oldgreymare

A VALENTINE REVISITED

2012-02-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovely women,

my dear friends.

If you will not hear the doorbell today, with a bouquet waiting on the other side, then please...get up, go out, and buy yourself

some beautiful flowers. I bought baby pink roses at

Trader Joes yesterday.

Because love is all around us in many ways,

on many days, not just today.
Joining Kathleen for White Wednesday

Faded

2012-02-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Valentines from a beloved husband and father.

Tucked away, tied up with ribbons,

and discovered again last evening.

Lovely and painful and confusing.

Wondering what to do.

Realizing I wanted my adult children to know and see

the passion and love their parents once had and that

they were birthed from this love.

That time and circumstance faded that love

but did not remove it permanently from time.

It is shelved somewhere in memory, as these

remain shelved and tucked away,

with pretty fading ribbons.

But that love..remains...always.

Shacking Up

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Got your attention?

Yes, tomorrow I begin living with a man

for the first time in 8 years!!!

No not him, DAMN!

No, not like that....

This man is the lovely husband

of a dear friend of mine.

Now I've really got you going...

The story:

My friend Kristin and I met about 8 years ago,

when we worked together and became good friends.

Even though she soon moved out of state,

we always stayed in touch and kept up with

each other's lives.

Kristin and her husband have had to live apart

the past few months as he relocated

back to work here in lala land and

she and the kids remained several states away.

Times are tough and paying two rents

while you have 6 kids

is not an easy task, so in order to expedite

the entire family's move here,

Rick will be staying in my guest room

to help make this family move all happen by June.

Now new roomie is a very nice man,

but I've been thinking it will take some adjustment

as many things will change.

No more lazing around in my old pj's,

with no bra and gaps and holes in crotches....

or dropping my pants to throw in the laundry

downstairs at the last minute.

No more burping (or other gases), that

are permitted whenever you wish, when you live alone.

I might actually have to check the mirror

before leaving my room so as not to frighten the poor guy.

So things are changing every which way I look.

I am finally reasonably recovered from the creeping crud.

I am employed outside the home, for the first time

in many years, and I am currently purging my home

of hundreds of items as I lighten up.

It's good to be brave, it's good to GIVE.

I think this deed might meet my 2012 word criteria.

Also been helping a friend with a sudden move,

holding group garage sale for friends in need again,

and trying to plan some classes, and an event at my

home perhaps this fall...so GIVING is in residence.

Of course, all this means I have been posting less

but that too will change as I settle into 2012.

I have a Zillion design ideas I want to try

and I have been craving handwork so

out come my needle and thread, or rug hook, or

knitting needles, or...stay tuned

One of our Own

2012-01-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

I talk often of how this blogging community

blesses us all with love and friendship.

One of our own has lost her life partner,

her husband Bruce,

this day and she will need our prayers

and love for many months to come.

If you do not pray, then send

hope and grace out into

the universe on Jane's behalf.

If you can afford to, please donate

in Bruce's name to an ALS fund.

100 of us each giving even $5.00

makes hope possible.

Please visit and give your love

to Jane and her family.

Comfort will be hard to come by,

but showing our love will, in small

measure, remind this lovely, strong woman

that she never walks alone.

Mamie Jane

Candlelight, Coffee and Comfort

2012-01-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

My first cup of coffee in days.

Did not want to confuse meds and caffeine.

I am confused enough as it is.

This is my favorite table...ever...

I work here

eat here

visit here

These edges are dreamy

Never far from me,

Miss Justice

doing her morning toilette

hoping toast bits will come her way.

Sadly, no toast just now,

just coffee and candlelight.

Needing to be even closer,

Master Howie

asking to be allowed into my lap.

Not until I finish my coffee

in my favorite mug

...for now

The perfect curve to cradle my left hand

around it's warmth

while the right hand

slips effortlessly through the handle

for a secure grip.

1971

an important year

for me to be sure.

Such comfort to me after weeks of illness.

My memory bowl

my table

hazelnut fragrance

best mug

and

the pooches

in my little world

it is enough

it is, in fact,

glorious

Thrilled - Proud and smelly?

2012-01-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

It's out- Old Grey Mare is in it. I'm thrilled.

It was great to work with April, Sunday and Mark.

Thank you.

Thank you for all the emails and comments and calls

of get well wishes to me over the past few days.

I know I will mend that much faster because of it.

I am cRaZy for all of you my dear friends.

You are the best.

Non bloggers do not know what they are missing.

but we do... <3

we give and receive love

with no agenda

no judgements

no limits

oh, sometimes we falter with a few nasty folks

but we always rise above it.

I am proud, yes PROUD,

to be part of this community.

I am blessed beyond measure

because of it.

Much love,

for those of you stopping by for the first time,

you may want to scroll back a few posts to

get past the cough-cough-cough stuff of me being sick.

I'll return to my feisty, irreverent self soon enough..

hopefully wearing something besides mismatched pj's with a hole in the crotch, and a bra to hoist the girls back into place, some makeup, and a hairdo that does not

resemble Alfafa's or the hunchback of ND.

Oh Lord, I look bad...

( and I may smell like day old Vicks)

If there was a way someone could

sneak in and photograph me I would

be plastered in one of those "seen at Walmart" emails or

at the very least a huge Glamour Don't.

So look at the pretty houses and pretend

I belong there OK?

ONE SILLY GOOSE

2012-01-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

One ~~silly~~ stupid goose am I.

I just could not figure out

why I was having adjustment issues

to new work etc....

I am a tough old bird, I can juggle

with the best of them.

So tired, feeling very poorly, persistant cough etc.

Turns out I was trying to do it all

while I had pneumonia.

AGAIN!

Stupid Z.

so...no new posts till...?

and sale postponed.

Letting antibiotics do their thing.

Off to bed.

See you on the other side

of wellness.

Now don't you be a silly goose.

Take care of yourselves.

HONK!

I'm still here

2012-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Nope, no trips to France for me.

No retreats or spas in my future.

Just doing the day by day thing

and getting the hang of some new changes.

I have read everyone,

commented a little,

and replied a little.

Be patient please, I'll be back.

Your overwhelming support on my last post,

well, it makes me more than a little misty.

thank you so much

On the news side:

Darling daughter has started interning with

a fabulous director and is loving it.

Dearest son has found a house to rent in LA,

and will move literally cross country

the end of the month.

I get him for three days all to myself.

Local gals....

I am purging again.

Watch for email about preview night.

If you cannot wait till it is all out, email me.

Selling off the last of my Nicole Sayre,

ESC and originals by Angela.

As for me????

BUSY AS A

and still not completely adjusted to my new schedule.

but things will ease up soon.

This new venture is expanding

my horizons, and testing my learning curve,

which is good for me.

For those of you who will relish this info...

Know that my house is truly a mess, OK truthfully

just kinda untidy everywhere, but for me, that is horrors!

Christmas is still not all down,

the garage studio is only half down.

There are dishes in the sink,

and laundry in the shoot up to the second floor.

I am way behind on phone calls, blogging,

yard work, and have only read one book in a week!!

Again...horrors!

Normally I read a minimum of seven a week.

I am in deep withdrawal, so I am going to stop

now and go read with a glass of Baileys.

A LARGE glass.

No comments on this one my friends, unless

you want to give me the latest news on yourself,

because I just know I won't have

time to answer this week.

I hope ( double cross fingers, pinkie swear)

to have a fun post up this weekend.....

Unless the laundry explodes out the

top of the shoot and I am buried under

an avalanche of underwear and jammies

and never heard from again.

Aw phooey

2012-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

Even when things are going well,

life can be challenging now and again.

That is where I am now.

I am blessed and healing and

doing fine, yet struggling to make

all the pieces fit.

I took 19 shots at the ribbon class and each one

came out looking like an experiment in photography,

and not in the good way.

This time I was not only host but student, and my

head was going off in fifty directions.

If you wish to see and read about it,

Tanya, bless her heart, got some good shots.

bead and needle

See more HERE

Carole is an amazing instructor and we had

a blast. As soon as all my Christmas is down,

(will that ever happen? jeez!)

I plan to practice my roses, so that I am

prepared to take Ribbon 102.

So what has me discombobulated?

Everything.

I will get it straightened out and ease into

my new routine, and figure out how to get by,

but for now I am concentrating

on necessities and not so much on the extras.

I am still reading each of you my dear friends,

never fear, and following your adventures.

I think what bothers me most is

that I used to be "quick on my feet", able to adjust

in a nanosecond . Now I need more time.

I need to process.

I need to grieve losses. I need more sleep.

So is this it? The age thing? As I approach one of those

mysterious "old age" numbers, is this my mind saying

WHOA NELLIE!

Not so fast, you're an old girl now,

you might sprain something.

aw phooey.

I probably just need more fiber.

She'll be coming 'round the mountain

2012-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes, (when she comes).
She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes, (when she comes).
She'll be coming 'round the mountain, she'll be coming 'round the mountain,She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes, (when she comes).

Well, yes I have to go over mountains no matter which way I go.

She'll be drivin' six white horses when she comes, etc.

Nope, a goldish beige kinda hippo shaped Hyundai with a chipping bumper

Oh we'll all come out to meet her when she comes, etc.

Oh that would be so nice, I'm going to be lonesome again soon

She'll be wearing pink pajamas when she comes, etc.

One of two pairs, the floral ones or the striped

We will kill the old red rooster when she comes

Nah, my vegetarian friends would be upset with me so instead....

We'll be havin' chicken and dumplings when she comes

That is if I can remember to do it before work

She will have to sleep with Grandma when she comes

Not likely, no grandmas here

We'll all be shoutin' "Halleluja" when she comes

That would be so nice, I can use a good Hallelujah now and again

She'll be comin' down a road that's five miles long

It feels a mite longer since I have been away for awhile :D

In other words I am still here, just not HERE much lately.

My daily routine has changed recently, and I am adjusting to my new schedule, while trying to spend as much time with Darling Daughter as possible. Facing the possibility of an entire year passing before I see her is difficult. Knowing Dearest Son will be nearby ( 4 hrs) gives me great comfort and will prevent me from selling plasma to raise airfares to go see the chickadees.

Simultaneously, blogger has decided to not load certain blogs now and again, and more often than not has banned me from commenting. So the little computer time I do have is fraught with issues and many - many ^%$#@^&%'s.

This weekend at old grey mare is the fabulous ribbon class taught by Carole Sidlow and since the class filled up so rapidly, Carole will be offering a repeat soon, so stay tuned if you wish to attend that class.

I miss you all, and I am trying to keep up to date, but honestly running my little world these days means adjustments up the wazoo, so bear with me. I still love you even if I have not commented or visited or called or emailed.

I just looked up wazoo thinking it was slang..nope, there it was..yep, that's what it is....

CATCH UP not ketchup

2011-12-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

A "Heinz 57" dog is a mixed breed dog of uncertain ancestry- a mutt.

The name refers to the "57 varieties" Heinz slogan.

Well, you can tell my sense of humor is still intact.

The Holiday has been wonderful

and all my focus has been on the kids.

Dearest son has returned to NYC,

but will be passing through here

late January on his move to LA.

Darling Daughter is enjoying her local friends

and we are being lazy goats in front

of the tube, catching a mixed bag of films.
This illness/plague whatever..
knocked my socks off and not in the good way
damn.. :D

I have accomplished little,

gone nowhere and seen no one.

Home is where the heart is..
and where my slipper socks and jammies are.

Carole Sidlow is teaching a fabulous ribbon class here

on January 7th (2 spots left) and

we will hold it in the converted studio/garage,

so since I cannot access my storage boxes,

Christmas will remain up until after the class.

Makes me a mite uneasy,

( my organization gene anxious to get back to work),

so instead I am overhauling my studio and hall closet,

and making a big bloomin' mess while I'm at it.

I decided to move all my paper supplies

closer to me since that seems to be

where my hearts desire is lately.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday.

I have been reading you all and keeping up,

and I hope that everyone's New Year

brings them joy and happiness.

I am still debating my "word" or mantra for next year.
In 2011 the word was Begin
I feel I did that one justice,
so what should 2012 be about?
I am pondering these:

bravery
simplicity
patience
industriousness
????
I could use some of all of the above.
I have been inspired all year by
a lovely young woman Carolynn at
the Anchor and the Bird.
Please visit if you are not familiar
with her year of good deeds (in process).

Thinking perhaps I could/should
attempt the same good-deed daily tasks.
I donate 10% of my income each year and it is
not always easy, but it is easy enough to write checks.

I am thinking I need to give back in other ways,
where it might not be so easy,
where I must trod the extra mile,
and as I tap this out I may have decided that
this desire should be manifested in my 2012 word.

GIVE
would encompass the other
four words under consideration
so yup, GIVE it is.
YAY my first decision of the new Year.
What do you plan to do with your next 365 days?
I plan to grow out my hair since
I got scalped today.
only pixies should wear pixie cuts
Z

Entertained and Loved

2011-12-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

I may still be sick but I am being fed

wonderful food by dear friends,

thank you Tanya, Ann and Paula

and entertained by these two goofballs.

We did a lovely lunch and some mad dash

shopping today before I

was overcome and had to head home again.

Tomorrow begins the swap back and forth

between their dad's home and mine.

The first years of this were pure torture but I have

adjusted and adapted and all is well.

The important thing is that they are

fine with it and I have them this year all

Christmas day.

oh I love them so.....

I plan to get back here once more

before the big day and I am trying

so hard to return all emails and visit everyone

and say a huge thank you for the get well wishes

and if I miss you, please, oh please forgive me,

but right now I have slimy mucus brain.

TMI?

uh......merry merry?

2011-12-21T18:56:00.000-08:00

the dryer broke

he had to come twice Tuesday

173.00

then when it still did not work

i had to have my vent duct cleaned

95.00

the pooches were gross,

so off to the groomers to be shaved

tanya you won't recognize them

94.00

they desperately needed new beds

so martha style on sale 72.00

howie always comes home distressed

after groomer so he just

threw up not twice, not five times, but

nine times on my white wool rug

kids will be here in about 90 minutes

hannah will despise their sweaters

that i make them wear one night each

Christmas

she'll roll her eyes

and I saved the best for last

i am sick

dog sick

look like something the dog AND the cat dragged in

gone through an entire box of kleenex sick

fever sick

baked cookies all morning sick

still in pjs sick

merry merry

i will air kiss them and hug them

with my face turned away and

go to bed heavily medicated with

vicks and cough syrup and rally

tomorrow to truly make it

merry merry

i wish you all health

and to be with your families

ACHOOOOOOOO!

sigh

Friends and Tags

2011-12-14T17:06:00.000-08:00

Making some paper gifts for friends

Still having a love affair with paper

These are winging off to a gal who "won"

my "non giveaway giveaway" because

she was another milestone follower.

No, you did not miss the giveaway,

I just noticed one day she had followed at

a certain number and wrote her and said

You won!

You know who you are, they're coming :D

I love gals who follow me because

they see something they like,

or I strike a chord with an opinion,

or maybe they think Howie is adorable, (yes)

and they haven't just come by to win something,

though I do those giveaways too sometimes,

maybe the next milestone?

Getting a surprise gift is an unexpected bonus,

and I love doing it.

I feel I must mention again

due to many such comments,

that if you are a

"no reply" blogger I cannot answer

your comments like I wish to,

and I will no longer

attempt to track you down by visiting your blog.

There is simply not enough time in my day.

AGAIN! please consider

putting your email in your profile.

If not, here is my bulk Holiday Wish to all you

"No replies"

Merry Christmas!

Hope you are all faring well

through the Holiday crunch. I have

smooth sailing now.

..and for those who follow my family stories...

Dearest Son is moving to LA in January,

a mere 4 hours away..

Can Darling Daughter be far behind,

now that she will graduate early?

Looks like I will never get out of here after all,

but I'll take kids visiting on weekends for sure,

and weekends in LA are fun too :D

Can you say Road Trip girls?

Here's the Tale

2011-12-11T13:11:00.000-08:00

So here's the tale:

What do you get when you try to tent

your entire garage and string it with

twinkle lights and drape it with glitter

and garlands and stars and fill it

with hundreds of supplies

and have ten crazy fun women over

for the day to create and glitter

and eat..and eat some more?

You get 11 obsessed women playing and laughing

and making wreaths and ornaments and learning new techniques and munching treats and...

having fun, and being wonderful, strong,

delightful women and

I love them all

and I am blessed with each class

for all these 25 +years of Gatherings,

and now that we did the first trial run of the tent,

I have grandiose ideas for the next one.

I'll be painting the ceiling blue and let's see..

about 50 more yards of tulle Tanya, and...

Heather has promised decent shots

of the event to come soon..

days like yesterday,

I just cannot take any worthy photos

so excuse these, but I wanted to share,

even though there is no way to explain the energy,

or play a tape of the laughter..

and we soldier on through diet sodas

and peanut butter cups

and after dinner we head back

out for more, and eventually cannot even

see the table tops or find anything.

(those shots to come hopefully)

..and Lord help me, she's gonna kill me for this,

but you get a pal who will decorate herself

after the first 10 hours with her wreath and it's parts

to get the laugh out of a few great friends who all grab

their cameras for a shot!!

(Tanya and Heather's hands in the corner lol)

oh Lord how I love these women...

I hope you are as blessed with friends

like this in your life.

Each bringing their own special qualities to the mix.

Think of pine cones, snow and glitter,

berries and fruit and leaves.

all intertwining, supporting each other's

textures and colors and finishing

off an unbroken circle..

A wreath of friendship.

One I can hang my joys and fears

and dreams upon and know in that circle,

I will find what I need to nourish my soul.

Ladies, you're the best.

with love,

z

a small postscript
pictures from the day
far better than mine
here

LOVE is waiting....

2011-12-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Waiting...

Kits are waiting...

Favors and Gifts are waiting...

Funny bump under kits, are these totes

to take treasures home.... waiting...

Projects are waiting...

LOVE Is All Around

Tag You're IT!

2011-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've been pulling supplies together tonight

for my upcoming Gathering and

found that I just could not

resist playing with the glitter and the

punches and the fun papers.

A few phone calls and

tv shows later, I had

completed several and

if I wasn't so dang tired

I would keep playing.

Nothing fancy, just a little bit here,

a little bit there.

Tomorrow is another day.

meanwhile.....

TAG

You're it.

Your Seat is Waiting and Trick #5

2011-11-30T23:58:00.000-08:00

There were 8 valid entries in the

Love Is All Around Giveaway.

There were more comments but there were many

who knew that they would not be able to attend.

So I used the Random Generator thingie

but it won't let me show it on here,

or more precisely I cannot figure how to show it,

and I am done fussing with it,

especially since I never did get that nap.......

soooooo

Number 2 was generated randomly,

and the second entry was

Tanya!

Your seat at the table is waiting for you.

Love Is All Around

I am very happy that you will be joining us.

I wish I could have you all sitting around,

chatting and creating for the day.

We do have fun, and oh my,

the topics we cover!! I blush..

Stop laughing girls! I can so blush!

Just cause I haven't in over 40 years.. hush now.

Howie ( Eisenhower)

Right after we adopted him.

Who could resist this guy with his different eye colors?

Everyone could but us. No one else wanted him.

This has absolutely nothing to do

with this post, I just came across the old pic today.

*******

anyhoot

I know the typical advent calendar is for 25 days,

but my countdown as of the first,

is a mere 21 days.

21 days till my chicks come home.

All you moms who have your family close by,

or close enough for weekend visits, count your blessings.

This long distance dance is awful,

but oh, the visits are so dear to my heart.

*******

Tanya is planning to post good pics
of her pendants on her blog today.
Check them out...

*******

Trick # 5

Pair up for decorating.

Gather 1 or two friends together and

take turns going to each other's

homes to decorate.

Draw numbers to see whose home

is done in what order..

Preset definite days for decorating,

and no excuses, this is pinkie swear.

The home host feeds the friends.

You will get fresh insight into your decorating,

it will get done much faster with friend help,

( we know we rarely get any other holiday help)

and you'll have fun.

I would recommned no more than

three sign up together.

Too many opinions can slow things down,

and save the margaritas for after.

Tis the season to be merry,

Just not THAT merry!

What I planned to do and what actually happened

2011-11-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

See this beauty? It is one of dozens

of incredibly gorgeous art jewelry made by

Tanya of Bead and Needle

Yesterday I asked Tanya to bring them

over to my house so that I

could photograph them, as they are

so incredibly beautiful I wanted you all to see them.

Tanya will be taking these to the local Boulder City

Doodlebug show this weekend

and if you don't get one now

you may have to wait until she makes more,

and with the holidays coming

who knows when that will be?

Tanya makes these beauties out of antique

tin plates and then painstakingly beads

them for many long hours

into these pendants that are traffic stopping,

and yes those are beaded ruffles you see.

They are impeccably finished

and all are done with her one little needle,

amazing patience and incredible talent.

Do you want a breathtaking vintage piece

that everyone will covet?

Have a little black dress that

will grace a party this holiday, then

top it with one of these for the WOW factor.

Want to own a one of a kind piece of

art jewelry or give one to your BFF?

They are enhanced with vintage buttons,

crystals and hand dyed beads from

Vintage Meadow Artworks.

So the plan was, I was going to take

some great shots and

share these pieces with you.

What happened was I photographed

them on vintage tin, on greenery, on glass,

on mirror, on snow, on burlap.

I photographed from 8 -10:30

I did not even make coffee, so I feel a mite

BI-Zitchy

Do you see any of the photos?

Nope

Why?

Because all the shots sucked.

There - I admit it.

All 147 of them

They were down to the bottom

of the muck and the mire, bloody awful!

So here is the new plan.

Take my word for it, I have not lied to you yet,

Well, I did take the first 2 shots here,

so yeah I lied a little,

BUT TRUST ME

these are scrumptious, and

if you go to Tanya's blog

BEAD AND NEEDLE

you can see them in progress

the colors are very muted not

as bright as they look there,

and Tanya just got a new camera,

so pick a tintype and maybe she can send

you a decent shot of your necklace of choice,

or go on blind faith,

( I would, there is not a loser in the bunch)

and have her hand select one for you.

Quite a few already found homes when

she brought them to our recent craft day,

and we can be a persnickety bunch.

So, coffee is needed,

camera instruction is needed,

and since I have had 4 hours of sleep,

a nap is needed.

It's what I plan to do...

but if I were you, I would not lay odds.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Holiday Decorating Made Easier Trick #4

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Let me rephrase that.

It may not make your decorating easier,

because that depends on just how much

holiday decor you have, but you will have less

chaos and mess.

No matter which tree I am decorating, this one,

or the next one, they all get the same treatment.

A box system.

Everything that goes on a tree goes in a

specific box for THAT tree, or 2 boxes, or three.

Lights from that year, hangers, all of it.

When I decide which tree to do on any given day

I bring in the tree and the corresponding boxes.

I don't have to haul in 16 different mismatched tubs,

taped together boxes etc. No fuss, no mess.

If I remove anything in that room to decorate,

I place it into those same boxes

for storage over the holidays.

I can do a room at a time

or all the trees first, my choice.

All other decor is placed in large tubs via category;

Garlands, large picks, wreaths, stuffed figures etc.

I can then easily go through the rooms adding garland,

picks, or the figures, all the while my home is

undisturbed except for a tub or a few boxes.

The guest rooms have so little decor,

that the entire room fits in one small box.

If I change a tree a certain year, and I frequently do,

I simply change the labels on the box

during the take down process.

( these are not all the holiday boxes - if you enlarge lol)

If you haven't seen it before,

this is my system in the garage.

These boxes and tubs are 2 deep with the box contents

behind each front box labeled on the shelf

for easy retrieval. When I first started many years ago,

the set of boxes at Costco were around 10.00

and I bought 2 sets at a time as I could afford them.

Now they are around 16.00 I think but

this system could save your sanity.

Just think how easy I can pack

when it comes time to move.

Oh yeah, I'm done already.

Right now this box system in the garage

is being completely draped with drop cloths

and twinkle lights are going up and tables set for

a classroom studio for my next Gathering.

I always planned to do this, but was happily forced

to do so because of the upcoming photo shoot.

This class will be a trial run for the system

( it has to be entirely removable, so cars can

be re-parked in here). I am not truly happy

with the effect so far but just like my box system,

this will evolve and get better.

I will drape better, paint more things out,

figure out how to hide the ugly etc.

We are usually having so much fun, no one cares.

(I hope)

coming up next

Sharing the Decorating Trick #5

*******

Rant update:

just so ya know

I received almost 40 emails

All positive - no negatives this time

I coined "pop up bloggers",

don't know any other terms, if there is one

please let me know.

I shut off comments because I guessed

( correctly) that many would hesitate to

comment publicly about their opinion of the practice

..and boy did they have opinions.

A sampling...

"bravo on the rant!!"

"...to me it seems selfish and so while I may “see” what they are doing (promoting themselves, manipulating stats, etc) I guess I don’t “get it” as you do. For me, it’s just all out selfish and I can’t and won’t do that."

"..it's about what you think to be right and fair and true for you and the people that matter to you. I recently switched my blog links to this format and was appalled to see from the beginning that this is done as often as it is.... "

"Some of the ones that bump are ones I like, so I put them on their own blogroll. Now they just bump each other all day long......."

( This 4th one may be a solution for some of you who wish to keep following these gals. I love the image of them jumping over each other all day long, no one staying on top for long)

"I'd never heard of pop-up bloggers before. At least I've never noticed them on my blog roll anyway. As a blogger I can't imagine ever doing something like that. Some people will do anything to be noticed!

You know, now that I think about it ... is _______one of them?"

"I wanted to thank you. I had been having this happen recently and had no idea why

and I thank you for the education...uh duh - I didn't know. (And happen to agree with you whole-heartedly.....) Rant on my friend....rant on..."

Don't forget the Crazy Giveaway for a free space in
my Gathering class December 10th
Love Is All Around.
You must comment on that post to be entered.
Please do not enter if you
do not plan to attend if you win.

You must comment before midnight
November 30.
Good Luck!

A Small Detour

2011-11-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

Taking a small detour this evening because of something that just happened to me.
I was pleased to see a new post from a dear friend tonight, and as I was scrolling through her lovely pictures.....I saw right behind her words..another post, a post I had missed. An important post, and behind that another missed one.
Every blog I have on my blog roll is a blog that I read every post as they happen that day. I have others not on my roll that I read and mutually enjoy but I may read them over a weeks time or even a month, catching up as I can. We all suffer from time crunch, I depend on my blog roll being up to date and accurate, not manipulated.

The past several weeks I was struggling again with two blogs on my blog roll that had become "Pop Up " bloggers. I have been through this before and faced the wrath of a couple gals when I spoke about it last, who felt it their right to do as they please and I agree. Of course you may do what you wish, it is YOUR blog, but I will no longer follow you, or keep you on my roll, no matter HOW MUCH I like you, because it causes such disruption for me as I desperately try to keep up with all my friends. If you don't know what a Pop UP is, it is a blogger who goes back into a post and manually resets the date and time so her previously posted blog post "Pops back up" at the top of every one's blog roll that has her listed. Some of these gals will do it several times a day, some as many as a dozen.

They do it to be noticed more often. I get that.
The do it to bring in customers, I get that.
They do it to tweak/inflate their advertising hits like Blogher so it shows more hits to make more money, I get that.
They do it to garner more followers so they can get more and bigger sponsors. I get that.
I get it. I GET IT.
Here is what many do not get....

Here is what I had to write to a dear friend this evening, my heart truly hurting because I thought I had perhaps caused her pain.

"OMG I had missed the two prior posts! I had 2 more damn pop up bloggers wreaking havoc on my roll that I have since deleted but that is how I must have missed these posts. I saw your post tonight and by accident scrolled hard and saw What? another post I had not read? and then ANOTHER! I was wondering yesterday why you had said nothing of your ____and was afraid to ask in case you did not wish to say anything. F**&^%$ pop up bloggers!!!

So sweetie I feel so badly that you would think for even a second that I did not care. I have always held my pom poms at the ready for you, and I am so happy that you were shown the love. I hope you know you have mine.

much love

z "

Is it the end of the world in blog land, of course not. Is it everyone's right to do as they please, of course it is....so please don't write me and tell me I should only follow in reader ( I choose not to) my blog roll works efficiently and fine for me without pop ups. Do not write to me and tell me that I should change my ways because you see, I am not saying you should change yours and not do it, I am explaining why I cannot have you on my blog roll if you routinely do pop ups, and I will miss you.

I am also attempting to explain to some new bloggers and some experienced ones what is happening when they begin to miss posts or find themselves rereading something they already read this morning, and yesterday and this afternoon and earlier tonight, the same post regurgitated anew.

I got blasted the last time I brought it up, by of course, pop up bloggers. They felt I was saying they could not or should not do it. Nope, NOT saying that. I am not "outing" anyone or shaming anyone, etc etc etc. Most of you already know if you have ever commented or emailed to me, that I attempt to respond to every single comment and email I receive. I may miss a few but many of you can vouch for my attempts to succeed. My relationships with my fellow blogger friends is of utmost importance to me, so I am not in this to make money or influence people or drive my numbers up, or play it fake, or play it safe. Now I am facing additional fallout, so you can bet this friend is important to me.

Again, if you are blogging for different reasons than mine.... Great! and I do sincerely mean that. It is YOUR blog.

I am explaining me, moi, Z

I have said what it does, TO ME, in my world. I am saying in my very small world, by having them on my blog roll, and by their actions I may have accidentally hurt another dear, dear friend. That is enough explanation for me to say nope, not having any of that. goodbye.

I just heard about pepper spray in the stores today so that one customer can get their wishes met at the expense of all others? That is not the reason for the season in any way, be it Savior or Santa now is it?

Will return with Christmas later in the weekend. Rant over.

Picks are the Answer Trick #3

2011-11-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

The only difference between this mantle and this one

is that greenery picks and lights have been added.

Same goes for this trough

I removed the wool balls,

and added a sense of winter to the display.

I have done this all over the house.

I add to my existing displays,

I don't change them,

it's easy peasy ...

and it makes for fast take down also.

Of course you vacuum snow well into February.

If you remember my earlier photos

you can see that in nearly every display I have

only added picks and then some trees,

OK LOTS of trees but this year is special remember?

I'm not big on removing things to make way for

Christmas. I simply add picks and ornaments and snow,

LOTS of snow, to what is already there.

I've collected picks, always on clearance,

for many years now and yes, they are

in those green tubs in the garage.

If I find I do need to remove anything

for the holiday period, I place it in the box

corresponding to the area where it was removed.

which brings us to Trick #4 coming soon.

My Holiday box system.

Hope everyone is enjoying their

long holiday weekend.

Christmas White for a Guy

2011-11-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

My son stays in this room when he visits.

I try not to "girl" it up.

I do a simple little tree and greens

in the hanging baskets.

He's a very modern style guy with

touches of industrial in his decor.

I add some macho red ... lol

even if some of the red is floral...

So his room does not scream white

but hehe it's still there.

Joining up with White Wednesday

cause uh, there IS still white.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Tricks #2 Pete Pete and Repeat

2011-11-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

If one small burlap wreath looks pretty

on the porch,

Then a big one would look great

on the fireplace screen.

( I started this the evening of craft day

on Saturday and finished it up last night )

Now I have brought all the burlap

from the tree on the porch

and tied in to the burlap ribbon

on the family room tree

with added bling on the ribbon

to go with the matte and gleaming ornaments

here on this tree

and matches the living room tree with

all the mercury glass and glitter

which bounces across the room to the other tree

with mercury glass and black burlap ribbon!

This is second nature to me and

I barely even think about it now.

The easiest way to explain is to remind you

to pete pete and repeat.

Pick one or two or more

textures or colors or themes and

bounce them off each other all over the

house. It can be subtle or grand.

I have birds and nests

in the living room and upstairs in my bedroom.

I have House of Hatten in red/ green in the den,

and in pink / green in Darling daughter's room.

In son's room, mercury glass and nests and burlap.

Most of you have already done this in selecting

things that you like year round, be it seashells,

or ceramics, flowers etc.

I do not sit down and plan to do this a certain way,

I just love mercury glass and burlap and birds and nests

and I tend to make and buy them repeatedly, so

why not use them for holidays too?

and then just....

Pete Pete and Repeat.

Time Proven Holiday Tricks #1

2011-11-20T14:23:00.000-08:00

I have been decorating for the holidays

with joy and abundance for many,

( oh dear, many many ) years.

I have also worked as many years with clients

to make their homes festive, whatever their style is.

One of my standby tricks when I am decorating tables

is to always do displays in a container,

a box, a basket, a trough,

anything that fits the table size

and mood of the room.

At a moments notice, you can remove the display and

make room to set the table for an impromptu

dinner or extra guests etc.

If you also set the table with a cloth

and then a guest, or klutzy me, spills food or drink

on the cloth, the cloth can be easily removed,

laundered and put back.

If you do standard tabletop displays

and you need more room or

there is an accident, you need to remove each thing,

set it aside and so on.

My way?

Whisk the container off and store

temporarily in the garage or on a coffee table,

or even on top of the washer.

This exact thing occurred yesterday when

an impromptu gathering of crafting friends

started to gather at my home,

and as the dining table grew more crowded,

we simply removed the display in the second photo,

threw a drop cloth over the table

and they painted, stitched,

beaded and glued away.

You also can easily remove to

set the table for a formal dinner, and then post dinner,

return the table to your regular holiday display

We had a blast yesterday.

The first pal came at 9:00 am Sat

and I said goodnight to the last gal

( who happened to be the same pal lol)

at 12:45 am Sunday.

My heart is full of glad tidings

and friendship for these women.

What a great bunch of great friends.

Tanya from Bead and Needle (link)

referred to my home as a Christmas Palooza to our

mutual friend Carole at Maynard Greenhouse.(link)

Like Scarlett had Tara, I now have

my oldgreymare estate.

Christmas Palooza

It fits me.

Check Tanya's site for

the tin type pendants

Tanya was/is making.

We all went bonkers for them.

You local gals, Tanya will be at Doodlebug in

Boulder City on the 3rd.

Carole is going to tease us daily

with wonderful photos from

her Holiday shop in CT,

so check them out each day and if you are

within driving distance,

please go visit her fabulous shop.

I will be so jealous.

Call me craZy Giveaway

2011-11-18T09:34:00.000-08:00

LOVE IS ALL AROUND
( link)

and I am feeling the love,

and feeling thankful, so..

Call me craZy

here is my idea.

I am giving away

1 space to Love is All Around

on Saturday December 10th at

my house.

If you can get here from wherever

you are, you can stay with me

Friday and Saturday night.

(My guest accommodations are nifty - trust me)

If you're local, that is up to you.

I cannot pay for your transportation,

but I will house and feed you well

(OK - I'll try to cook well)

for two days

and waive the class fee of $130.00

You will meet some lovely gals,

experience my crazy life and friends,

and put up with Justice and Howie.

So here's the deal.

Just leave me a comment on this post

by December 1.

that's it...

just so I have something to count.

If you want to drag my giveaway pic

to your sidebar I would love it.

Please DO NOT enter

if you have no intention of coming,

that would spoil someone else's chance.

I really want to give this gift to someone to say

thanks, I am ever so grateful.

I will use random generator.

To be fair, this is open to students who are

already signed up.Your fee would be refunded

and I will open another spot.

so call me craZy.

I have no idea if a gal from Utah or CA

feels like driving over or down or

anyone from anywhere for that matter, but if you

can get yourself here, I would love to have you,

so take a chance.

(This one time only I will not

be responding to comments)

Love IS all around

Ms. craZy

Almost Done Yippeeeee

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

I tried to get shots quickly before the sun went down.

I was not successful.

So take them as they are.

I am tired, and done for the day

and it's only 7:00pm.

The birdbath in the dining area is not staying.

It was moved from it's normal spot (tree there)

and it weighs a bloomin' ton

so I'll move it tomorrow

Anyway, you can get the idea

bad lighting and all.

I will continue to tweak and fuss

over the next few days.

I'll add garlands and ribbons

and lights and snow as needed,

but the bulk of it is done

and I plan to play tomorrow.

All mercury glass

I always add lots of floral pics to my trees.

Makes them fat and full.

I see that birds nest needs adjusting.

I just stopped minutes ago and started snapping,

so there will be a few things ajar.

Chandelier- blurry..sigh

Now it is really dark.

This is when I really enjoy it though.

All the trees reflect off of mirrors

and glass all over the room.

I can see the flocked tree in here

from the couch in the family

room I showed you the other day.

Mercury glass, crystals, glitter stars, birds,

paper ornaments, sheet music,

canvas script and black burlap ribbon.

Managed these shots around noon.

So that is the main room.

Are you keeping up so far, or have I lost you?

I have some tricks I use every year

in my displays and at clients homes

that I will share soon.

I'll be giving you some tips about

all things Christmas over the next few weeks

and throwing in some great recipes too.

I hope you will spend some

of your holiday time here with me.

I so appreciate each and every one of you.

It Continues

2011-11-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

That's me

decorating and resting

The mantle with lights added now

and I can see I need to bend the right side lol

I am adding some burlap letters (JOY) to the pitchers

as soon as they are made (in my spare time)

The family room with lights

Kitchen tree (I see now it's blurry)

but no time to retake

Make me laugh

Sprigs of greenery plunked here and there

All that matters

A little touch on my nightstand

My bedroom tree

Love the reflections on the walls

All the birds landed here regardless of style

just like they do on a telephone wire

Simple touches on the shelves next to my bed

These candles are on remote control that

I turn off and on from bed.

They were at my Costco

Yesterday they were out of them

Rest of pics coming soon.

*******

To answer a few interested inquiries all in one swoop...

No, I normally do not decorate this early.

I have a photographer coming this week for a shoot

that is still under wraps...so...I had to do now.

I adore fall and Thanksgiving but as many of you know

my entire very small family is over 2,000 miles away,

so Turkey Day is a solitary affair for me,

which I don't mind, but I tend to skip over

the gobblers in the house.

I have so many trees because I used to do shows

and needed several different sizes.

They are easy to store from the rack I made

and suspended from the garage ceiling.

I have no attic or basement.

No, I do not have a huge $$$ home.

Very modest by Vegas standards

and I have lived in it 19 years.

Unfortunately, it is also worth about

60% less than it used to be.

I only decorate for this holiday and

I only hang a wreath on my front door.

No grandiose exteriors, not even twinkle lights.

Most of the decorations I have had for at least

15 years and most were bought at after holiday sales,

so no, I did not spend a fortune;

many also are handmade.

I have my holiday decor well organized,

so it is very easy to do one tree at a time

without hauling everything down and inside.

Our family spends very little on gifts.

We celebrate being together

by eating well, talking A LOT, playing games and seeing films.

I make most of my gifts for friends.

So I spend far less than many I imagine.

Next year I plan to return to a more

modest display.

I love the look this year

but the "taking down", even when organized,

is a royal pain in the keister.

AS my SIL is known to say

"It's Valentines Day, time to take down the tree"

I hope however small or large your Holidays are,

that you and yours will spend them in

good health, and peace and happiness.

30 days until my Holiday happiness (2) fly home.

Twelve days of Christmas

2011-11-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

12 days of Christmas tree sits right next to my desk

A drummer drumming

A lord a leaping

A swan a swimming, a partridge hidden in the tree,

and a peek at a lady dancing

A few shelf sitters and danglers here and there

playing in the room

On the other side of the room, another skinny tree

tucked next to the bookcase.

Lots of Santas and elves

The ornaments and figures here are all

from the House of Hatten

My collection is quite large,

too many pieces for this tiny room

but I love them, so I display as many as I can.

I hope someday one of the kids

will want the collection.

Meanwhile until 2012 I can enjoy them

each time I sit down at the computer.

The bedrooms are also finished,

what remains is the main living room

and dining room.

That takes a full day, oops,

it takes today, so I had better get started.

In case you are wondering I put up

11 trees this year

3 - 3'

2 - 4'

3 - 5'

2 - 7'

1 - 8'

but who is counting?

Family Room Coming Along

2011-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

Little touches here and there still to be added,

but I am making progress.

I have to get my holiday decor done early

because of my upcoming class, and I am

decorating a couple other homes

after Thanksgiving.

It is now or never.

All the lights in the evening

surely do set a magical mood.

Knowing I am doing minimal shopping

this year makes the decorating more

enjoyable; less rush, just me, the music,

and the memories.

Have a wonderful weekend.

It's beginning to look a lot like... again

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

I lit some candles, put on some music,

and decorated the porch last night.

Only 9 more rooms to go.

The early morning light out here?

Perfect coffee sipping, leftover rolls from pot luck- munching time.

"Uh MOM?"

"Could you stop taking photos and open the door please?"

Please visit White Wednesday

and say hello to the lovely Kathleen.

Too Much Fun

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

It is a given. I cannot take a decent photo

if I am having a good time.

Of course I'm not sure I ever take a good photo,

passable yes, but good?

Oh baby, there are a zillion blogs out there

with beautiful shots, I usually do

not come to mind.

This is the only one out of a dozen that you can

ascertain there are people in the photo, not trees.

Yep, that bad.....

This is toward the end of the evening of

the potluck at oldgreymare today,

and I'm missing a photo of 6 other pals,

but they would have been ticked (big time)

if I posted it, trust me.

SOOOOO much food, all delicious.

Great friends

Great conversations,

usually occurring all at once...

We all ended up near the kitchen of course.

I'm not sure why I have a living room,

except to throw dog toys down the length

for Howie to fetch.

These are wonderful, beautiful women,

all incredibly talented, kind, generous and loving.

Lucky me

This week is all about kits for

the Upcoming Gathering.

Lots of paper - reams, lots of cutting - hours,

lots of music blasting from the iPad

to see me through.

Hope your week is off to a good start.

and get this..

one of the gals asked me to autograph

her copy of WWC!

what a hoot!

SO they're all watching me in the kitchen

as I searched my brain for something witty

to write below my photo and I froze.

Good thing Sue is the only one to ask.

I told her I would have it done by

the Gathering on Dec 10th.

That should give me enough time :D

Seems autographing is in the

same category as my photos.....

Needs work Z, needs work.

Smudge And My Yard Clean Up Nicely

2011-11-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

Smudge

C'mon how cute is he?

and eyes, he has eyes.

If you don't know the story of Smudge

read about him Here and Here.

By mistake I left 2 windows open
last night and woke up this am
to a very cold house and discovered that
in the night I had grabbed my robe
from the foot of the bed
and added it to my covers for warmth!

(just kidding)

Wasn't it just last week I was whining about the heat?

My handy guy Brit and I worked in
the yard all day yesterday, clearing fall debris
and restringing lights and my muscles were sore
by 6 pm. Add in the chilled air all night long
and I am walking slowly today and
a bit hunched over to boot.
Attractive look, don't you imagine?
(local gals, this guy works so hard
and can repair, fix, clean just about anything)

The yard is ready for the potluck, so ladies bring your
sweaters and there are always the
tables indoors if you're a wuss.
She says throwing down the "tough broad" gauntlet.

There are 49 days remaining until
my chicks return home

source

and you cannot imagine how my heart quickens just
thinking about it. All their favorite foods
will be prepared and late night movies will be a
constant, and maybe a short trip somewhere,
and now wine in the
evenings since DD will be 21.

I am blessed, and I am ever so grateful.

Gathering Favors

2011-11-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Jumping ahead to the many favors I have planned.

Christmas Gatherings are over the top

Part class, part PARTY!

I will return to samples soon,

though I will not show until after the class,

because the surprise is too much fun

for the students.

I am Z

I am addicted to burlap, paper

and all things natural.

I need to leave the studio, the house.

This is way too much fun.

It should be illegal.

Joining up with the lovely Kathleen

for White Wednesday

at Faded Charm

More LOVE

2011-10-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

I'm going to need a bigger tree.

LOVE IS ALL AROUND

12.10.11

There are a few seats remaining -

email for info.

I am busy making additional samples

for my Gathering and preparing

the yard for a pot luck at my house

this weekend.

I must admit I am relieved

I will not be dealing with snow.

In honor of the day

Happy Halloween

link

LOVE IS ALL AROUND

2011-10-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

Making more samples for

LOVE IS ALL AROUND

My next Holiday GATHERING CLASS

I LOVE Paper.

Always have

My Dad used to bring home paper sample books

he received in his position as

Director of Advertising for several companies.

I adored them and happily cut and pasted for hours.

There are many more projects

but I like to leave some surprises.

The HOLIDAY Gatherings are the

grandaddy of Gatherings.

More projects, more food, more gifts,

and a house full of

snow and glitter and holiday spirit.

Join me.

LOVE IS ALL AROUND

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10

All supplies included

Sit down meal

Limited to 10 students.

Email me for info.

sstoddard3@cox.net

All designs property of oldgreymare

the tree..

Someone will ask, they always do.

I made the tree years ago by wrapping cotton batting

around each limb of an ugly old green artificial one

I had sheared down.

Birth of a Gathering and Good Fortune

2011-10-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

I believe I process things bass-akwards.

I announce a Gathering and then I start to design.

Often I search through my supplies to identify quantities

of products that I already possess to help keep class fees lower. I buy during sales and clearance never knowing

what they will become.

I have had so many inquiries

about the hearts that Jill taught us to make.

( Now I know they are everywhere but Jill taught me)

So she gets the credit.

I had hundreds of cut strips from another

project so hearts it is!

I have felted balls by the dozens

( no snide remarks now- behave)

So they screamed Snowmen.

He is also adorable as an ornament and

done up with glitter and mica.

I had paper mache boxes and bottle brush trees so..

It seems a theme of browns and creams and type is developing ..but of course glitter will enter soon.

These are just a few of the samples

I am playing with for my next Gathering.

"Love is all Around"

********

Yep, that would be me inside those pages of the new issue of Where Women Create.

Some of you may remember my post about meeting

Jo and Ryne last March.

It was a very special day for me and now

the magazine is out, or will be soon in your area

and what a thrill!

Thank you so much WWC,

and thank you for all the kind words from

all my friends.

******

In other news:

Guess what? I WON

Yowza

I should go gamble, though I NEVER do,

but the stars are sure shining for me this week.

CA lottery maybe?

I hope there is enough white in here Kathleen :D
for me to join White Wednesday.
I haven't partied with you for weeks and I want to. lol

You say TomAto, I say TomatO

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

OCT 24 Cindy commented on "Utah and Shakespeare"

"lol! fat wrists! I was talking to my friend about that very thing and

our chins growing as we get older..Friends are great!

Prayers are being sent!

Cindy

I replied

"wrists, chin hairs and just wait, you are still young...crotch jowls...

No seriously....

October 24 Cindy writes again

"It really hurts when Dr Pepper shoots out your nose! I was reading

your email while taking a sip.OMG I don't even want to know

about crotch jowls! That is the funniest damn thing I have ever heard.

Where do you come up with this stuff? You need to write a book!

XO and spewed dr. Pepper

Cindy

I replied

well, I looked down at my well...crotch..and there they were....

jowls...overnight... they came like someone was pulling frickin' taffy and quit!

Lord, the tribulations of women!

Sorry about the pepper

xxx

*********

Now seriously.. Where else can you have stimulating,
enriching conversations like this?

Where else can you spew soda out of your nose
and pee yourself, just a little mind you,

while bonding with like minded souls?

These NON bloggers are clueless to the joys

and the je ne sais quoi of women

sharing their lives of opulence and culture;

their eloquent command of the English language,

utilizing grande vocabulary such as
spewed and pee and crotch.

oh, the masses who remain ignorant of blogdom,

the peasants who never know

of the lives we live.

sad, is it not?

BTW I love Cindy and she is VERY funny
******
so a few hours later I am conversing
with my SIL about my attempt to ascertain
whether or not my cocker Justice had gone blind in one eye,
because she keeps slamming into the open refrigerator door.
"SO I covered the good eye with one hand
and then waved my other hand in front of her face
to see if her eye would track the movement."
and Sarah with her brilliant wit that cracks me up,
suggested perhaps I should hold up a few fingers
and ask Justice "How many fingers do you see?"

Following right on the heels of that exchange,
I thought we were discussing something about her
old Volvo, but I guess not only Justice needs
to have her abilities examined, but I do too,
since the topic had switched to a woman's Vulva.
Not even close.

Directory assistance?
The number for free hearing exams?
sigh....

Utah and Shakespeare

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Went here

with gal pal Sue...

to see...

Dial M for Murder

( link )

AND

NOISES OFF

( link )

Plays were quite lovely

no Shakespeare though

Company of Sue was grand-

we shopped -

ate a little-

talked non stop

3 hours up

all day Saturday till midnight

all Sunday Morning

and all the way home.

Sue only made 2 wrong turns

( I learned she does not read signs while driving)

and only tried to kill me in the car once.

Conversations ran the gamut -

kids, ex's, friendships, food, varicose veins,

fat wrists, insane school system,

sex, food, home design,

Christmas trees, food, purses,

antiques, wagon wheels, hair dye,
food

crazy people we know,

crazy people we are,

more kids,

more food.

Is there ANYTHING better?

I love you girlie

Thanks

and yes, I will trim your bloomin' Christmas trees.

What did ya'll do this weekend?

*********

some clean up of blog business:

For the 50th time:

If you do not have your email IN - I mean IN - no really,

your profile, please consider doing so...

It is too hard trying to track you down otherwise..sorry

but I have floors to sweep and Gatherings to plan,

and trees to trim and WWC to read ( lol )

and there is no time for me to play

(just an excuse for me to have him here hehe)

Will Kathy who comments please let me know

who you are and how to contact you?

Smudge, formerly known as Houdini is bathed, trimmed,

happy and running the household.

He sleeps in the bed with Mom, Dad and 1 sibling.

Mom promises pictures soon.

There will be a Holiday Gathering!

"Love is all Around"

Date to be determined.

Contact ASAP if you are interested.

First few signs ups will determine date,

so if you want a SATURDAY or a SUNDAY, tell me quick!

Multiple projects this go round.

Seating is limited.

For local pals

We want to do potluck at my house

like last year in the back yard.

Same fab group with maybe everyone bringing

some new friends to meet and nosh with?

Who's up for it before weather turns too cold?

*also*

I need some prayers sent up and out for several pals.

Some dear local friends, several blog friends.

Serious stuff going on.

I'm knocking on the cosmos and the heavens,

guys, add some power to it OK?

thanks

love you too

The Beginning-The Middle

2011-10-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I've been absent.

Still feeling punky but no complaints,

it is a process one must endure to

come out the other side.

If you have no beginning, no middle,

there will be no end.

Much is going on in my small world,

some pretty sad and awful, some glorious,

just like your life I suppose.

Again, another process;

the good, the bad and the ugly.

All part of a day, a week, a life.

The last buds of the year on my sorely neglected bushes

tell the simple story.

They open so quickly, giving great joy,

and then vanish, as if they had never been.

Yet I am sure the root of them

will return and visit me again.

I have been equating a lot of my memories

to this phenomena.

As each decade goes by, I discover more far flung

memories have arisen to the surface,

showing me my journey.

Remembering vividly the love and passion I

had for a boy over 40 years ago;

the vision of a hillside and a summer night,

is overpowering.

My Mother's voice, my Father's smile,

I close my eyes and they are within reach

of outstretched fingertips.

How often did our elders tell stories of their past,

as we sighed and listened once more

to a song of joy or a tale of woe?

Now, I am the elder re-experiencing

what has come before, and wishing to

retell and relive while still anticipating

new beginnings.

I have been practicing being still,

and when I succeed completely,

oh, how the memories freely

return in abundance.

Not all are happy, but then

sorrow was part of the process back then also.

The bruised and falling petals are

reminders of past betrayals,

yet they do not lessen the beauty

of the rose in it's glory, in it's middle.

Perhaps it is merely the season

that causes the melancholy,

yet I embrace Fall with arms flung wide.

I nestle in tight, and I ponder and I fret,

and I relish and I remember.

Smudge

2011-10-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

Not yet groomed, just some hair cut away from his face.

Real bath and groom comes as soon as sutures heal...

I'll get more pics then. This one

his Mom sent over to me last night.

anyway

TA-DA!

Smudge

Smudge has melded into the family dynamic

quite well I am told and is loved and happy.

I've been under the weather a bit with a

really bad cough and cold.

Hope to be functioning up to speed next week.

Enjoy your lovely fall weekends.

We're warming up again in the 90's....sigh

Houdini's New Home Follow-up

2011-10-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

Houdini was adopted by his new Mom

at 9:05 this morning. They open at 9:00.

She had been waiting in parking lot since 8:22.

He will be neutered and be going to his new home

Thursday afternoon.

As soon as his Mom saw him she loved him.

( She had only seen his pic like you guys had )

He will be groomed as soon as possible-

(Bath/ Groom has to wait post surgery)

He will have 2 sibling shih tzu's

and his new name "may" be Smudge.

Family pet name.

To Auntie Z he will always be Houdini.

New mom Susie and I believe the universe intervened.

Thank you for all the well wishes, and I have been promised pictures post grooming, which I will share

with all of you.

Luky Smudge/Houdini/ whatever....

Catch Up Post

2011-10-10T12:06:00.000-07:00

Catching up with questions

inquiries, and info...

Pumpkin Patch raided over the weekend

Last chance - they're almost gone

Link here to A Mare Of A Different Color

Boxes in the garage got some interest.

What is in them?

All the stuff you guys have in your

basements and attics.
Those are rare here.
Would you expect an organizer
to do it any other way?
Many people here go so far as to enclose
their shelves in cupboards.
I was too ~~cheap~~ frugal
Talked about the garage here.

Houdini?

He is still on track to be adopted
tomorrow at 9:00 am

Gatherings

Prices vary
This last one was $140.00
Meals, all supplies included.
Some Gatherings have one project, some
have as many as 10, prices vary according
to many variables..cost of materials, food etc.
Saturday we set a record for time -12 hours,
but that is not a common thing;
thank goodness, this old gal was tired.
Because I consider all my students family
I want them to finish when they finish...

YES
You can schedule a custom Gathering for
you and your friends.
Tell me what you would like to make.
I'll do my best.
Out of town gals can either stay with me or at
lovely resorts near by. One is a mere 2 blocks away.

My Special Organizing Sale is Ending soon.
October 31st is the last day to register
and pay deposit
for 6 days within 6 months special.
Please email for details.
Fees will be raising in November if that
gives you a nudge to get going..

and because so many requested
Chopped Salad

8 cups chopped romaine
2 medium pears chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans ( I used glazed)
6-8 slices crisp cooked thick bacon (crumble)
6 oz feta cheese crumble
Dressing is a 70 -30 percent ratio of
poppy seed dressing to light balsamic vinaigrette
Combine everything : -D

I lost the source, it may be from Pinterest?
sorry...

OK that's enough...
unless you have more questions?
Happy Monday