AlteredStatesStudio

wants

2012-02-02T07:20:00.000-06:00

i have been thinking about studio time; hoping the weekend is coming quickly...

i want:

to make more handmade journals
to use more ink (hoping my inks that were back ordered are coming....)
to paint loosely; really liking my latest paintings
to use more pan pastels; i was inspired to buy these from a video at simplyme - she is so cool!

vintage

2012-02-01T07:04:00.000-06:00

these 3 stand watch over our bathroom....

journal pages... per our youngest son.

2012-01-31T07:39:00.000-06:00

both of us made a journal this year....both very different, but, i am so proud of him and the fact that he stuck through it and finished his journal as well. he turned 13 this year. hope you enjoy some of his journal pages. thanks for looking around!!

monday

2012-01-30T06:56:00.000-06:00

i'm bummed that once again it is monday morning....we had a busy weekend and it seemed to go really quickly. i did get to spend some time in my studio. i have a couple of things that are "cooking" that i will have to post later. for now, i will reminiscence of studio time.....

super friday....

2012-01-28T09:04:00.001-06:00

yesterday was about as perfect as a friday could get.....i got to hang out in my studio pretty much all day and our daughter told me thank you for fixing her boot by sewing a button back on that she had managed to pop off yesterday morning at her orthodontist appt. now- let me tell you.....in a house full of teenagers at this point- the mom is ALWAYS underestimated and TOTALLY underappreciated- so to get a thank you and you are the best....i could have fallen over.

so now onto the studio time.....here is a peak at what i worked on.

off the floor here is- all the paper stuff or whatever is stuck to this page, did truly come off of my studio floor. my mom always says the best stuff is found on the floor or in my garbage down there....worked on in my studio.

delivery.....

2012-01-27T07:15:00.000-06:00

with my cheap joes order coming today.....i could not be much happier!! one of the items i ordered was pan pastels after being inspired by simply me. if you have not been to this blog- you need to visit her! not only are her journal pages spectacular, her videos are very entertaining. i am loving her blog!

we stopped last night on our way home and i happened to find the cutest green polka dot napkins!! i can't wait to use them in my art or journal pages, or whatever i can come up with.

tuesday morning coffee group

2012-01-25T06:53:00.000-06:00

in town there is a wonderful group of ladies who have invited me to join their group. most of the group have retired, and they are such a great group of ladies that if i stop even for a quick cup of coffee (because i am still working....) it just makes the rest of my day.

yesterday, was no exception....i laughed so hard yesterday (i will never think of roy orbison the same....)- it just felt good. they are so welcoming and always wanting to know if i have made anything new for art and how that is going (bless their hearts....); who could pass up the opportunity for a few hugs, whole lot of smiles, and plenty of laughs....

journal page....

2012-01-24T07:24:00.000-06:00

found some pretty purple used papertowels and a scrap of another painting for the heart; a little napkin and parts of a doily and some lace; not to mention my vintage green stamps! some sewing, word, and poof!

this page posted is looking a little plain jane....the right hand corner has a little screen piece that was rusted to just the right point and i secured to the page. the words say "coaxed to tell her life"

not quite finished with this one...but, liked my "x"

just a few more journal pages from me....happy tuesday to you- thanks for visiting!

playful weekend

2012-01-22T19:57:00.000-06:00

i couldn't take it anymore...had to at least try the crayon idea off of pinterest...not sure i exactly love my creation- i will have to play around with this a bit more.

i am loving my bird. i made the armature and wanted to make it transparent so you could see the egg on the inside. i made the egg out of clay which i cooked for about an hour and then, i painted with acrylic paint. the pattern paper body was a little tricky to put on without tearing, but, overall, i am pretty happy. trying to decide if it needs wings? let me know what you think- wings, no wings.....

this is a homemade journal i actually made last year that has been just hanging out waiting for some inspirational moment to come upon me, which apparently occurred today. i am loving the colors and what is happening now, so i will let it cook for a bit and finish drying.

i was able to sneak some private time to work in my studio this weekend....hope you enjoy. i am not sure anything is finished yet- it is all still "cooking."

morning muffins....

2012-01-21T10:14:00.000-06:00

i love the quiet saturday morning before the kids are up....feeling a little betty crockerish this morning and made apple cinnamon muffins from scratch from my favorite vintage betty crocker cook book....

apple muffins:
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup salad oil; stir in 1 cup grated apple with the oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon with flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

topping:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup broken nuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

bake for 18-20 minutes at 350. i have also made this recipe with fresh blueberries, if you do this option, take off the cinnamon with the flour- that is not needed. and, if you really want to try something different- i have added a 1/2 pear with the blueberries, and that is so delightful!! enjoy your saturday!

more journal pages....

2012-01-20T06:55:00.000-06:00

happy friday to you! we awoke to snow this morning...the kids were excited to see the snow, but, were hoping for at least a 2 hours late start (which did not happen- or at least not yet....)

she dreamed of being the queen of the pool....

i am posting a few more pages from my sketchbook before i have to send it off. do you see one that you like? let me know.

sketchbook project

2012-01-19T07:08:00.000-06:00

the words at the beginning read: this is the story, her treasure.She loved it more than everything else.

i had done the sketchbook project last year and decided to do it again this year. i had gotten my book but, was feeling totally uninspired until i visited this young lady- awkwardandbeautiful. her blog and sketchbook totally inspired me into action. with only a short time left before i have to turn the book in....i can safely say- i will finish the whole book. and, i was lucky enough that our youngest son wanted to join in the action. today's post is from my book, but, i will post from his as well.

yum

2012-01-17T07:12:00.000-06:00

if you are interested in a yummy, easy supper (and have kids...) then, i have the recipe for you from whataboutpie. she actually has a ton of good stuff to eat!

i made 3 loaves of pizza rolls, and this was all that was left! in our house- that is how i know it must have been a good one!!

sunday bliss....

2012-01-15T20:57:00.000-06:00

i was fortunate enough to have been able to work in my shop today. this is what is "cooking" in my studio tonight....

so enjoyed making the background painting... these may not be finished yet. we shall see....

these bottom ones are 6x6 wooden cradles- if you have not painted on them- you should give them a try. definitely different that canvas and paper- but, good! i buy my from cheapjoes.

quite the pair

2012-01-14T10:00:00.001-06:00

last weekend i was able work in my shop (i am hoping to do more of the same this weekend!) i am feeling so inspired again on so many fronts....amazing.

i was really liking the little splash of blue. what do you think? thanks for any comments and taking a look.

super gramma

2012-01-13T07:29:00.000-06:00

picture this....school band concert at 730. our youngest son comes down at 550 to inform me that he had broke 2 reeds that day and did not have a reed for the concert. have i mentioned that we live in a small rural town in the midwest? you can't buy a stick of gum after 6pm let alone find musical reeds....

gramma, drives over from town for what she thinks is a relaxing dinner and an evening of music. however, my spouse was out of town for the evening, our oldest son who drives, was at work until 9pm; our daughter would need a ride home after bball at about 615 and the youngest is supposed to be at school at 645 for his said concert.

so, this tech savvy gramma hopped on her phone, located a music store over in town; calls to discover....the store IS open until 8pm last night. she says to the store clerk- see you in 30 minutes. grabs her coat and keys, leaps over several small animals who like to hover around everyone's feet, and is able to drive safely yet speedily avoiding maroon and white trooper who like to pull people over for speeding, and return with said #2 alto sax reeds. two packages, so that a hasty last minute trip in any future may be avoided only to return to our house, wolf down her spaghetti dinner AND get to the concert on time. now that is the story of a super human hero gramma capable of anything for her grandkids!

for a friend....

2012-01-12T06:51:00.000-06:00

i made some lemon sugar handscrub for a friend off of pinterest. it turned out really good and makes hands feel wonderful! i had found a vintage jar to put it in and had made the metal tag with the crown. the name tag is a bingo card stamped and i used some dimensional clear gel.

did you make something for a friend over the holidays? please share!

lucky me....

2012-01-10T22:17:00.000-06:00

i was dreading having to venture into town to go to target, but,.....the last swing through the store should always be the shoe isle- i mean right?!

can you guess what i found? on clearance?.....i know you have already seen my pic....rainboots!!!!!

i have very patiently been waiting to get some rainboots; but, i tend to be a "on sale" or especially "clearance" type of girl for the most part and tonight was able to fulfill my rainboot needs.

and with polka dots no less. what can get better than that i ask you?

pinning

2012-01-08T21:11:00.000-06:00

i did manage to find time this weekend to work in my shop....a little cleaning (ok- a lot of cleaning....), some art, and time for a little DIY....

i bought 2 different sizes cupcake cups at my local store. i also bought a plastic light cover replacement that i found at the hardware store- like for a fluorescent light. the instruction stated to use an utility knife to cut, i scored the plastic and was able to cut with a pair of not very good scissors and it worked just fine.

i used regular liquid elmer's glue to set the first cups i put into place.

the instructions simply stated to place additional cups into one another, but, i couldn't just stop there....no. i have way too much good stuff in my shop. so, i used a bingo card, a wooden token for a cup of coffee, and did some sewing onto my additional cups. the additional cups that i put in i used a glue stick. the glue does not show like the liquid glue may. i didn't really have any trouble with this as the instructions may have lead to believe.

here is the finished product i made-the cupcake holder idea that i had found on bhg.com that was sooo cute! their's were squares, but, the rectangle fit my needs better. i also recycled a vintage buckle for my hangar.

let me know what you think! thanks!!

hello weekend...

2012-01-07T08:36:00.000-06:00

i love the holidays, but, i am ready to get back to some sort of normal....when there is time to spend in my shop.

a little alone time with paint, and stamps, old paper of any and all types, music, scraps, fabric, things that are rusty and used.

i have been infinitely inspired on so many fronts lately- i am full!....it is a must that i spend time here with weekend.

that is my weekend. if you do art or craft- what is your favorite item to work with? do you have something that has inspired you? please share!

art

2012-01-06T06:49:00.000-06:00

yesterday work was mine...today's is our daughter's. if you ask her if she likes art, she will tell you no! even though her mom is an artist; but, secretly i believe she is just a different type of artist. she has a great eye for color and loves to write on everything....almost like graffiti. and when i say everything- that is exactly what i mean- nothing is sacret.

thursday

2012-01-05T06:53:00.000-06:00

showing thursday some love....
happy thursday.

to be or not to be....

2012-01-04T06:49:00.000-06:00

that is our question. we live in an old house, and one of the things left was this old sink. my husband did some research and discovered that we could sand, clean, and polish the sink and possible use it in our kitchen.

if we can figure out how to get it out of our basement- (cuz it weighs a ton), then we can clean it up for use.

as you can see, it cleans up beautifully- if the whole thing looked like this edge....it would be really cool.

the base that the sink is sitting on is really cool. i would also hope that it could be sand blasted and cleaned up. my picture is not the best, but it is relatively ornate.

thank you cards

2012-01-03T06:55:00.000-06:00

whipped up some thank you cards yesterday- a little paper, stamping, some sewing, and glue. hope you enjoy the cards....

stamped envelope

finished card

sewing my paper and scrap of lace onto the card

my stack of book paper stips (book paper is the best)

stamped up my thank you

pick my paper and did initial background stamping

sunday coffee

2012-01-02T07:12:00.000-06:00

i love it when family stops by and brings something to nibble on. my brother, his wife and kids and my mom stopped by yesterday afternoon for a visit and some coffee...

they had brought stollen "bread" from a local shop. it was almost cake like....and certainly heavenly.

happy new year

2012-01-01T10:16:00.000-06:00

we rang in the new year with family, food, friends, fun...

i am not sure where 2011 really went- it seemed to zip by. the holidays were different- we lost my gramma and our little old neighbor, kenny-who used to fill that holiday time sharing stories, that stories just aren't made of any more. god bless you both- you are missed.

2012 will bring plenty of change at least for us- our oldest will graduate and we are still mildly contemplating a different house.

my hopes for 2012:

do more art
definitely find some sort of exercise- on a much more regular basis
get rid of the clutter in the house- stuff should have a purpose
take more pictures

what are your hopes for 2012?

did some shopping....

2011-12-31T08:52:00.000-06:00

our oldest son has been asking for cowboy boots for like a year, probably longer. last night he had saved enough and gotten gift cards for christmas to go in to town and look. low and behold, we found some that he liked....

while i am down on the floor to take the pic of the boots, the wild kingdom here thinks i am on the floor to play...

changing it up....

2011-12-28T07:24:00.000-06:00

i had bought this vent cover this past fall because i liked the architechural elements to it.... i made the bingo cards- stamped background, found flowers (they were already painted the wonderful blue) and carefully glued on the hose clamps. and yes, that is a T-square.

i had bought this very old picture frame at an auction for a $1! such a score (i think so, now if you were to ask my husband....he may tell you something else.) the picture is from a local artist here. i have more pics to add with my change, just haven't gotten the rest up yet. i was really liking my "hanger" for the pic- that was a rummage sale score. enjoying the new style!

you're it-

2011-12-27T07:58:00.006-06:00

you can see when you look at my first pic that it shows the back of the tag. i apparenly tend to be messy and in my typical fashion- i piled the UTEE on too thick and as it melted, it ran under my tags. it doesn't botherme, but, if i were going to do more than use these for personal use....i would have to be more careful!

i also was not very patient and should have probably put at least one more coat of white paint on; but, overall, i was very excited!!

i made the metal tags off of pinterest.....they're the bomb!! hope you liked my pics.

cheese...

2011-12-26T19:21:00.005-06:00

i was fortunate enough to get a new camera for christmas... i am laughing- this was the best one of myself. i either was cutting off the top of my head, or my chin. so after like 4 pics i decided this one would do.

Christmas Eve....

2011-12-24T10:30:00.007-06:00

bringing some reindeer cheer....

hallows eve

2011-10-31T21:23:00.007-05:00

apparently you cannot wait until the 31st to buy your pumpkins....so we have squash. happy halloween!

a path....

2011-10-19T20:01:00.005-05:00

looking forward to the coming weekend, and the hope that this beautiful something will take my hand... and lead me on a creative journey.

boundless

2011-10-12T20:48:00.003-05:00

work is governed by rules, regulations.... art, knows no bounds.

count down

2011-09-06T22:25:00.003-05:00

9 days....i am so excited that september is finally here! i was afraid to start counting down before actually getting to the month it was in....can you guess what in the world i have been so impatiently waiting for?

what else....but,....junk bonanza!! it will be the best junking day ever!

here is some things i am hoping to find:

vintage clocks (love the "bens")
keys- you know the ones...cool, rusty, small
metal tags (anything...locker tags, animal tags- good steampunk stuff)
vintage fabrics (cuz i am loving sewing snippets of fabric onto anything!)

do you junk?

labor day weekend

2011-09-02T06:58:00.005-05:00

headed to the black hills for the holiday weekend to see friends and family....

list of "to do"

good conversation
drink coffee (and maybe a beer of two...)
enjoy meals with the table full of people and wonderful food
play board games

have a wonderful last weekend of summer...what are your plans?

adding to my "arsenal" of music

2011-08-24T20:18:00.007-05:00

i may not be the hippest mom on all the new music, especially with the kids, but, these this song is one of my favs right now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnwfTHpnGLY

80's girl...

2011-08-24T07:12:00.002-05:00

a little change in medium is amazing...

weekend bliss...

2011-08-07T09:02:00.003-05:00

i was thinking yesterday while standing in my shop...how can the day get any better? i have watercolor spots in my coffee cup that is now empty and watercolor on my legs lightly tanned by the summer sun...this is how weekend days were meant to be spent.

anticipation....

2011-07-19T07:02:00.003-05:00

wednesday, thursday, friday....painting, hanging with my mom, the goss. what else needs to be said?

hellooooo....

2011-06-21T18:30:00.003-05:00

hello there newly found vintage clock...luv you!

sew perfect....

2011-06-12T09:22:00.006-05:00

this weekend has been one with no requirements...no commitments. yesterday was the perfect mix of sun and clouds and a touch of the lightest breeze. my neighbor gave me fabric, doilies, and crocheted items she did not want from an auction box she had won. i made two cards...one for the neighbor and the other a friend.

speaking of being perfect....looking around today there is a blog that is giving away the most amazing trip. i looked at the post for the flea market...and now am praying to win! i am such a sucker for flea markets....

creative rejuvenation

2011-05-31T20:31:00.004-05:00

last week in the midst of total chaos i managed to sneek away feeling initially very guilty about taking time for myself for some creative time. my mom and i had signed up for a watercolor class at blue cloud abbey.

i can't even begin to explain the creative bliss that was found last week. not only were we painting in a beautiful church, but, somehow the quietness and peacefulness was transformed into total creative freedom.

so not only was i very prolifically creative, but, i also managed to learn a few things along the way.

things learned:
1. i CAN paint in watercolor
2. i CAN paint in watercolor and NOT have an initial plan of attack
3. MY plan of attack CAN be NO plan at all- just get some paint down
4. i CAN paint in watercolor on canvas with the help of a wonderful product called watercolor ground
5. MY watercolor CAN be NOTHING like anyone else's and still be cool

question...

2011-04-13T22:03:00.003-05:00

my elderly neighbor asked me, "what i was going to do with my life?"

is this a rhetorical question...he didn't wait for an answer- just kept right on talking to me
and i was thinking initially to myself, "aren't i doing that- i mean? living me life?"

but, funny he should ask this question now. as i have been contemplating this same question....i am struggling with some of the politics at work along with the rigid guidelines, yet constantly a moving target versus just finding a more creative purposeful life.

friendship with belated birthday wishes

2011-04-08T11:40:00.005-05:00

friendship...
a quiet lunch between friends in the midst of a chaotic work day
good food
great coffee
belated birthday...sometimes the perfect ray of sunshine on an unexpected day
the perfect gift from a friend who totally gets you

life...with kids

2011-04-04T21:17:00.004-05:00

a proud moment last week as track has started. tk had run on both saturday and monday. did outstanding considering she is only 8th grade and was running against the "big" schools...sioux falls, sioux city, omaha. i am not sure how in the world we fit into that category, but, good to see groups we don't normally see and compete. after monday, our oldest son decided to trade golf for track...so, has been practicing. tomorrow we will see. i only pray for each of them to do their best...and good weather.

life has been busy...sometimes i feel like i almost get lost in the kids stuff...jo vball, track, after prom...i need to step back and grab my husband- he is coming, just not as quickly as the mom. i just want to be a part of their lives and what they like and to enjoy in the things they do well too.

life..
family...
love it.

winter....

2011-02-04T21:15:00.005-06:00

well winter can be done...except, for basketball. i could watch basketball until the cows come home- oh, good thing they are all frozen in place and won't be able to get home....so, onward with basketball!!

tk plays center for 8th grade, and was asked to step up and play with the freshman team. tk and a guard. what great experience for the girls and the freshman have been so welcoming which is nice, because i know how not nice girls this age can be. tk got to play more tonight and put up some points...we even had one set of parents that said that tk played really well and was a nice addition to their group (proud parent moment...). keeping life busy for us, but, fun...

happy new year

2011-01-01T11:36:00.006-06:00

twenty eleven...what are my aspirations for this year? what are your aspirations for this year? i'm not going to use the word "resolution" because i feel like that is supposed to be a fix for a problem and life is way too short to worrying about all the problems. i want to focus on dreams, aspirations....

my aspirations for 2011:
move more, as in exercise...focus on keeping my body in shape
declutter- get rid of the junk- everywhere! if i haven't worn it- gone; if it is not being used- gone; if it just hanging out cuz it doesn't have a better spot- gone
do more art...just go to the shop and turn on the music and let it be- but, much more often
focus on family...keep everyone engaged- life has gone so fast
find my balance...stay focused and keep doing something (this is for you Gramma Bee...you are already missed every day). gramma always said- her idea of hell was having nothing to do; the pic is from our art show this fall in november...

what are your aspirations?

post holiday

2010-12-26T11:01:00.002-06:00

day after finds me wanting to clean house...maybe to make room for what was received; maybe anticipating the new year coming this next week, and wanting a fresh start; either way, i'm thinking about sneaking down to my art shop until the feeling passes for now anyway...

i'm hoping that the newest christmas gifts have righted the electronic world back into my favor making it MUCH easier for me to use my laptop. i was tired of arm wrestling my kid for the use of the laptop, cuz let's face it- i'm no longer a spring chicken, and she is as big as i am now (actually a little taller now...) i can feel the missing piece of inspiration from the other bloggers creeping back in and making me feel at peace again...aaauuuhhhhhhh!

my pic is my newest addition to the tree which is a little giraffe made out of candy wrappers courtesy of my mom- thanks mom! he is soo cute!

life

2010-10-14T20:48:00.005-05:00

life is still very much happening...with the kids, it feels like we just go to sports events (i followed the bus today- tk told me i was stalking them...), or picking up from something. but, in the mix of all of this, i have made some wonderful new art and have managed to get into another gallery (ok- so, the owner is my bff- still, a new gallery), and we will be the featured artists on the second floor of the goss opera house in watertown, south dakota.

what a space!! it is totally amazing! my mom and i met with the art manager yesterday, and our three generation art show is the first show ever on the second floor. i have to admit i was a little disappoint that the website did not mention anything, but, we are the first to show there and i think we are the guinea pigs...but, it is totally amazing.

toe envy...

2010-09-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

here is to hoping for some indian summer...to enjoy the cuteness of the toes. there is nothing better than capries, sweatshirt and flip flops (to continue to show off the toes of course...)

house

2010-09-03T08:33:00.004-05:00

we have transformed our living room...new couch and new tv. we have streamlined and got rid of all the extra "stuff." what i am so excited about is that it seems to have this pull...drawing us all into it- the oversized comfiness with the intimateness to induce conversation...even in kids...enjoying the home and the family.

lazy days of summer past....

2010-08-31T22:00:00.005-05:00

well, summer has somehow past with us going into our second week of school...that is so hard to believe. we have a 6th grader, an 8th grader, and a junior- i am definitely not old enough for all of this- i am not that old!

our summer days saw a bunch of friends; warm, rough pavement on the bottom of our feet; fire flies and bon fires with gooey marshmellows and warm chocolate; it saw a trip to spain for our oldest (who had a total blast and survived without his parents for two weeks-ha, ha, ha) actually, i think i had panic attacks for the first two days he was gone because i hadn't heard from him and i didn't know what he was up to- and then, i would remember- he wasn't even in the US- ha. swimming, and walks, heat and humidity, and alot of rain for our area...it ended with alot of discussion over whether we should stay where we are or whether we should be moving....alot of discussion. and we came to the conclusion- we couldn't make the other house/ property work for our total needs and that we were happy here; and that, we were willing to make some changes to make this move happen, and maybe we needed to be focus on the changes, but, staying where we were already...

so, happily we have "flipped" our living room and have plans for our kitchen...the living room has pulled our family together even with all of being sleep deprived after being forced into school-time...which we all desperately needed. a little set routine and more normal bedtime...yes, summer has finished and school has started and i am ok with that. hope everyone's summer saw as much happiness....

july 15th

2010-07-15T06:48:00.004-05:00

happy thursday....may our possibilities be endless today!

a blur of life...

2010-07-06T22:24:00.004-05:00

the whole month of june past in a whirlwind....i had been waiting for the end of june to come so i could go to art class- and the week came and went. gone; but, lessons learned. not easily though- in fact, quite the opposite...there was alot of kicking and groaning involved- but, painting in my studio over this 4th holiday....break though achieved. it was an experiment, and pow- just like that the lessons clicked into sense and worked- exactly how they were supposed to. amazing....

i am sure that july is passing as quickly as june will...i am trying to take each day and do something arty...keep focused; stay on track and push forward.

hope your summer is passing at a speed that you can enjoy...what has been filling your time?

a landmark weekend

2010-06-04T16:18:00.004-05:00

so, as the months have melted away to days, and now very soon, the days have changed to hours on sunday will be our oldest son's 16th birthday! we live in mn, and to obtain your drivers license....you need to be 16.

such a magical number! sixteen....boy, i thought i was soooo mature and old enough- i mean, i will be a junior in high school for heaven's sake! my biggest worry was whether or not my bangs were big enough (and if i thought i had enough hair spray on them to keep them there for the night!), and which "skinny" acid washed jeans and cool boots i was going to wear, i mean really!

so, i am dying to know...what were your favorites or "worries" at 16? ('cuz it was only like what, 10-15 years ago hug right?!)

the year

2010-05-28T07:13:00.002-05:00

i watched the baby robin outside my kitchen window step of the ledge this morning and fly away...

a year ago i started this blog... not exactly sure how or where it was going to take me, and yet, i somehow managed to fly as well. this is what i have learned:
the blog world is huge, and covers all spectrums of life
i have met some very amazing people in this world; and have had some very nice comments left, especially regarding my art (thank you for ALL comments!)
my purpose of this blog has continued to evolve- as i hope it will continue
i have been a part of things i would never have had the opportunity to be a part of otherwise
my first year was good...educational, inspirational, questioning- how can i be more creative, more in tune with life, more in tune with me

thank you to all who have stopped by to visit, and certainly all who were inspired enough by a post to comment- that is good stuff!

green with envy....for color week!

2010-05-21T14:48:00.005-05:00

greens...love them!!

if any of you looking are not familiar with curiousgirl lisa- you need to visit her! She is the organizer of color week and also inspirational, honest and thought provoking...wonderful. thanks!

for the love of purple....

2010-05-20T06:50:00.008-05:00

this week's color week has been brought to you by curiousgirl lisa; and the letters c and w; and by the number 6....(ps- big bird says hi!)

fill the day with sunshine.....20 years today

2010-05-19T06:50:00.005-05:00

today is our anniversary! 20 years and unlike 20 years ago, today is supposed to be sunny and warm; the day we got married, it was drizzily and very cool....

it's a blue day....

2010-05-18T07:02:00.009-05:00

have a favorite today?

happy color week!

2010-05-17T07:19:00.007-05:00

today is red...this is the red in my world. tell me which pic is your favorite!

roller coaster day

2010-05-15T21:54:00.004-05:00

well the day was supposed to be a good one. the day that my husband was born many years ago at this point. we had to pick on him a little bit...feels good to have evened the years ticket...he likes to pick on me for the 6 weeks in between our birthdays saying how old i am until his fateful day comes. but, i have for many, many years been his "old lady" (since our high school days...)

he doesn't care for cake, so, i baked his favorite...apple pie! and what a beautiful pie it is! i like to think that i got this apple pie gene from my gramma peggy- god rest your soul.

so, the pie was out of the oven filling the whole house with its most delicious smells when the phone rang...my art gallery calling. and, i managed to sell another painting and the buyer would like another one....so, even better! i was feeling on top of my little painting world! i had even been painting off and on between loads of laundry.

but, at 4:30 today, my one and only "aunt" elizabeth passed away. she was 96 and had only been closer location wise to us for the last 6 weeks. she had been moved due to health reasons and just getting older. i think the weeks have not been overly easy for my family but, we are thankful for the time that she was closer. she was able to come to our house for easter dinner and see the kids and we just went to her place on mother's day to celebrate the day and to share our daughter birthday cake. she had fallen and had a small fracture in her hip, she was still up and about and was genuinely happy to see us- i am so glad we were able to get there. she had been admitted to the hospital wednesday night because she had not been feeling well. we went on friday to see her, and she didn't know we were there- she had just gotten a pain shot- so, i was a little disappointed, but, i also just wanted to know that she was comfortable. there was only one elizabeth- the good lord threw out the mold after she was born!! you will definitely be greatly missed elizabeth!! we loved you!

mom's day

2010-05-09T14:10:00.003-05:00

happy mom's day....

a mother's work is never finished; so take advantage of the the in between moments to cherish your children (and man that helped bring those kids into this world)

a mother's love is unconditional; sometimes that loves comes easy, and sometimes that love may mean tough love; there will be times when that loves brings more joy than you can image, but, beware, this love can also bring tears of worry and sadness- but, this is the life a mom- good, bad or otherwise...mainly good.

find and keep your balance; if mom is off, the rest of the family may suffer; and trust me- they need us! so, for all of this and more...happy mom's day!

life con't

2010-05-08T18:22:00.004-05:00

besides the fact that the sun has finally broken, i find that i want it to disappear. with the mail today came news that we have kinda been expecting, yet, not really wanting to hear about. i find myself horribly torn between what i am hoping is the truth, and the things i have heard. the news brings it to a whole 'nother reality when faced with actual papers in black and white. i hate when things are out of my control; our control.

right now, i want the sun to disappear and i want to go back to bed and not get out until i want to....

i find it interesting in the fact that "bullying" goes on everyday everywhere in some form- verbally, physically, and yet it has somehow found our doorstep. i find it interesting when we were faced with it, the "people" did not want to hear from us (basically because we were not from here, and obviously do not have the right last name nor related to the right people), but, that aside....how interesting that one act of accidental can totally change the direction of life, and yet as i listen to the news, i find that this fact will never change.

i used to think it was simply a kid thing, but, i find it obviously can occur at any age. life can completely change and the direction, hopes, aspirations can radically change.

so life is interesting, apparently good, bad or completely otherwise; but, right now, i just want the tears to come and wash away the dirt. i just want to get to the other side and maybe, but, not necessarily see the rainbow.

life

2010-05-06T21:49:00.003-05:00

life has been busy....we are into track season- not spring just for the record. but, seriously, i have been so enjoying the track meets! we have had some of the best weather for them- i have been so thankful! and to see tk run- wow! brings back memories!! she is doing an awesome job; only 7th grade and participating in many of the varsity meets...

tomorrow is her birthday! and she is sooo excited! finally an actual teenager- omg!! i have a small surprise for the morning to open immediately upon awaking cause you know it's her birthday; i have pizza ordered for her english class because clearly her english teacher must think she is ok- she sent home a list of what pizza the kids in class liked?!; i made a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for her homeroom class because her class is small, and her homeroom teacher was her basketball coach- and he thinks it's ok especially if cake is involved; and the last thing, is surprise birthday balloons weighted with two bags of snickers snack size! now reading all of this listed, i'm not sure i will want her home after all that sugar!! anyway, it is a very good day tomorrow!! one that hopefully she will enjoy!

happy thursday

2010-04-22T06:51:00.007-05:00

these pics make me laugh! thought i would share....they are of myself and our youngest. i was picking on him, and told him we had to do the "facebook" look with the peace sign. he of course, thought i was perfectly crazy!

spring has arrived

2010-04-20T07:12:00.008-05:00

i am finally feeling like spring is here...and here to stay. last year at this time, i think we still had a snow storm or two lurking around.

last night,
hearing the kids playing in the driveway (giggles, balls bouncing, and no glass being broken...we have already had a casualty or two)
feeling the warm concrete on my bare feet (the little grit of the concrete on my winter soft skin)
seeing my tulips finally poking their colorful heads up (mine seem to be a little slower than the rest of the neighborhood)

with spring, hope is eternal; life cycles, and even after a very cold snowy season of life, things manage to patiently wait for the gentle warmth to melt away that cold; giving them a chance to grow,and blossom again.

saturday evening rumble....

2010-04-17T15:51:00.003-05:00

i have been very patiently waiting for this day to come since january....our local roller derby girls are hosting a home double header!! our whole family is going...my husband did not want me seeing the action without him, our oldest just wants to check it out, our daughter is thinking it is way cool (we may have to be concerned here, because she loves to roller skate anyway, and then, you get to shove people around- awesome!), and our youngest is going be virtue of dictatorship....cause the parents said so! details to come soon!

tuesday morning

2010-04-14T07:08:00.004-05:00

yesterday morning=crappy

got the kids to school and decided i needed a cranberry-orange muffin before going to work, and that i should enjoy the muffin at the little coffee shop as well; why spoil a perfectly good muffin by taking it to work with myself.

so, i go to find a table to quietly eat my muffin, when i get invited to sit with the group of ladies that came in behind me. at first, i politely said i would be ok, but, then, had a change of heart and decided-what the heck!

so there were four at the table to start with and they were asking question about me, and the one lady says, so, welcome to luverne! how long have you been here? and i said, it will be 10 years this spring. they were all like, OMG- where have you been hiding? and then, almost if on queue someone new would come to the table and each time someone new came the group would introduce me as new to town because i have only been here 10 years and then, they would all laugh again!

at the end, i did need to go to work unfortunately, but, apparently they must have liked me because they said to come and join the group any tuesday and that they would add my name to the "list" to buy.

so crappy day=totally adverted over a small leap of faith, great group of ladies, muffin and cup of coffee

happy easter....

2010-04-04T22:00:00.004-05:00

quite the day we had here today. our neighbor gentleman had offered to buy easter dinner because i always cook and he did not want me to slave away today...god bless him.

(a little back ground on the neighbor...he is mid 80's, and his wife passed away the winter we moved into our house, and, unfortunately we did not get a chance to meet here; he does not have children, and his family is all "getting up there in age" and do not travel and usually do not travel for the holidays- so, our neighbor is usually by himself- especially for the holidays. so, as long as we are home, i always invite him over to join the holiday for dinner at least....)

quite the feast we had here today- and i did not slave away today (i did some cooking yesterday, but, recruited the kids to help with everything and it was so much fun and alot less work). we served 16 today and laid out the tables to accommodate us all...there is nothing better than a huge bunch of family...lively conversation, food, a good holiday, wonderful weather...

we finished the day by going to an easter play put on by one of the local churches. it was very good and a very visual reminder of the reason for the day- jesus has risen, let us all rejoice....god bless all of you!

the week of "0"

2010-03-29T22:03:00.009-05:00

so, last week on monday was an "0" birthday for me. i thought i could quietly let it pass, but, once i had reached the hallway to my office, i knew i was busted! someone clearly knew which bday this was....

there were only a select few who even knew my actual age; and the rest were surprised at the age and told me it would be ok.

so, after one week of settling in to this new, next decade of my life this is what i have decided....
-that i am comfortable with my age; but, if you think i am going to wear jeans that come to my actual waist and only come to my ankles...you will be sadly mistaken
-that i am the most confident in myself that i have ever been; i have learned life lessons, and moved forward
-women are beautiful at any age; but, the older a woman becomes the more beautiful she becomes because of life-especially if she has a passion because she will want to share and open up and that is hard to resist
-you need to be open to life and take the open door even if it is barely cracked- if you want it, pull, open it; life is meant to be a learning experience; if you believe you can, that is all it takes- why aren't you doing it?
-and nothing can beat a great group of friends....on a friday night (thanks girls for a wonderful bday party...what happens in the yukon- stays in the yukon...so as long as we were being silly...while taking pics, i was all about the "facebook" standard issue-peace signs with the pursed lips...)

a day of fun for donation

2010-03-28T22:23:00.006-05:00

a day of painting is always good....this small one (12" x 12") is being donated to a fundraiser...

mixed media post for jan

2010-03-20T13:39:00.015-05:00

i hope you enjoy!! here is some of my own mixed media/vintage collage work. if you are visiting and like the work in the pics posted...there is very similar mixed media work for sale and available here by another very talented artist! be sure to check it out!!

glimpse...

2010-03-18T22:26:00.002-05:00

thank you to lisa and to jan for posting nice comments and wanting to see...the creation of the mad fool painting weekend. here is a cell phone photo of the piece that was donated to the fundraiser. the photo is not the greatest...the painting is a little more pastel-y in life than usual, but, i still really liked it.

and tomorrow....i am posting just for you jan! i loved your work i found at your esty shop. i have a little mixed media hiding in me as well....although, where i am at (as far as living location) mixed media is, i believe, misunderstood and not fully appreciated.

passion for paper

2010-03-15T21:11:00.007-05:00

but, not just any paper will do....vintage papers are the best! now, i think i can be fairly creative, especially with my papers, but, check out this.....this creative soul's work was recently featured in martha's spring wedding 2010 issue!! (yes, we all know martha who...)

for those who follow, you already know i have a thing for circles, dots...and love to sew on paper, but, this garland is the coolest! i am loving this!

thanks to polkadot barn (jan-you are one of the coolest!)for the shout out about the coolest garland and giveaway ever! and to enter the giveaway you just need to visit...olivebites!

my favorite one is the vintage hymnal garland!! i'm gonna keep my fingers crossed and hope a little karma blows my way.....which is your favorite?

mad fool

2010-03-09T20:36:00.006-06:00

i painted like a mad fool this last weekend...i had a commission that i had only gotten the briefest of details for that caused my pea brain to kick into overtime apparently- because i could hardly sleep friday night. so, saturday i did a little shopping for the requested size canvas and went to town! i really like what i ended with....i am hoping that the requestor likes it as well, but, if not- no problem....i liked it and it came so quickly and easily, that it is sure to find a good home by someone.

i also finished the piece for the donation to the "doctors in concert" that is this weekend. that piece i had mentioned i was a little worried about expectations- but, it came together so nicely and quickly that it will be fine. i really liked the end product and again- that is good.

if the artist is happy, then, life is good!

ripple

2010-03-02T21:02:00.003-06:00

i was asked to donate a piece to the children's care hospital event called "doctors in concert." the person who is organizing the event had stopped into the gallery and really liked my work. she had especially liked the work entitled "are you listening?"

after i had agreed to donate a piece, one that is currently into the works, and drop it off at the gallery for her next week, a small ripple of fear went through me. first of all, it is a work in progress- note, it is not finished; and what if she doesn't like it or if it wouldn't live up to her expectations?

it is always easy to take the commission or work, but, then, there is always this brief moment of fear when someone is really relying on this work; this isn't something you just created, really liked, and now are selling- this is something they are trusting you to make, create for them. trust...so, i am going to...
trust in my own listening (and listen to that internal whisper of creativity),
trust in my dreams (i am holding the door open- i saw the light and i am looking
into it to see what other wishes come tumbling out)
trust in my work and be honored i was asked.

complexity

2010-03-01T20:55:00.007-06:00

it almost never ceases to amaze me, my lack of the overall complexity of life and how i seem so able to completely see it one dimensionally. here is my scoop...

today at work, i am filling in for our resident employee health nurse, who has told me on several occasions that she is NOT a therapist; and then, i remind her that she tends to be very motherly and sometimes people just need to talk. so,...someone comes to me today and virtually tears up walking in the door. now, i am not overly like our resident nurse (at least i do not consider myself to be that motherly, however, i have decided that i am a very good listener- so, sometimes i believe that gets mistaken for the same thing- back to the story....) she says she is not feeling well, and needs to go home; but, with tears in the eyes, i have to at least ask if she is ok...well, her life is just really complicated right now, and she is one who tends to set the bar exceptionally high (which i relate to as well), but, as she is leaving to go home, she says, next week she will have to tell a story about why she is why she is and this is why she does what she does and it all boils down to doing what she loves (i am listening- my own door is open, and that is exactly again, why i am stepping away from one of my own positions at work to focus on what i love to do).

and as she leaves, i am amazed at how i can assume that everyone's life is not complicated (if you are at work, then, work is work, and i can separate out work and home fairly easily)and that everyone has some sort of problems outside of work, but, that i don't consider their life outside of work.

fridays...you have to love these

2010-02-26T21:44:00.007-06:00

i just want y'all to know that I had a "big girl" lunch today. now, you are probably thinking what is a big girl lunch? well,...i went out to lunch with my mom and aunt to the Wild Sage Grille. "I" had the field greens with goat cheese and hold the dressing (i'm not much into any type of dressings), and it was such a delicious combination of flavors. i loved the chewy dried cranberries, and the sweet mandrin oranges, the tang of the goat cheese mixed with the greens and pecans....it wasn't a burger, or pizza, or nachos, or hot dogs, no i don't believe there was kids food on this menu(at least not our kids type of food anyway).

we had a great conversation and i was telling them about this wonderful new person i met in blog world, and that we will need to go and visit her part of the world because of all the wonderful antiques and hoarders sales! if you need a little giggle- you need to visit Polka Dot Barn....

this was after my wonderful morning at Piper framing and art gallery where they were happy to see me especially with new art and had even sold two of my paintings.

then, i got to paint at my mom's studio for the rest of the afternoon....nope, it just does not get much better than, this (except for hanging out with my sweetie...just in case you read this sweetheart!)

i love thursdays

2010-02-25T21:56:00.005-06:00

survivor, and abdc (which is a total dirty secret...i'm spilling the beans;))

do you have shows you love on thursdays?

love is...the yellow bird of happiness

2010-02-24T21:32:00.000-06:00

as a little girl i remember going to my gramma's house. she had some of the coolest stuff ever. different stuff- stuff you did not see just anywhere. i remember trying on a blue sapphire ring every time we went to her house and she told me that when i grew into the ring and could keep it safely on my finger...the ring would be mine. it was eventually mine...

as i have gotten older, and my gramma has gotten older (our birthdays are coming up next month- gramma "bee" will be 96), she has started giving me some of the items for christmas. one of the things that she gifted me was a yellow bird that is a water pitcher. it is absolutely one of the coolest things i own. it immediately takes me back to a child's life...why is it yellow? why does it have a handle? why don't we ever use it then? why is it on the top shelf?

but, more than that...a simple child's life. happiness, carefree, and full of adventure because my mind was full of imagination of what could be, what may be, and never what would not be.

love is....knowing that spring will be here eventually

2010-02-23T21:52:00.000-06:00

knowing that february is almost done and whether winter likes it or not...spring will have to come. tomorrow our temps are supposed to be -13 F. it is february for pete's sake and the end of february to boot!

let me know how your weather is- i dare you! i could use a little weather envy!!

love is....

2010-02-22T20:52:00.000-06:00

seeing the semi pull up outside your house to deliver your huge canvas that needs to be delivered by that semi....it just does not get much better than that! 3 ft x 5ft- our youngest son squeezed in beside the boxes so you can get a better estimate of how big the canvas really is!

hearing from your art manager that a local children's hospital may be interested in your art (i will keep you posted on this)- even if it would be for charity....we've been in that boat, and it would be a huge honor to be considered.

hearing from that same art manager that another painting sold (good for me) and that the art/ framing store is framing it for the buyer (good for Piper!)

listening to my dreams, having faith in my creativeness, and husband that supports me!

love of cars

2010-02-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

ok...i must admit, i am a car girl! i love cars- mainly mopars...dodge, chrysler, plymouth- old muscle cars. i like them "original" looking, or totally tricked out with tubs (HUGE tires and a very small rear end) and some blown motor. i have an appreciation of almost all old muscle cars- no matter what the brand if someone has taken the time and effort.

the other thing i have discovered is that i really like rat rods. and it is a very good thing that my husband digs them as well. we have slowly been collecting our "parts" to make our own rat rod (this may well have to get in line in our garage however....i'm thinking after my convertible- but, that may be up for discussion). so in the midst of a day of basketball, it would figure that WE of all people would be able to sniff out a car show to go and burn some time at.

oh- and along the lines of basketball...we lost the first game by three, but, the second game was a barn burner....two overtimes and the girls won by A bucket!! we lost our last game...had a little bit of foul trouble (bad refs- but, i will not boring you with all of that.) ok- one was an ass and the other didn't know his ass from a ball. ok- i'm done....thanks for staying 'til the end.

FINE- i am arguing with my camera- who by the way is winning!...i apparently forgot to charge the camera battery and now, cannot load my pictures to show you...will charge the battery tonight- come visit tomorrow for some rat rod pics! sorry....

love of found time

2010-02-19T18:28:00.000-06:00

today, i only worked for a short bit this morning, and then, ran into town to have lunch with my sweetheart and when i thought he needed to head back to work for a meeting- he had bumped it out another hour so we could do a little shopping! what a pleasant surprise and some found time while the kids were at school!

love of coffee...

2010-02-17T22:11:00.000-06:00

i love coffee. plain old black coffee, foo foo coffee, cold coffee (especially during the summer), dessert-after dinner coffee with shot of baileys...i am not really all that fussy.

the pics are one of my vintage coffee cans...one of many (more collection than hoarding ;)

how do you take yours?

color me this....for the love of color

2010-02-16T21:57:00.000-06:00

there is almost nothing better than watching the sunshine come through our east stained glass window in the morning. love the colors!

belly laughs...love of

2010-02-15T21:06:00.000-06:00

a mountain of pepper...

at supper, delicious pot roast, potatoes, veggie....and three kids. who all feel the need to make small delectable jabs at one another. supper is never boring at our house. tk tells her older (wiser, slighter of hand) brother that it would have been soooo funny had the pepper spilled out onto his potatoes and now, she wants him to pass her the pepper. now, sneaky and undetectably he unscrews the pepper top, so that when she goes to spice up her potatoes- the whole pepper shaker spills out onto HER potatoes.

so, tk gets the giggles, and her older brother starts laughing saying, "you should have seen your face mom!" and now, he is laughing so hard he is crying; and well, the youngest is totally enjoying the heck out of all of this because both of the other fools are laughing so hard they are crying and the joke was not on him!! and now i am totally laughing because they are out of control laughing, wiping eyes and trying to regain composure....belly laughs are so good for the soul...

celebrate the day of loVe

2010-02-14T13:14:00.000-06:00

sending hugs and kisses to family and friends today with a vintage postcard from my stack, and apparently the new thing on the fingers...happy valentine's day all!!

friday love....

2010-02-12T16:31:00.000-06:00

happy friday! you have to love the start to the weekend...enjoy!

for the love of a child....

2010-02-11T22:50:00.000-06:00

our youngest son has been keeping me in stitches lately...definitely transitioning from elementary to a middle schooler...i can see the twinkle growing...but, tonight he asked me what kind of a cookie i would be. well, at first thought, a chocolate chip cookie- everyone loves those. but, if i have learned anything in my life it is that i do not have to make everyone like me...so, i believe i have settled on a ginger snap. a little different, but, liked by quite a few because of the flavor (flava...that is for my oldest), but, definitely not by all; can be soft and chewy- but, also can be hard and in desperate need of coffee to be able to stay and enjoy; is covered with sugar but not too sweet.

artwork courtesy of our youngest....so what type of cookie are you?

of the sea today...

2010-02-10T21:43:00.000-06:00

today i woke up crabby...got out of bed on the wrong side. i don't know if it was because my sweetie was leaving for a few days or what. i hate it when he is gone...i can't sleep worth a darn, miss the conversation, the competition (wii fit, we fit...) and my partner for coffee in the morning. and, waking up crabby does nothing for myself picking out what i am going to wear for the day; especially when i already feel like i have nothing to wear. but, i am finishing the day feeling like a mermaid...

i took a bath tonight in my new tub. i could lay down and let my hair flow-swish back and forth...just like a mermaid. i laid there listening to the air push through the water and feeling the light mist and a few small droplets on my face. feeling the warmth of the water and the wonderful smell of my shampoo...coconut,mango and am feeling better, although, no one to sleep on....

ps...my crab is courtesy of our oldest son...it was featured in the high school art show.

auctions

2010-02-09T22:01:00.000-06:00

inspired by polkdot barn and her latest purchases at an auction, aka "hoarders sale" (if you like auctions- you HAVE to go visit!). i am posting some of my favorites that i have added to my personal collection, because i certainly do not hoard...i collect.

i have to be honest on this front of auctions...there was a time when i was pretty sure i needed therapy so that i wouldn't feel the need to go to all of the auctions that were close to home. i would completely obsess over them after reading the bill of sale not very patiently waiting for the sale to come.

this came after i had told my husband i wouldn't go to all of them; and then, on my way home one day- i stopped. just for a moment and got a couple of good deals and left my purchases in the trunk. well, later that week my sweetie needed to put something into the trunk and came across my purchases...with my head hung low, i said i needed therapy.

i have been better and only obsessing a little bit and have even missed a few; but, the last one i went to the "young ladies" (one reminds me of my gramma) that man the registration desk said they had missed me and they were glad to see me again! that may not be the best sign...maybe i just left a good impression....

my best buy was probably the hummels. i bought a box for the old book that was in the box and was so surprised to see the hummels quietly sitting in the bottom of my box. now, they are not perfect, but, i paid $5 for the box...so, hey- they are looking pretty good for $5!! hope you enjoy my finds over the years!

people

2010-02-08T21:41:00.000-06:00

over the course of the end of last week, and the beginning of this week...(hello monday)...a common theme of "people" keeps popping up. we are all so very different- good, bad, or otherwise. the end of last week was again more winter weather, and that comments made to people about this weather and what they/ we should be doing about it. i can't think that if everyone would take a moment before complaining people would be much better off. i heard a commercial that said, i start off each day in a great mood, it just depending on people how long that lasts....action, reaction, give, take...

people make our world go round- it is good that we are not all the same- how boring would that be; uninteresting, unimaginative, and probably unforgiving. i try to make it a better place- if i can help, i try; if i am able- do; speak if needed and hold my tongue when it is not really going to make any difference...why truly change someone else's day with bad comments about something that cannot be helped. be kind, be good, be honest, be love...be missed when not there. set a good example.

day 7....

2010-02-07T21:55:00.001-06:00

too tired to really think...this weekend went way too fast to really count. i can't believe it is sunday night already. i can say this much....i am ever inspired by curious girl lisa on many fronts...she is the reason i am posting every day with the nablopomo and following her theme of love. she had an extremely complex thought provoking blog note today- so if you are not into my light fluff, please visit her!

for the love of b ball- day 6

2010-02-06T22:09:00.000-06:00

we spent the day at a basketball tourney...
great defense- 2,3 zone....baffling in middle school
plays run
jammed finger
fast breaks- not enough
frustration- but, many lessons learned
one more game tomorrow morning...put all the pieces together and we will see what becomes of the game tomorrow

for the love of giggles on a tense day-day 5 of love

2010-02-05T21:37:00.000-06:00

ok...here is what the day brought: my mom fell on the ice yesterday- breaking her wrist which needed to be surgically repaired today.

on my trip into town to take my mom to the surgical center, i thought i would have a breakfast sandwich on my way in...cool- an sausage mcmuffin with egg; only when i got on the road with my sandwich and was up to speed a couple of miles down the road...i opened my sandwich and took a big hot delicious bite to discover that it was missing the egg! what the heck?! how can you seriously have a breakfast sandwich with no egg?

back to the day...surgery center calls- please come early...so, off we went early. only to sit for a long time...but, she did get in sooner than scheduled. now, i was calmer than i was the last time we had to sit in the waiting area of a surgical area; however, i work in the medical field and sometimes when, given time to let your mind wander it is not good, but, soon enough i was called to meet the surgeon- all is very well.

my quick lunch was at the surgery center and i finally decided on a cheeseburger...to go with my stellar breakfast i had. now, for those of you not skilled in the ways of my culinary delights- i am NOT a condiment person. i see the condiments sitting on the counter, so, i just order my burger- just like that. pay for lunch; find a spot for me and all my stuff; get out my book, open my burger, take a bite....not the cheesy burger i was hoping for. nope- ketchup, mustard, and pickles- ew!!! i immediately want to spit this out, but, i am sitting in public at a hospital, so, i take a huge gulp of milk knowing that if i choke someone will know how to do the heimlich.

back to mom...the surgery itself was quick, and then i just needed her to wake up a bit before i could go back and see her. so i made all the necessary calls to everyone and went back. she was doing fairly well initially but, did have some nausea that we had to content with. when supper came, i decided i just needed a small snack- the smell of food would not have been good.

at this point, it has been a fairly long day- i don't like seeing my mom not feeling well, so i go to get a snack. i have extra change to get something else...but, somehow i managed to push the wrong button, and do not get a salted nut roll, but, cornnuts- and not just plain cornnuts- barbeque! and when i step off the elevator and glance at the art work on the wall, at first- thought i saw boobs,... with nipples. what?! upon looking again because it can't be boobs- it is a tree on top, with acorns running across the bottom of the painting in circles (this being the boobs with nipples)...that are maybe roots? anyway- clearly, i had been at the surgery center too long at this point. and this is the point, that i get the giggles on this tense day- boobs with acorn nipples.

the love of a find....

2010-02-04T21:39:00.000-06:00

we moved into our house 9 1/2 years ago...old house, old yard, oh well. one of my secret dreams is to find something cool hidden in the house- you know, like the attic under the floor boards or behind the lathe and plaster. well, we have done a lot of work to the house and yard and really the only thing totally cool i have found was this little plaster person. if you have any information on this i would love to hear it!!

i was moving flowers and was digging in the front side yard. i had dug up some roots from something long ago, and when i first saw this person, i thought it was more roots, but, upon a closer inspection realized that i had found a little person in the yard.

the other thing semi cool that i have found was a old coffee can hammered out flat to cover a hole in the floor in what is now our bathroom. we have been remodeling in that room and when we tore up the floor we found it...kind of cool. i have a vintage coffee can collection. so i will have to find something to do with the flat can....

1, 2, 3...day 3

2010-02-03T22:14:00.000-06:00

our house would not be a home with out our three kids.... our oldest is 15 (he only looks like he is 18) and every day here in mn is a painful reminder that his birthday is not until june when he will have a regular driver license and then, can drive without a parent. i anticipate a huge change in my hair color this summer...our middle is 12 going on 17. she is as tall as me and it boggles my mind how similar yet so far at opposite ends of the spectrum we can be. you would never image the medical miracle she overcame in her first year of life to get to this point- especially by seeing her...our youngest is 11 and has told me more then once he aspires to win the nobel peace prize...always original this one bringing up the rear...so tender, thoughtful, creative...they make our home fun, interesting, loud, colorful, full of laughter, not many tears, some frustration, but, always love. beyond the boundaries, past all expectations, never faltering, forever.