I am totally hooked on Zentangle!

So, I'll start with the most current challenge and work my way back and link up everywhere I need to link...and maybe stay on track this week with the new challenges! This is entirely too much fun! Okay, the Diva's Weekly Challenge #77 is using the pattern Fiore di Pietro and submitted tiles are then to be used in a memorial tribute (you can click on either of the links to read the whole story...it's pretty cool.) And, this is the tile I did yesterday:

If I get a chance, I'd like to play some more with this pattern. I just wanted to have something to put up this week!

Then, to last week's challenges, I made copies of the paint blown string background I'd done for the Zia Journal prompt since I was afraid I'd ruin it--but now I have six or seven backgrounds to play with (and I really did ruin the first one...) But this was my second attempt:

I used an online random number generator to pick numbers between 1 and 136 (which is the number of 'official Zentangle patterns--there are literally over 1500 patterns out there though!) because I just couldn't decide on what to do, so using the randomly picked pattern numbers, I filled in each block (um, except the bottom right block was just craziness!)

And the previous Diva's Weekly Challeng #76, "Home", using a little of Pittsburgh and Massachusetts for inspiration, I created this:

Steelers diamonds on the left (Pgh) and the arrow moving us to the lighthouse, shell, and waves of MA--soon!!!

So...that's been my week. I am caught up! But there's a new Zia journal prompt up already...I doubt I'll get to tangle today, but there's always tomorrow for dreams to come true...hahaha! I hope everybody has a safe and fabulous Fourth of July!! Thanks for stopping by!