Family~Friends~Art....and ME

JANUARY

2012-01-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
How's it going so far?

Here in NE Ohio, We're having a great MILD Winter..... so far.. and most of us are LOVIN" it. Hardly any snow.... ya.. we got some... but compared to what we could have had by now?.... it's amazing!

I had a great 7 days off, over Christmas and that was awesome! Reluctantly, I headed back to work On January 2nd. I won't say I was happy about it, but off I went. My first day back, started with frozen doors. This is typical for me and my car. It has been an issue, since I've had my little KIA for 10 years. OKAY.. I can deal with it. Get the door open, hit the defrost..... get in... close the door hard and lock it... and HOPE it thaws by the time I get to work. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN. 1/2 later, I pull into the parking lot at work, and the lock doesn't work! WHY???.. I had the heater blowing on the door the whole time. GRRRR! Now I have to climb over the console... to the passenger side. Not easy with a big bulky coat, and boots... Swear words were flying. Okay.. I'm sweating.. it's 20 degrees and I'm SWEATING!... open the passenger side.. and get out!....WAIT... it's frozen too! I'm trapped in my own @#$%%#@% CAR!! banging, pounding and swearing... door open. Happy New Year.. I'm 15 minutes late for work. yippeee.

Sooooo moving along. JANUARY....the beginning of a New YEAR... new opportunity...new start. The days are now getting longer.. which I love! because I hate driving home in the dark. Spring is just around the corner. JANUARY is also my birthday month... .well.. not happy about getting another year older, but I guess it beats the alternative right? Like many in the past, I will spend this Birthday hanging out with my 3 sisters. It's a Sister/Birth-day. We have so much fun! They'll come over in the morning, we'll go to breakfast, hang out all day, shopping, eating, and lots of laughing. Dinner at the restaurant of MY choice, then back to my place for wine, more food and more laughing. We'll have a PJ party, and in the morning I make breakfast! I really look forward to our Sister/birth-days!

My sister/birth-day 2010 doing Pottery with my awesome sisters!

In February, my PSMWG buddies will get together. This time we're going to paint pottery, eat then end up at Gloria's "G".... that's what all those letters are, our initials.. : D P=Pattie, S=Sheila, M=(me) MaryEllen W=Winnie and G=Gloria... we call ourselves "the PSMWGS.. "Pussemwoogs" lol..... silly ya. but fun!

THE PSMWGS!

So.. that's what's on the agenda so far! I'm up wayyy to early on a work day.. already had breakfast and coffee.. and I'm about to hit the shower. Below some ART from the past, hoping it will inspire me to make some new!

My 2nd handmade doll

January sky

Journal page-"My favorite things"

"Create with wild abandon" project

That's all for now folks!
Have a great January!

AHHHhhhhhh...

2011-12-27T07:44:00.000-05:00

And it's over.

Christmas that is.

All the running and doing and making and wrapping.

I really did have a good Christmas, with my kids and a couple friends.

I had 7 days off from work...and loving it!

What makes my Christmas good? Having my kids here.. the end.

What could make it better? having our traditional family foods, homemade pizza,

Breaded Pork Cutlets.. aka: "Breaded Meat" and of course

Crescent Cookies! Cookies I literally grew up eating at Christmas time.

I cannot imagine a Christmas without them!

I love that my kids LOVE our traditional foods. At some point, they will each ask:

"Are you making Pizza?...are you going to make Cookies?......are we going to have Breaded Meat?"

and my reply... "are you kidding?.. " Of course none have actually tried to make these "infamous" dishes themselves yet. We used to make the cookies together when they were little, but they're "just fine" with

MOM making it all. I did tell them they better "get to learnin'" how to make the family recipe Pizza and Cutlets, so the tradition can carry on.

It was 42 degrees and a snow less Christmas, which was just fine with me. Not having to worry about

people driving in and going home on icy roads. Yeah, it's pretty to look at but...I'll pass thanks.

I didn't get to see the rest of my sisters, who had their own Christmas Eve, with their kids and grandkids,

but we kept in touch on FB... ahh.. technology...

So.... it was a simple Christmas Eve. But just the way I like it. My kids all here at the same time

wonderful friends.. and favorite foods.

Having memories of Christmas past and of my own childhood. Missing my parents,

But being so thankful for all that I have good in my life.

So, hope you enjoy my photos below, and a little glimpse of my Christmas.

Hope you had a great Christmas too.

Have a wonderful healthy, peace-filled New Year.

.....How many days till Spring?

5 sheet pizzas...finished at 2 a.m..
lots of work. It's Pepperoni covered LOVE!

Just some of the "Feast"... The "famous" Crescent Cookies,

"Breaded Meat in the Red Bowl, and Pizza.

Son Eddie, putting his gifts under the tree.

BFF Gloria, Newlyweds Daughter Allison and Andy, Daughter Jamie.

My Babies!

Allison & Andy's gift to me. Their wedding on DVD, a beautiful

Wedding photo, and gorgeous Wine Glasses.

Crazy siblings Eddie and Jamie

I "made" these for my girls at:

www.zazzle.com

I made Allison and Andy, a book of photos I titled

"Behind the Scenes the making of a Wedding"

They really loved it.

Family and laughter... the best!

my handsome son Eddie

It's all fun and games, till someone (Allison!) throws a

JR. MINT, and it lands in a pool of hot candle wax!

Gloria brought this amazing array of Cheese cakes..

all I can say is .. O-M-G.

And just as I thought it couldn't get any better,

Jamie (who spent the night) treated me to breakfast!

...but not before she woke me up, by standing in bedroom doorway,

singing Christmas Carols!!

I returned the "favor" by shouting "Fa-la-la-la-laaaa!

down the hall when she left... ya we're a weee bit

crazy : )

Christmas Day

Gifts I made for my girls and BFF

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR

2011-12-05T04:20:00.000-05:00

The holidays!

I have a love-hate relationship with them.

I love the tradition and the idea of family and gathering...and of course the FOOD.

I hate getting the "gottas"... "Gotta buy a Turkey" "Gotta clean the house" "Gotta make the stuffing" "Gotta buy presents" "Gotta put up the tree"

I know...... It's all worth it. Being with my kids, family and friends.

But holidays aren't what they used to be. Ha! how many times has that been said?

I know, it's memories of childhood, wide eyed, and full of anticipation. Gifts and the glitz. I was clueless as to what it really took to really "make" the holiday's special.

Not till I had my own children, did I realize what went into "happy holidays."

Making it special and memorable was a lot of work.

Last Christmas, I was busy making my family's traditional homemade pizza, I posted on facebook: "My whole house smells like Pizza!"...... my 31 year old daughter Jamie commented with "I can't wait! thanks for always making Christmas special." That simple sentence, brought me to tears! My efforts did not go un-noticed! she appreciated it me ...it was all worth it.

I'll be the first to admit. I took for granted, that my mom would have our traditional foods for the holidays, I'd have presents, and it would always feel like Christmas. I'm sure I said how good it all was and thanks, but not sure if I ever said "thanks for always making Christmas special"......

So... it's important, to let those people know, how you appreciate them and their efforts for your happy holidays.

...... This is what you get from me at 4:17 a.m. .... a poorly written editorial. lol.. but I'm sure you get the message. : )

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T19:51:00.001-05:00

It appears that I've once again, been neglecting my Blog.
But the truth is, I've been playing on my Halloween Blog!
I'll be around more, now that Halloween has finally arrived.
Check it out!
and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

DRACULA
"Got Blood?"
2011
Original Colored Pencil Drawing
See more at my Halloween Blog,
"GOBLINS MOON"

GOBLINS MOON

Happy Halloween! see you soon!

Say Goodbye to Summer

2011-09-21T01:35:00.007-05:00

( Quote by Humbert Wolfe. All credit to the wonderful artist, whoever they may be)

The last day of Summer.

Parting is, such sweet sorrow. It was a busy Summer. Filled with wedding plans and preparations. Now my daughter is an "old married Woman"... it's been over a month! How fast time flew, since she announced her engagement in February 2010.

And now this memorable Summer is about to end.

I love what follows.... AUTUMN!

We've already had some pretty cool temperatures, which were so welcome, after a very hot Summer. It just seems it's coming too soon. I'm not ready for the warm weather to leave just yet.

I just couldn't resist..... Making Chili last week. The very minute the temps. dip into the 60's... I crave Chili!... oh.. and Navy Bean and Bacon... which I just finished making tonight! Ya...after a trip to the grocery store yesterday, getting all the ingredients.. and forgetting one....... THE BEANS!... duhh.

Which, made me want it even more!!!...so, reluctantly.. I went BACK to the store. Got home and started cookin! I always like it the next day, when all the flavors have blended.. ohh mmm!... hungry?

Yesterday, was my Dad's birthday.... he would have been 93. He passed away in 1993. I can't imagine him at 93.. but wish I could.

So next on my agenda...... YA! YA!

Coming up in October! it will be our 9th!

what is YA YA?...

well it's actually called

"Mothers and Daughter Spirit Celebration Day"...

A day when most of the females in our family, gather to have fun, celebrate all the great women in our family, who came before us, and each other... oh and lots of food and fun! We all wear silly, wonderful handmade hats.. no hat no admittance! : )

We started calling it YA YA... at our first celebration, when we met everyone at the door and shouted YA YA!... it stuck... and easier to say then "happy mothers and daughters spirit celebration day"... !

Again, we'll celebrate at "our" (rented) cottage on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie. I just got the "official" invite in the mail today. Hosting this year, is our cousin Kathy.. or "Kacky".. as we've always called her.. ( I don't know why?)... with her daughter Kerry. Up till now, my 3 sisters and I, have taken turns hosting. I'm really looking forward to to Kathy and Kerry hosting this time.

The little Yaya's.....or "Petites" as we like to call them, (grand children of my sisters and cousin)...are growing up so fast..... and really love and look forward this happy day. Last year, my great niece Maddy, woke up singing "It's Ya Ya day.. It's Ya Ya day!!"...it killed her father to have to tell her, she was singing a day too early! LOL. To the Petites, it's a fun filled day of seeing their little cousins, doing crafts, learning a little bit about their great grandmothers and aunt who have "gone on to that big YA YA celebration in the sky) and playing on the beach (if the weather is good) ...Oh.. and of course presents! We have a gift exchange every year.. you know they love that!

The "Elders".. Me, my sisters and cousin.... really look forward to it. And our daughters.. (we still haven't found a name for them yet).... enjoy it too.. well most of them. Some think it's kinda . ... silly? But still enjoy seeing each other.. and the food of course.

I hope our moms, aunts, cousins and ancestors are smiling down and happy that we celebrate them in this special way!

I've already got an ART project planned for us, that I think everyone will enjoy..... SHHHH don't tell!

Also, I'll be hosting next year! the 10th!..... wow..... !! I "invented" and hosted the very first "Mothers & Daughters Celebration" (aka: ya ya)... in 2003. Hosted again for the 5th....and I get the 10th too yippee! I'll have to make it big and fun!

So, over the next couple weeks, I'll be printing pics from last year's YA YA, to add to the scrapbook I started. ( I only had a year to print them right?)....I'm so glad I did. It's soo fun to look back at the passed 8 years! I also include a "highlights" page, and the invitation.

Here, are just a few pictures from last years YA YA...enjoy!

Enjoying breakfast and a toast with our traditional Mimosas!

The first year it was warm and sunny enough to play on the beach. The little Petites loved it!

It wouldn't be YA YA without crafts in the evening!

"Our" pier, just steps from "our" cottage. The lake just adds to the awesomeness of the day

Love those hats!

Great niece Anna.. just seconds from getting hit with that wave!
she LOVED IT!

Cousins Emily and Emily Rose, working on the
Ya Ya wall of Fame

Trying to gather the YA YAs for our annual photo..... not easy..
but glad the picnic table held out!

So.... I'm looking forward to AUTUMN.

I just hope it lingers ... because I'm NOT looking forward to what follows.

GOBLINS MOON

2011-09-14T23:53:00.004-05:00

I've created a new HALLOWEEN BLOG!
(click on the pic to visit)
Anyone who knows me.... KNOWS how much I love Halloween! I don't know why I never thought of this before....but suddenly..... (after visiting a dozen very cool Halloween blogs..)... it occurred to me, to create one for myself.
So, I hope you'll check it out and while you're there, feel free to check out some of my favorite Blogs, and Halloween sites.
I've also got a few Halloween inspired jewelry pieces on Etsy....if you're interested! Click my "ARTKISSED SHOP" button on the right sidebar.

HALLOWEEN will be here soon!.....do you have your costume yet???

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN...

2011-09-07T22:28:00.001-05:00

Back in the saddle?.....Well....so to speak....
I'm back in my ART room... and doing more than just watching TV and playing on the computer.
I've been in a year-long Artist "dry spell"... just wasn't feeling very creative, no matter how much art material I bought.
Okay, yes, I did make and sell some jewelry.. and still am.
But my "playin'-in-the-paint" kinda creativity, was really low. I missed it! thought I lost it!

My daughter's wedding, kept me busy and also side tracked, I had a lot to do, make invites.shower stuff, find "the dress" (mine) etc. etc. ........as wonderful as it all was, I'm glad that "normal life" has resumed.
...And nothing like Halloween, to get me back in the mood. With so many ideas now, I don't know what to do first....and this is a good thing!

I've just listed on Etsy. The first time in a long time! In fact, I didn't even know they had a new listing format, that's how long it's been! I've listed a few Halloween jewelry pieces to get rolling and hopefully more art to follow soon.

I was in a Polymer Clay mood This Labor day weekend. It was so perfect. On Friday and Saturday, the temperature was 92 and soo humid!.... Sunday and Monday?.... high 68, rainy, cool and breezy! PERRRRFECT!!! (thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Lee).... I had the windows open wide.. and I watched the ever changing cloud show, while I worked. It wasn't just overcast, the clouds were all shades of Grey, Wild and moody, I just adore days like that! makes me feel so relaxed and cozy.

I had several ideas for Halloween designs... but you know how it goes... my creativity took a turn, and those ideas, headed in a whole different direction. Sometimes you just got to let the ART lead...
I love the way they're turning out..... (hope you like em too.) They will be the focal piece of the necklaces. They were supposed to be Halloween themed, but now they're not!... although, I would still like to make some with Halloween designs. Anyway.. check them out in their not quite finished phase... I'll be adding the necklace portions (hopefully) this weekend! Can't wait to see how they turn out!

I found this really cool "Granite" Polymer Clay.

These are embellished with some favorite sayings.

one of those "light-bulb" moments... "gilding these pieces with a

Champagne colored shimmery paint!.. love those moments!

I finished them (pic coming soon) by filling the center spaces

with "Ice Resin"... love the dimension it added.

Before paint and text...looking a little Medieval, or Goth without the shimmery paint...

perfect for Halloween text imagery

Polymer Clay Pendant,
featuring a print of my original Witch sketch

Bracelet with glass beads.

I hired a model to help show some work....

She really needs to eat a little more! :-p

The week is flying and the weekend will be here again soon...yesss!
BFF Gloria, is coming over on Saturday, I'm going to be making "Garlic buttered Bread Bacon Burgers" with "Fresh cut" French Fries... and..... and...Onion Rings, and fresh Ranch for dipping.... .. Oh I can feel my pants getting tight just thinking about it... but hey... sometimes ya just gotta right?

As I end this post, I just noticed it's raining again... God, I love that sound. It's amazing how it can be so peaceful and calming.

See ya later!

THEY'RE MARRIED!

2011-08-17T00:45:00.000-05:00

....sorry.. the photos got out of order... hope you'll enjoy them anyway!


The beautiful blushing Bride, My daughter Allison


Me lighting the unity candle, with Andy's dad, Deacon William Dirk (center)

"Here Comes The Bride" Ring Bearer Deacon and Flower girl Layla

THE KISS!

Allison's beautiful Bouquet, made by my sister Rita as were all the Flowers

"The Party Bus"........ carried the Bride and her maids to the church, then the whole (22 people!) Bridal Party

The Party Bus!

Beautiful!

First Dance

More kissing!

Allison & her Siblings

Sister Jamie caught the Bouquet! oh no! another wedding not to far away?

It finally came! My daughter Wedding day!
It was a gorgeous Summer day, with beautiful blue skies and lots of Sunshine, despite the threat of rain all week. Allison was so gorgeous.... if I do say so myself... (smile) And I've never seen Andy more handsome.
Of course, I can't forget Her brother Eddie and sister Jamie that were in the wedding.

I must say, it was all very surreal. I was the MOTHER OF THE BRIDE.. and that pretty little BRIDE was MY Daughter!
How is that possible?.... she's only 4 years old?..... she's my baby!

Anyway........ it was a lovely reception, held outdoor, in a beautiful country setting. It was great having my family there to celebrate with us!

The Mr. & Mrs. Are now on their Honeymoon in Jamaica MON.. !
Bless you both! and have a happy life together! love ya!

2011-07-18T23:01:00.005-05:00

Oooohhh Crunch time!

My daughter's wedding is just weeks away!.... it' seems just like yesterday.. (actually it was 18 months ago) that she got engaged.

I'm sure no one is reading this tired, old, never updated blog... so maybe I'm just writing for me.

We had Allison and Andy's shower, on June 26th. It was a big success.

I designed the shower invites. And Allison's 2 sisters, best friend and I had an invite stuffing nite.. as well as making Bathsalts for shower gifts.

I made fun "Table Tents" with various pictures of the happy couple.

I also made Allison's corsage as well as one for each bridesmaid, mothers, grandmother and flower girl..... I've NEVER made a corsage before!... so they didn't look too bad for a first time.

I painted a "happily ever after" painting, as well as a wedding date collage and took black n white photographs of the place they met, and they loved it.

I designed the Wedding invites and hosted an Invite stuffing nite. We were joined by Andy's mom Judy, his sister Julie, Allison's sisters and a couple friends.... wow.. what a project. But I think they turned out great, and above all Allison and Andy really loved them.

I also FINALLY found my Mother of the Bride outfit... so not what I thought I'd end up with... but happy that I have SOMETHING and wont have to appear naked at the church.. : D.

So now..... it's little things like printing the church programs. And waiting.

Next up, The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner given by Andy's parents.

I'm sooo looking forward to the big day.... and I'm soooo looking forward to the day after...

fewwhhhhhhhh!

IT'S SPRING!

2011-03-28T01:22:00.006-05:00

IT'S SPRING!

And I haven't posted in a long time!

We're almost done with the snow... I hope... March is almost over, but we're "not out of the woods" yet. I've seen it snow in late April.. and even witnessed a few flakes on a rare day in May.

The Snowy scene above.. was just a few weeks ago. It was a White-knuckle drive to work.. but wet roads and Sun on the way home that day.

Anyway.... I reallly admire those of you, who manage to keep a wonderful Blog. Full of life and information. ....and keep it current! HOW DO YOU DO IT???

I've been away from art, but did get to make some jewelry. While I was at the Salon, my hair stylist Dawn, asked about the bracelet I was wearing. When I told her that I had made it, She got excited telling me how much the girls loved jewelry and she suggested that I bring some in to sell. I took her up on the offer and the first batch was quickly snatched up by the stylists. I was really excited that they liked it so much and requested I make more! I just delivered the third batch. I have a hair appointment tomorrow and I'm anxious to see what sold..

My daughter Allison's wedding is just 4 months away!

I've been busy designing Shower invites and well as her wedding invitations. I'll be designing the jewelry for her girls..... as well as her necklace too.. which just thrills me!

So much to do! and the time is really flying by and the wedding day will be here in no time at all!

I'm also trying to figure out what the heck to wear! Trying to find something that's "ME"... and not typical "Mother of the Bride" looking outfit. It's an outdoor reception... so I need to be cool and comfortable!

I'm thrilled that the days are longer, even if not warmer....yet. But I know the real Spring is on it's way. I'm also looking forward to those wonderful April showers.. and a thunderstorm or two?

We had a really cool Thunderstorm in February! It was strange seeing the Lightning, hearing Thunder... all while there was 4 inches of snow on the ground! It was exciting none the less.

Soooo... a lot has been happening!

I really want to get back to my art. But I think these (exciting) distractions are keeping me from focusing on sitting and creating for creating sake. The good news is... new ideas have been popping in my head. I make sure to write the ideas down for when I'm ready to get back. I really thought I had lost my "Mo Jo"....!.. we'll see.

Another Monday is just on the horizon.

Have a great week. I hope to be back again soon!

2010-12-26T07:00:00.006-05:00

I had a wonderful Christmas!
My family and I, always celebrate on Christmas Eve.
This year was no different. My kids and best friend were here and we feasted on my family's traditional Christmas foods. Breaded Pork Cutlets, Homemade Pizza "Farone style" Potato salad,
Penne Pasta, Ham and of course Cresent cookies, because it would just not be Christmas without them!

2010-11-08T23:19:00.017-05:00

It's been a long time!.....but I'm back!

I know I've been bad about posting on a regular basis. Life gets in the way.

Looking back on the last few months, I've been busy!

September....
my PSMWG buddies.... plus "I" & "E" ....
(I=Irene= Winnie's mom. E=Evelyn=Sheila's mom.) spent the weekend at the cottage at Madison-on-the-Lake! We were the "PSMWGIE's"..... it's the first time we ever let any other "letters" in our group!

The cottage, is one of the group of cottages, where we hold our annual YA YA. The cottage was a little smaller, and only had one bathroom, but we made do. It was so much fun doing NOTHING for 2 days! It was great having the moms with us. We wore our: "WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE GIRLFRIENDS, STAYS WITH THE GIRLFRIENDS" T-shirts, that Winnie got us. Sheila gave us "customized" necklines! We sat and watched the lake, that was only a few yards from our Cottage, A LOT.

I found really cool little frosted glasses at the thrift store and decided to decorated them to use for candle holders. I hand stamped them, with coffee cups, phrases like "cherish friends" and embellished them with tiny crystals. I added each PSMWG's name and dropped in a candle. They really liked them.

For the moms, I made them an "initial" necklace, complete with lots of glitter and bling!

I also passed out matching PJ's that I got from my work, for just a penny a pair!! what a deal!
Even the moms got cozy flannel loungers.
We played Jacks.. yes Jacks!.. and the moms kicked our butts!!!
We ate a lot, laughed a lot...it was such a great time and I can't wait till we do it again!

Just one month later, I was back again, for YA

YA! It was our 8Th annual. And as always it was
great to be together.

It was a beautiful Sunny day. Warm enough for the "Petites" to play on the beach.
The "little Petites" are really growing up. They love YA YA!

I made a little learning game for them, where I printed 5x7 photos of our (dearly departed) relatives. Each child picked a relative and had to go to each of the "Elders" (aka: my sisters, cousins and I) and "interview" them. Each elder would write a little something about the person in the picture, while telling the petite about them.
When they were done, They each got to tell everyone what they learned. Then, they got to hang (fun tack) the picture on the "YaYa wall of fame! It was a great learning experience for them.
They also worked on a cool "Dream Pillow" craft my sister Susan brought. Rita made the most awesome family calendars. It took her months to assemble.

Each page features family members photos on their birthday. As well as a collage for the month.

This year, sister Deb had a great idea to take our annual photo outdoors! we all piled on a picnic table lol..... but it held up.. thank Goodness!

We had our gift exchange. And feasted on our Traditional Tostada's and tons of other food, including Jamies Stromboli, and cute little Halloween baby cupcakes!

We discovered we had "neighbors" 2 guys staying in the other cottages. They were living there, while on the job at the Perry Nuclear Power plant nearby. One guy "Tom" had is amazing Silver "Viper" parked in the lot, that made my younger cousin drool! I'm not much into cars, but this was pretty impressive!

Tom's friend and co-worker "Greg" was also staying in one of the cottages. The were toting wood to the beach, and invited us (several times) to join them for a bonfire. When the sun was setting, I looked over and saw this gorgeous fire just a few yards from the lake. It was too hard to resist!

Several of us, decided to join them and they couldn't have been nicer. They were friendly and pleasant and engaging... OK.. and Greg was adorably cute. (oh!) And he thought our YA YA was the coolest thing, and thought it was funny that "no male of walking age" was allowed to attend! lol

Tom, took my "drooling" cousin to Kmart ... yes... in the amazing Viper. They picked up every kind of Marshmallows you could imagine. Big ones, small, flavored & coconut. He even bought us fancy-shmancy retractable marshmallow forks.

It was sooo wonderfully relaxing, just watching the fire, listening to the waves... and staring at the cute guy .. :D

We said thanks, with cupcakes and Tostada's.

And as hard as it was, I pulled my self away to go back to my YA YA party.

Finally, a couple weeks ago...

Patti, her sister Cindy, Winnie and I got to have lunch with our former Jr. high school English teacher/Cheer leading advisor, Mrs. Badger..

Patti coordinated the lunch, and it was so awesome to see her again.

Mrs. Badger is the teacher that everyone loved and always remembered.

She looked great! Her long dark "that Girl" hair, was now short, pure white and gorgeous.

She still had that twinkle.. (ya.. she really had a twinkle) in her eyes, and that charming way about her.
We poured over old years books, caught up on the past 38 years. We sat for 3 hours reminiscing, about those days.

It was such a great opportunity, to see her again.

Sooo..

All these pictures I posted, move as I type, and try as I may, I'm sure when I publish this, they'll still have huge gaps in between. I need to go to "Blog 101"... or learn more about HTML.

Oh well..

So.... now we're back to Standard time. And today it was dark when I left work. You know how I hate that!

This weekend, is another Sister birthday weekend. This time it's Susan's birthday we'll be celebrating. I can't believe Thanksgiving is just a couple weeks away! It's been said a ba-zillion times before... but time really does fly by. I'm already on Spring countdown!

the Saturday, I'll be (reluctantly) going to my 35th... High school reunion. I really have nooo desire to go... and I'm being dragged against my will. After our boring 20th, I swore I'd never go to another one. Seeing people I don't remember or care to. I know that sounds really bad. I love

seeing old friends, but at the 20th. These people who, were "hippie types" and oh so cool, had become "old" even telling the DJ to turn the music down!!!.......WHAT??.......

The people I love I already see.

Oh well... I guess I'll just suck it up and go.

So that's it, the highlights of my last 3 months

... you can resume your life, now that your caught up with mine :D

Have a great Thanksgiving, and I'll try to

post more often. I know how much you miss me..

... hello?... anyone out there?......... Twyla?... Lindsey?..

anybody??.

...hahahahahah!!! ............

ENJOY THE REST OF THE PICTURES BELOW

A TOURIST VIEW

2010-08-29T10:17:00.020-05:00

(note: all text in bold caps is a link..having technical problems changing the link colors)

Have you ever taken a tour of your own city?
I did, and it was a blast!
With my daughter Jamie and my Sister Deb
We love our hometown of Cleveland, Ohio.
It's a beautiful city, with a great history and full of things to do and see. Including of course the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center as well as great restaurants and shops.
Click on the links I provided, to learn more about some fun things in CLEVELAND!

Jamie, who recently started a new job in downtown Cleveland, and also became a volunteer for "Positively Cleveland" suggested going downtown and do the "tourist thing" It was so much fun!

With a nice early start, our first stop... Taking a
Rapid ride Downtown!..... believe it or not, it was my first Rapid ride... Jamie's too! The Rapid station was..... eh.... interesting. But the ride was really fun! In about 20 minutes we were at Tower City. Tower City, is the Major landmark of Downtown Cleveland. Originally referred to as The Terminal Tower, it was re-vamped and turned into a beautiful shopping mall complete with food court, dancing waters and of course the Rapid terminal. After a few quick pics of the gorgeous lobby and ornate ceiling We were on Public square. It was a gorgeous morning and perfect for touring. After a few pics on the Square,

we headed to 4th street,
4th. Street for coffee and a cab.
along with so many areas of downtown, was recently renovated, and it's gorgeous! Featuring cool little Bistro's, Pickwick n Frolic restaurant, House of Blues and Lola, owned by our own Iron Chef, Michael Symon.

We called for a cab, and by the time we got to the corner he was there! now that's service!

He was the friendliest cab driver ever.

He greeted us with a great big smile and "good morning ladies!"... put out a step stool and assisted each of us into the cab!

It was a short ride, down to Settler's landing, to begin our guided walking tour of the river, Where Cleveland's history begins. It was fun and interesting. they even had actors portraying historical characters. I was surprised how much I didn't know about the beginnings of Cleveland.

The 1 1/2 hour tour ended at Settler's landing, at the (replica) of Lorenzo Carter's log cabin. Carter was the first settler in the area. Our awesome tour guide dressed in period clothing, gave us a good idea of what life was like in those days.

We stopped for lunch in the historic Flat Iron Cafe and the food was awesome!

We decided to walk off our lunch, and headed up to the West 6th. street fair.
Great music from the steel drum band at one end of the street, and the Jazz music at the other end.

We called for another cab, and headed down to the Flats once again, to catch Lolly the Trolley for an hour long ride through Downtown. It was awesome too!
There were "real" tourists on the Trolley, but I think we were the ones acting like it and taking so many pictures! Our tour guide was great, he even

dropped everyone off at their desired locations, instead of the Flats, which saved us the cost of another cab!

We headed back to Tower City, to catch the Rapid back home. We got on and asked someone if this train went to 150th...... they said yep! Why is it you assume everyone else knows where they're going?..... well... each person that got on after us... asked the same thing lol..

We got home, worn out but happy!
It was a great day with my daughter and sister.

We want to do it again soon, next time we'll take the longer Lolly tour, and hopefully, the gorgeous, newly renovated Terminal observation deck will be open.

So enjoy this little cyber tour of my city, Cleveland, Ohio.
(the pics somehow got out of order.. but still fun!)

Take a tour of your city too!

LAZY SUNDAY

2010-07-25T18:47:00.011-05:00

It's a lazy Sunday.
The rains have gone, along with the 90 degree temperatures..... it's a "cool" 79 degrees now, although, the humidity remains and I still can't open the windows or turn the A/C off.
The Sunshine it's great, even though I did enjoy the Storm clouds.
The Storm cloud photos, are from last evening. We had a nice long rain and already, the Brown grass is Greening up again
Like most of the country, we've been having very hot, humid weather, here in Brunswick, Ohio.

My sister, her friend and I, went to Medina Art Fair last Sunday, and it was hard to enjoy it, because of the oppressive heat!

Once again, I had big plans for my One day off in 7. I was going to clean, do art, make dinner.
Well.. I made dinner... and kinda made some art.
A new Avatar. I fell in love with this image. I digitally colored it and I think I just might work her in to a new ARTkissed logo.

I really love the way the low evening sunshine, spills into
my bedroom. It's warm and Golden.
I just had to snap a pic.

I forgot to tell you about my Broadway collage.
I finally finished a project I had rolling around my head for months. I wanted to created a collage of images from the old neighborhood I grew up in.
It was just a simple Blue-collar neighborhood, that was filled with families that had settled here from Europe, Polish, Slavic, German as well as other ethnicity's, made up this special place. We all worked, played went to to school, grew up and got married here. Whatever you needed was usually in walking distance, or a short bus ride away. Hospital, Churches, Schools, as well as grocery, clothing, drug stores and bakeries. Most right on or very near to Broadway Avenue.
I have become obsessed, with finding pictures. Those I couldn't find, I substituted Their names.
It came out just as I had imagined. The images were hung
in a random pattern.
I printed each image on glossy photo paper. Most had a slight Sepia tone to them, others a little more.
I glued each image to Black Foam core, and cut them with an Exact-o knife. I Glued little square pieces of Foam Core to the back of each, so they would "float" on the wall.
Because of their feather-light weight, I was able to secure them with "Fun tack". It works great! easy to reposition, and no nail holes!

If you'd like, you can click on the pictures for a better look.
The church "Our Lady of Lourdes" with it's spectacular Steeple, Was my family Parish. It's where I made my Communion and got married.
"Broadway" is the name of the street, where all the shops and most activities were. it's probably the most iconic name on the wall. The large square Sepia building aka: "Hubcap Heaven" Is probably the most iconic image. The building has been there forever. It was "Broadway Bank" back in the early 1900's. if it were suddenly gone from the landscape, it just wouldn't be "Broadway."
"PEACE IN KOREA"... part of my wall collage, Is a very nostalgic bit of neighborhood Graffiti. it was painted on the side of the Old Woolen Mills, by persons unknown. The Woolen Mills or "Worsted Mills" was a building that was also a part of Broadway for EVER... that is until 1993... when the very large factory fell victim to arson. It was a huge blaze that smoldered for days. I made a point to get a photo of this very nostalgic bit of "Broadway.".. before it was gone. Anyone and everyone from the neighborhood knows just where this graffiti was. I'm old enough to remember when it just said "Peace in Korea."

I love and miss my old neighborhood. It has changed... so much. Like the words in one of my favorite songs: "In My Life" By the Beatles. I've added part of the song lyrics to the wall...

IN MY LIFE
"There are places I remember
all my life, though some have changed
some forever not for better
some have gone and some remain
all these places a have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
some are dead and some are living
in my life I've loved them all."

I have a few more images I'm still considering, but for the most part, the collage is complete.

So.... This Sunday is fading away.
The sun is setting earlier now....
Where is the summer flying to?
Almost August? wow.
I have to remind my self to stop, enjoy these hot sunny days...... instead of thinking about the Winter that lies ahead. It will be here soon enough.

I worked yesterday... and I'll work next Saturday too. So I'll have 2 days off in 14.. ugh.
Well..... I'm also constantly reminding myself.. I'm lucky and blessed to have a job.

I think I forgot to post some pictures from friend Laure's 50Th ... we took her to our favorite restaurant "Fiesta Jalapeno" aka "Feisty Pini. So.. next time!

have a great week! don't forget to stop and smell the roses or grass... or whatever!

2010-07-03T23:25:00.008-05:00

Knee high by the 4th. of July!
I think that's a reference to Corn?... and how tall it should be by this time? okay!

Hope you have a wonderful 4th.
Here in Brunswick, Ohio... it's supposed to be near 90
so, I will be having a "Cook-in"... with the same friends as last year. Gloria and Laure, and enough food for 30 more!

It's been a month since I wrote!
The months are flying! It was just "yesterday." I was waiting for it to be light, on my drive home from work. I was waiting for Spring, and warm weather. And it's here! and will be gone before we know it.

The latest news...
First, I'd like to mention the passing of my Aunt Ethel. That's her on the left, in the very cool photo!
She was my mom's sister and she was 96 years old! She was the last "elder" relative, and truly an end of an era. I am sad of course, but she lived a good long life and I know she and all her siblings & others that have gone on before her, are having one heck of a party! I also know I will see them all again one day!

We had an awesome evening storm last Sunday. I even captured a lightning bolt! A second storm approached, and it got almost dark as night! It was a small storm and as it passed, the Sun was also setting. The sky turned this strange swamp Green,

then funky Yellow... then this eerie ominous Orange!!!

my son said their was also a rainbow, which I missed, but I did get pics of that Orange sky! I guess it really freaked people out, the way everything had an Orange eerie glow! me?... I knew it was just the sun setting on the storm clouds and I loved it!!

I also have yet another new great Nephew!

He showed up about 6 weeks early, and only weighed just over 4 lbs. but he's doing very well! His name is Gustas!... it's a Lithuanian name. His mom Alma is from Lithuania.

The other new nephew is Braeden, and he's already 7 mos. old!

our family is growing in leaps and bounds!

I had soooo much fun last month, going wedding dress shopping with Bride to be, Allison, and several (of 9!) of her bridesmaids.

The first place we went was very "froo froo"... they didn't allow camera's (understandable) but the consultant had nooooo sense of humor and had nooo idea who she was dealing with! But we made the best of it.

We headed off to a cute little Cupcake shoppe and did some Cupcake testing!... whhhoaaahh.. YUM!
Then, to David's Bridal. What a difference. Okay, so it's not this stuffy, pretentious "couture boutique"... (Thank God!)... but we had fun! Dresses flying, all the girls trying on bridesmaid

dresses... Allison with her own fashion show. So fun! as it was meant to be!

Afterward, we met up with son Eddie for dinner and celebrate his 32nd. birthday! OH.. I'm OLD!

Yesterday, I met Gloria, Laure and Patti, at Fiesta Jalapeno... aka: "Feisty Pini".. for Dinner a "couple" of Margarita's.. then off to the "Rally in the Alley" for a free concert. We saw a Reggae band, featuring "Carlos Jones"... EH MON! it was a good time!

When I got home, I felt like I was coming down with the Flu! I had (and still have) a headache, sore throat, and got the chills during the night.

I don't feel horrible, but something is still there.

I'm glad it hasn't zapped my energy, I have some serious eating to do! That reminds me, I need to go pop another Aleve.. to "Aleve" this headache!

So.. now you're all caught up on my "wild" Summer!

I hope yours is going well! and that you enjoy every minute of it!

Have a safe 4th of July!

2010-06-04T00:21:00.003-05:00

Just a little hello.

I've been working (at work) on some new Zentangles. The new "fancy" word for stylized "DOODLES'

They're fun to do.. and there's no rules. My kinda art.

There was an awesome storm on the way home from work today.

The sky was gorgeous, but didn't look like a typical sky before a storm. The clouds were big and billowy, White mixed with grey.

They got thicker as I drove along, and it started to rain... those giant saucer sized rain drops!

Then it poured! I loved it. few flashes of lightning for added drama Ahhhh.

I managed to (safely, only at red lights and parking lots) take a few pictures.

The sky was incredible and I was so excited that I had my camera with me! At one point, the sun popped out, right in the middle of the downpour! A rainbow too?.. YESS! While I didn't get the best shot.. I did get it!

By the time I got home.. it was bone dry. But the skies to the east were soo awesome and wild

<------------

I was just going nuts at the site of this incredible sky!!!!!!

As I pulled into my apartment parking lot, I noticed the huge white billowing Thunderhead... just fantanstic.

Thank you God.... for the spectacular show!

2010-05-25T10:14:00.004-05:00

How cool!

I just got my (free) copy yesterday.
And there I am, on page 19. It was a very nice surprise.

I have to admit....I found out last week, that my art was being published. Not through an email from Stampington as before, but after inquiring about my artwork...not being returned.
They've had my artwork for since August of 2008!
I know it's common for them to hold artwork for up to 12 months.. (according to their summissions info) But it was way past that, and I was wondering why they still had my artwork.

I emailed Stampington, about 6 months ago and I was told then that it was still being considered for publishing. Cool! But I never got an email informing me that it had been published.
Anyway...... I emailed them again last week, asking when I could expect to get my artwork back.
It was then that I was told that it was published and I could expect my art returned by the end of the month.
I am very happy And I realized I have to learn the art of patience!

A little about the "Saddle Shoes"
You can't really tell, but each color is a different layer. and the Shoes are "floating" (1/8 inch foam tape ) for added dimension. It was a fun piece to make and I little tricky, making the templates, so that they would all line up.

So it's an amazingly beautiful Spring day.
Sparkling... is a better discription.
The sunshine is intense and the sky is Bluer.. (Blue-er?) than blue!

I wasn't feeling good this morning and took a sick day.. (no... I don't have Spring fever)... So.. now I need to take a few Advil and maybe do a little artwork.

That's all for now...
Off to make the most of my sick day as best I can.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!

2010-05-09T10:51:00.005-05:00

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! TO ALL YOU AMAZING MOMS!
....just so ya know..... you don't have to be a MOM... if you've ever nurtured, cared for, inspired, guided someone... you qualify!
Hope you have a great day!

So... Teri was here.. and already gone.. : (
The time went so fast!

She came in around 1:30 p.m. on Friday. We went shopping for tabletop Easels, at Pat Catans.
Then to lunch at Applebee's. yum!

She gave me a bunch of art supplies, including a set of Oil paints, brushes, Canvases , easel and a wonderful book called "The Painter's Bible... OMG.. I was so touched and overwelmed by her thoughtfulness and generosity!

To all you artists, you know how getting new art supplies can make your heart all a flutter!

We got started, and although I've painted with Oils before, I realized I really didn't know anything about technicals.
Teri was so helpful, giving me tips and tricks.

I admit to being distracted..... We were having Thunderstorms rolling through, and yes.... I was running from windows... watching The Weather Channel...and watching radar.... all while trying to paint! .. Sorry Larry!
.... (my little nickname for Teri lol)
Saturday, she kept me focused by making me turn the TV off... We listened to "Il Divo," & a really awesome Classical Music on her IPod..... wow... it was really enjoyable.. and I didn't realize just how distracting a TV can be.
I really was in the "groove!"....... No, we didn't paint masterpieces, but it was just awesome hanging out with someone who loves art as much as I do, and learning new techniques. Painting again, something I had gotten away from, was just so fun!
We took a break from painting, to eat and watch a movie.

Teri went to bed early and of course, I stayed up till 2:30 a.m.... trying to touch up my now over worked cloud painting.

Teri left about 10 this morning, and I miss her already!
I worked on my cloud painting a little bit, but realized, I just need to start over.

I'm looking forward to more painting as it has now become my new (again) favorite thing to do.

So.. that's all for now.
Going to enjoy the rest of my Sunday.

Jamie has to work today, so we will have our own Mother's day in a couple weeks, when we can all get together!

JUST FOR FUN~~~THE ABC'S OF ME!

2010-04-28T01:48:00.003-05:00

THE A B C's of ME!
A - Age: 54.....(nooo way.... stilll can't believe it!)
B - Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: They all come to mind... so ALL!
D - Dog's name:.... I don't have a dog.. but I have Dog-grandchildren: Luke, Cody & Milo
E - Essential start your day item: Coffee
F - Favorite color: Today?.....Smoky Blue-Green
G - Gold or Silver: silver
H - Height: 5' 1"
I - Instruments you play: I took Violin in Jr. High...and that's where I left it.
J - Job title: Customer Service specialist... (ya.. right)
L- living arrangements: A wonderful, cozy apartment, I took the master bedroom for my ART Studio!
M - Mom's name: Mary
N- Nicknames: Saso, Bag, Mena-Hena, Melon
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: When I had my Tonsils out at age 18
P - Pet Peeve: Poor customer service...I'm talking the basics like Hi and Thank you is that so hard?
Q - Quote from a movie: I wear a 6 but a 7 feels so good I wear an 8... Truvy, in Steel Magnolias.
R - Right or left handed: right
S - Siblings: 3 Older sisters.... I'm the baby! : D
T - Time you wake up: Weekdays 8:15, weekends I sleep in
U- Underwear: Stretchy, comfy and wedgie-free!
V - Vegetable you dislike: Shallots-omg.. the smell gags me!
W - Ways you run late: Spending too much time on the computer
X - Xtra things you like: Decorating, Photography, rainy days
Y -Steak, Pork & Sauerkraut, Tostadas, Giblet gravy & mashed Potatoes
Z - Thunderstorms.

Feel free to copy and paste this and post your own version on your blog.

RAINY DAYS

2010-04-26T00:00:00.002-05:00

Ahhh...

Another weekend over. Well for me one day. I had to work on Saturdy, 3-9 p.m. ugh!

The worst hours. Oh well.

Sunday, I slept in longer than I wanted to, but It was awesome.

I got in my artroom, and began working on a custom order for my word bracelets. It's an order from an Etsy customer... from Australia! She wrote to ask if I would please make her 2 bracelets.

I checked out the shipping costs. $7.00... hmm.. well.. she had no problem with the cost. Okay with me! I also worked on a few other word bracelets, they're going to be Mother's day gifts.... so I can't post em here just yet!

While I worked, I was treated to a little Thunderstorm! I was really distracted, watching the clouds go from puffy White, to mean Grey. Of course.. I just had to take a few.. (ehh 50-70?) picturesIt was awesome to listen to and smell, the rain. It really is Spring!

So nothing else much going on.

My friend Teri, will be here in just 2 weeks! I'm so excited to see her again.

We're going to be "painting with wild abandon"........ Teri's idea! how excellent!

I couldn't think of anything for us to do. Pathetic isn't it? And I call myself an artist...

So... Monday... eh. Last week fleww by! I'm hoping this week will too.

It's late..... of course it is... and I'm just watching the minutes tick away.. till I'm forced to go to bed against my will.

I hope you... who ever you may be.... Twyla?...Lindsey?.... Teri?.... LOL... I hope you all have a great week!

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

2010-03-28T23:01:00.006-05:00

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE
HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

It's true!

Another fun filled Saturday with
my PSMWG buddies!

Since I've been in "Bracelet making" mode,
I decided to make my friends special PSMWG
bracelets. I made them identical, each with a handmade, painted polymer clay bead, with the text: "I get by with a little help from my friends"..... on the backs of each one.
They really loved them and that made me happy.
I have the bestest friends in the whole wide world, I really do.

So, we all met up at Cozumels Mexican restaurant,
and enjoyed "a few" very tasty Margaritas.
We laughed ourselves silly, singing.... and "entertaining" the other customers. One actually came over to our table thanking us for amusing them LOL.

We headed back to our host Sheila's house where we "sexually harassed' her adorable and very patient husband Ronnie. Who, calmly continued to eat the Mexican food Sheila brought him and didn't even bat an eye at our "antics!"

It was a beautiful sunny day and Gloria was itching to just GOO! she didn't want to sit around the table as we usually do, gabbing away.
So, we all headed for "Bam Boozles" a fun bar not too far away.
We had a great time as usual, and Gloria was the social butterfly, fluttering about, talking to everyone!
We headed back to Sheila's, but not before paying a quick visit to Ronnie, who was waiting at the neighborhood watering hole. Our visit was brief, but we made our presence known......Singing along to the Jukebox song: "DON'T STOP BELIEVING" to the top of our lungs!!!

WE HAD BIG FUN!
And lots of coffee at Sheila's
We headed out. Gloria & I stopped at a very cold & very noisy Denny's. But the awesome
Burger made it all worth it.
Got my car, and made it home by 3 a.m.
wow.. This "party hard stay out late" stuff is not
as easy at it used to be back in the day, but still
FUNNN!

"DON'T STOPPP BELIEVINGGGG.. HOLD ON
TO THE FEEEEELINGGGG".....

WELCOME SPRING!!!

2010-03-20T07:33:00.010-05:00

It's FINALLY here!
SPRING!!!!

Goodbye WINTER..... and
tak the snow with you!

My Gr. Grandma Odile... All decked out for Spring!

HAPPY ST PATTY'S DAY!

2010-03-17T00:23:00.004-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I was busy in my artroom all weekend.. (*BLISS!*)
making more WORD bracelets.
I've got several more I'm working on.
I've only posted a few on ETSY So far, but I'll get the other's on soon.

I'm excited that SPRING is just 4 days away!
And Daylight Savings Time is here.. and the SUN is still shining on my way home now.

We all know that we can still get plenty of Snow... but we're the eternal optimists and pray Spring will be Green and not White.

Nothing much else happening.
just another week flying by.

I'm upset (just a little) that I missed American Idol tonight. I'll have to see if I can find it online someplace.

I really love CRYSTAL BOWERSOX... I think she's gonna win!... and she's from Ohio too.

That's all for now....
need to find a Green shirt to wear to work tomorrow... We're all IRISH on St. Patty's day

right?

HAPPY MARCH!

2010-03-01T02:09:00.004-05:00

HAPPY MARCH!

Snowy February is behind us, although the snow still lingers, the days are going to get warmer and longer. Daylight savings time is just 2 weeks away and Spring is just 20 days away! Yes...it's on my calendar! no more driving home in the dark or almost dark....soon!

It's Sunday.. well.. really Monday morning.. 2:10 a.m...
I was so lucky to have this weekend off.. and be able to stay in my "comfy clothes" and do art!
I was making "WORD Bracelets."
My sister Susan has been making really cool bracelets and they inspired me to make some too. You can visit her ETSY SHOP at: ARTHEADED.ETSY.COM She's got really awesome paintings, jewelry and other goodies there.

So, I decided to make Polymer Clay beads. I painted them, then added collage bits to some. On the back side of each bead, I added a word or phrase, so each bead can be flipped for two different looks. The hardest part was stringing the beads, actually choosing which ones to use. I would clear the strand 2-3 times before I would be happy with them!
I also made a couple pairs of earrings with the Polymer clay.

So I actually got something done! instead of just talking about it!

And so another Monday.............................eh.
I hope this week goes as fast as last week did.

We still have so much snow, I don't think it ever left the ground the whole month.
But now they're talking about temps in the 40's by the end of the week! that should do the trick!

Well that's all for now
just a quick one.

Better get to bed so I don't wake up like a Zombie in the morn.

Hope you have a great week!

BIG, BIG NEWS!

2010-02-14T23:55:00.009-05:00

HELLO!
It's been so long since I've posted!
Thank you Twyla, for checking in on me during my Blog absence! xox

So much has been happening since I posted last.

First...
I would like to send my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences, to Marsha Sayler Jorgenson, of TUMBLEFISH STUDIO.
Her father just passed away. I hope you find comfort and cherish precious memories.

The BIG NEWS????
My youngest daughter Allison and her boyfriend Andy,
are ENGAGED!!!!
Isn't that awesome??
They have been together for 6 years, and are a really cute couple. Andy is a great guy, and I will be happy to have him as my son-in-law.
I'm going to be a MOTHER-IN-LAW! wow.

She called me Friday morning, to tell me to check my email. I'm not in the habit of reading email before work, but was too bleary-eyed and half awake. I turned on the computer, then got in the shower. I almost forgot to check the email, then Allison called. So she was on the phone when I opened it. She said she didn't want to tell me in an email, but didn't want to wait and that I was the first person to know..... she attached the (bad) picture.. and I stared at the ring.. kind of stunned?.... "Really?.. is this a joke?".. "nooo. really Mom!!! Andy Proposed!!!!"... she apologized again for telling me in an email.... but I guess that's the world we live in! and it was ok!

I just have to share the proposal with you....
Andy had planned on proposing on Valentine's day, but said he just couldn't wait.
He came home from work, Allison said he was acting a bit odd. She was laying on the sofa.. (recovering from Bronchitis and a cold).... Andy asked if she wanted a glass of wine.. she said no.. then he had a big smile on his face... got down on both knees, took out the ring and said something like " I really love you, would you be my wife?"... as Cody.. their giant Chocolate Lab, started "humping" Andy's leg.. OMG! LOL.. Allison said Andy was so nervous, he didn't even care! LOL.. what a story eh?

So far, they're thinking the wedding will be in August of 2011.

I'm so excited and I'm experiencing so many thoughts I've never had before.
All my kids have said "When I get married...." but it was always something so far away... it was always "one day"...
But it is "NOW"..... now!

I'm excited.. (how many times have I said "excited" yet?...)
To help plan their wedding, and all that it involves.

So....
Since my last post, I had a birthday.. ugh... and I'm 54....
I'm not ashamed to post my age, because I don't believe it's really mine.. you see I'm only 32....................in my mind.

I celebrated with my sisters as always. It was a fun birthday/sister day. We went to breakfast, then to Hobby Lobby... and I used my gift card, from Friend Teri!

Then we headed over to "All Fired Up" a paint your own potter studio, in downtown Medina.
Loved the old Victorian building, with original Squeaky Wooden floors, and exposed Brick walls.
It was lots of fun! It was only my 2nd time painting pottery. It was nice just hanging out with my sistahhs!
I painted a "Cloud" mug. I love clouds and storms (as you are all very well aware!) and I thought it would be fun to have "Clouds in my coffee".. lol
(All the pieces turned out great!...see below)

After that, we headed over to another local place
"Riverstone Tavern" in Valley City... just 5 miles from home.
My friend Gloria suggested it and it was really good! Of course, the place was packed!
We had to wait about 1 hours, but it was worth it. After dinner, we head back to my apartment,
and played "Scene it" Turner classics version.
that was fun too! Even if Susan kept shouting out answers when it wasn't her turn lol!
In the morning I made a big breakfast and Gloria joined us and came bearing Dunkin' Donuts.. yeah!
After my sisters left, Gloria and I were just drinking coffee and eating donuts.. and she said
"Oh crap".. (... not really.. she used the other word lol.. ).. and pulled out a birthday candle from her purse, and stuck it in my now mangled half eaten donut..... lol.. that was priceless.

So...
February is making up for all the snow we didn't get in November, December & January.

I missed work last Saturday, because of the weather. They had forecast 2-4 inches..... HA! Does that look like 2-4 on my back bumper? It turned out more like 8-10.. and with all the blowing and drifting... and no shovel, my car was stuck. I had to make the day up Yesterday.

Last Monday, I was treated to amazing Frost covered Trees and amazing Blue skies. It was so gorgeous, I had to pull over to take a few pics.

There were several other people taking pictures there too!
Hard to hate the Snow when it's that spectacular!

I made a couple pairs of earrings from Polymer clay, but haven't done much art.

Oh.. and my ART friend Teri in Indiana, will be
visiting again in May! I'm so happy to get to see her again and have another fun art weekend!

So that's pretty much it.
It's 2:oo a.m. on the nose...
I'm watching the Olympics and getting that wave of dread washing over me, that another Monday looms.
We've got more snow on the way too... go figure.

I am happy to see some daylight now, when I leave work at 6 p.m.... and I love that the days are getting longer. Spring will be here soon!

Stay warm, stay safe and have a great week!

JANUARY

2010-01-07T10:32:00.003-05:00

Hi All,

Just a quick one today.

It's January!

The beginning of a New year & my birthday month ( ehhhh)

We'll hopefully we'll have a "January Thaw"... but the way the weather has been going so far...we might not "thaw" till June!

My best friend and I, have those 'in depth" conversations about weather and the seasons.

She would prefer that they did away with January & February all together, and skip right to March.. (ahh wouldn't we all!) But I've always liked January. Not because it's my birthday month, but because it is the beginning rather than an End. The days begin to get longer and SPRING.... is just a few months away.

January let's you "start again".... Make resolutions... (not me!).... get organized... (ehhh, not so much but I try!) and "do it better this year."

If January were a color, to me it would be a beautiful deep Crimson Red. Maybe that idea was planted in my head, because the birthstone for January is a Garnet.

Do days of the week and Months conjure up a color in your mind too? Even some numbers have a color.

January-Red..February-Cobalt Blue...March-Pumpkin Orange...April-Pale Pink...May-Emerald Green....June-Pale Salmon....July-Perssimon...August-Watermelon....September-Heather Blue/Green...October-Carmel Brown...November-Mocha....December Pale Aqua.

I'm sure a lot of the colors are "warm or cool"...which may be the reason why they remind me of each month... .... do you think I'm a bit crazy? LOL..

Okay....enough about this!............. and I promise to stop writing after I've had 2 cups of coffee.

That's all for now.

must get to my art. It's a New Year!.... must post art on Etsy.. must post art on Etsy

Good bye... have a great day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!!

2010-01-01T18:39:00.006-05:00

2010! wow! That looks strange lol.
Me.... yes... in my "50's" photo... and ....seeing that year!
Shouldn't we all be walking around in space suits and driving hover crafts???
A new decade. What will it bring? The new year is always so full of hope and promise laying before us.

I don't make resolutions. I never keep them.
Like most people, I do hope for all the obvious things.
World peace, health, blessings.
I never wished for money. Not that I can't use it.
I guess I'm just used to getting by, and being content,
But if money would like to come my way, I'll be happy to
accept!

New Year's day in Brunswick, Ohio. Brought snow... LOTS
of Snow. "Lake-effect"... a really dreaded work in these parts. It's a rare occurrence, limited to just a handful of places on the globe. Winds sweep off the lake, picking up moisture, turning it into Snow, then DUMPING it!

That's a pretty vague example, but you get the idea. They call it the "Lake Erie Snow Machine" We pray for the lake to freeze over, making the "Snow Machine" not work quite as well.

Nothing like starting the New Year with a lesson in Meteorology!

Okay.. so. I'm making Pork & Sauerkraut.. (look, I finally learned out to spell it correctly!)
They say it's good luck to Eat Pork on New years day. I learned from Facebook today, that "they" say, it's because Pigs are the only animals that "move forward" while eating... thus the "luck" that we will also "move forward" in the New Year.
I probably mentioned this last New Year's day, but my sister Rita, make theeee BEST Pork & Sauerkraut... yes.. the BEST! Ahhh.. it's amazing. She has it every New Year's Day, and invites everyone over. I didn't think I even liked it, till I had hers. Unfortunately, the weather is keeping me away, so I'll have to make do with my own.

My mom, who's family was from Alabama, always made Black Eyed Peas for New Years. It also gave you "good Luck"...... I didn't like the gritty texture, but she always insisted we have atleast one spoonful! lol. Come to think of it, she must have switched off years, because it was her Pork & Sauerkraut recipe that Rita uses now.

I ended the old year, and brought in the new, drawing and watching Dick Clark.
Best friend Gloria was going to come over, but the weather kept her away.

So it was just me. At midnight I waited for each of my kids to call.. ( our little midnight tradition).. and I could begin the New Year!
I finished cleaning the art room and actually attempted to sort allllllllllll my scrapbook papers & pieces. they're everywhere! In baggies, and boxes and totes and bins. That's just the paper! Then there's all the images I've printed, cut and TRIED to organize. All the embellishments.... bits and pieces.... Do I save them?.. or throw them out?..... ugh. All I know is this "trend" better be around for at least another 10 years, because that's how long it's gonna take me to organize and use it all!

I'm enjoying the aroma in my house and watching the "Twilight Zone" Marathon, on the Sci-Fi channel. I can't believe how many I've never seen before! Rod Serling had quite an imagination!

I had to work yesterday....but got out at 1:15!...it was just a little "hiccup" in my 11 day vacation.
I have been off since Christmas eve!.... and the time has gone oh so fast! So.......
I will spend the rest of the evening and weekend... hopefully.......doing art.
and maybe actually posting some new items for sale on ETSY!
Well... that's it. My exciting New Year's day.
I'm off to eat some Pork & Sauerkraut!
I can used all the good luck I can get!

I look forward to a new year... new ART...
your always welcomed visits... and SPRING!

I sincerely hope you all have a blessed, safe, healthy New Year!....and a prosperous one too!

AND A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL...

2009-12-26T03:53:00.014-05:00

Hello!
And Merry Christmas. I hope yours was warm and wonderful!

Here in Brunswick, Ohio, Christmas Eve. was in the low 40's... and only "leftover" Snow clung on the grass. Over night, the rain came, and the wind picked up. Christmas Day was "green." Every speck of snow had melted, and the sky was shades of grey. The wind whipped all day. I love a White Christmas like everyone, but was glad the weather was not an issue for my kids driving.

I had a most enjoyable Christmas, spent with my kids, and best friend Gloria.

Our family, has traditionally celebrated on Christmas Eve. When I was a child, Christmas Eve, meant Family and friends, "traditional" food, and midnight mass. Then opening presents! Christmas day, was a day to relax, eat and play with all my new toys! Then visiting friends.
When I had my own kids, We still celebrated by visiting the grandparents on Christmas eve, then home to put the little darlings to bed. And presents Christmas morning.

I remember one Christmas eve. staying up to 3 a.m. wrapping gifts... lots of gifts for my kids. they were small, about 4, 6, & 8 years old.

I finally got alllllll the presents & toys under the tree.. sat down.... and here they came! "Santa was here!".... I couldn't get them back to bed.. so... They started tearing into them....barely wrapped for 1 hour.. oh well. They had a ball!
This year as always, I made our traditional family pizza, Breaded Pork Cutlets and my favorite..... Christmas cookies. These foods are a lot of work... but truly a labor of love, when I see my kids faces, like an old friend has just showed up!
The table was full. Also including Italian Sausage & Peppers, and a Ham.
Gloria brought some yummy Christmas cookies and "the dip"... (my most favorite dip in the world, and simple: 1 pint Sour Cream, 1 Cream Cheese and 1 envelope of Lipton's "Beefy Onion" soup mix..... This dip is delicious! great with vegetables, and assorted chips, pretzels & crackers. Try it, you'll like it!)
Allison brought homemade meatballs, Jamie brought "Polish Lasagna"
We "feasted" till we could feast no more!

We played the "Family know it all" game I created last year. For the 2ND. year in a row, Eddie was the winner.

Allison and Andy brought "Rock Band" Beatles edition...... What fun!!!! We all took our turn playing each of the instruments, and even singing.

It was hysterical to watch everyone "jammin"... and their intensity, trying to keep up!

We laughed a lot, ate some more!

The kids all made themselves a "goodie bag" .. and They left around 2 a.m.

Even Gloria left "early" We are famous for hanging out and drinking coffee till the wee hours of the morning, but she was wiped out!

I was wired from the coffee, and didn't get to bed till 6 a.m. And slept till 2.... oh.. shame on me!
I got up and "grazed" alllll day... Cookies... Potato Salad, Ham.... REPEAT...

So it was another great holiday with my favorite people!

The last picture is of my daughter Allison wearing... (trying to steal)... a gift from my friend Teri.

The most gorgeous, colorful hand crocheted scarf! That happens to go perfectly with my Red coat!

Thanks so much Teri....I wrestled it back from Allison.. Fewwh!

I am off for the next 5 days, work New Years Eve. then off for 3 more days. So including Christmas Eve & Day... I will have a total of 10 days off.. AHHHHH BLISSSSSS!

I am trying to get my art room cleaned up, so I can actually sit and do art during my "vacation".... and be creative!! As I wrote earlier, my "MOJO" has been missing. I'm hoping it will show back up, and I'll have something wonderful to show you all next time.

It's a beautiful sunny day, and I'm enjoying the "cloud show" out my art room window.

I better get to gettin'....and stop "playing" on the computer!

Enjoy your weekend! and

I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy NEW YEAR!

love, MaryEllen

T'was 2 nights before Christmas....

2009-12-23T00:11:00.003-05:00

....And all through the house, I'm the only creature stirring with my computer mouse.

LOL.

Well.... here we are 2 days before Christmas. I've got things to do that can't be done till Wednesday. Cooking. Making homemade Pizza, our family tradition. Mmmm.. I haven't had any since last Christmas! and I can't wait!

I got out of work early both Monday and Tuesday. I tried to take advantage of the extra time, and I got some things done at home.

I'm absolutely thrilled, that we haven't had any substantial snow!! This is sooo rare!...

I think I may have mentioned that in my last post.. but still worth mentioning again.

Yayyy! We've dodged quite a few "bullets".. Like the fierce storm that hit NY, last week, and the storm that went North... and side swiped Ohio. fewwh!

It wouldn't bother me if I never saw another flake!

the forecast for this Christmas.. RAIN!.. and highs in the low 40's... I love it.

So... I will be celebrating with my kids and friends on Christmas Eve. I'm going to give the game I made last year, "The Family Know-it-All".. another go.. it was a great success last year.

I'm working on new questions!

I'm just passing time right now.

I love the holiday's but I'll be happy when they're over.. and things go back to "normal."

Wishing Twyla, Lindsey, Marsha and all of my blogger friends, a wonderful Christmas!

YOU KNOW DASHER AND DANCER AND PRANCER......

2009-11-29T17:01:00.000-05:00

But do you know these Reindeer??
It's the PSMWG's of course

P-PATTI, S-SHEILA, M-MARY ELLEN, (ME), W-WINNIE, G-GLORIA.
Saturday, was another fun gathering of my best buds.
We went to Cozumel's, a local Mexican Restaurant. And we had a "couple" of
Margaritas.... okay.. it was a couple of pitchers!.
Gloria, brought us Reindeer Antlers. Another fun thing to add to my growing "PSMWG" collection.
We headed back to my apartment, just about a mile up the road. And sat, had desert and coffee. Lots of fun as always!

I THINK I LOST MY MO JO....
My ART Mo Jo..... I haven't produced anything since last February. yes.. I've done some doodling, I even made 2 Prim dolls. But It seems my creative juices have all dried up.
Today, I sat at my art table, anxious to spend the day doing ART. I couldn't think of anything exciting to make. Everything I thought about making, didn't thrill me. Or, I wasn't in the mood to start the process whatever it was.
help.
I think the fact that the clock is ticking, and the day is slipping away, made me feel anxious, that I wasn't taking advantage of the day and I needed DO SOMETHING QUICKLY! before the day was gone, and I regret not making SOMETHING. I pulled out some paper, and colored pencils, and a technical pen... More doodles.
Now it's almost 5 p.m. and the "meat of the day" is pretty much gone. My "window" to sit and leisurely do art, is closing.
I don't have much creative juices during the week. When I get home from work, I want to do nothing. It's like my brain is fried from work, and can't focus on ART. So 5 days a week, are usually ART-less.
leaving only the weekends.. or just one weekend day, if I have to work the other.. to do art.
I have so many ideas but I can't focus on which to do... and end up doing nothing!
I wanted to make some Christmas ornaments, or gifts. But I have no good ideas.

The daylight is quickly disappearing. I sit and look at all my art supplies.. hoping one will "speak" to me.
nothing.
Okay.... I will just let another perfect day go by, and hope that my Mo Jo comes back soon.. : (

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2009-11-24T03:45:00.011-05:00

Hope your Thanksgiving will be just the way you like it!

Mine, will be spent at home with my kids, Eddie, Jamie & Allison, And friends, Gloria & Laure.

I'll be cooking (our family's) traditional Dinner:
Turkey, Italian Sausage Stuffing, Mountains of Mashed Potatoes, and a Gallon of Giblet gravy. Corn, Candied sweet Potatoes, Crescent Rolls & Pumpkin and Cream pies.... and
a few extra goodies!

One of my most favorite smells, is my kitchen, when I'm making Thanksgiving dinner. I also love the way the windows steam up.
(I read last year's post.. and mentioned the very same things..yes.. I really love it that much!)

The Thanksgiving weather forecast for Northeast Ohio....

Temps. in the low 40's with a chance of rain or snow showers. November has been unseasonably mild!.. in the low 50's.. we even had a couple of 70's in the beginning of the month! We've actually made it thus far.... with nary a snowflake!... this is remarkable! and almost unheard of 'round these parts this time of year and I am very THANKFUL for that!! I just looked at last years pictures...... We had SNOW right before Thanksgiving....ugh.

I love this picture of my mom, Mary, carving a Turkey.

Her maiden name was "Cook"... and she certainly was an awesome cook! The family recipes we all love so much, were hers. And her Italian Sausage stuffing recipe is "coveted" in our family! For the record, and in case my sister Susan is reading...... SAGE GOES IN THE STUFFING.. NOT PAPRIKA.... : )....yes... it's an inside joke.

I miss my mom.. and her cooking. She passed away at age 57 (yes, very young) in 1983

I also miss saving the Turkey Legs & Wings for my Dad. I think he was the only one who liked the dark meat! and I miss my dad. He passed away at age 74, in 1993.

But they're always in my heart, and not a day goes by that I don't think of them.

I am very, very brave.. for posting the last photo... gulp... of me..

dressed.. as a PILGRIM........ omg.. I need more wine.....!

My mom, thought it would be "just adorable" to dress me up... take pictures of me basting the turkey.. and posing at the table.... omg!!!

lol.. She wanted to send the photos to her mom, who had just moved to Alabama.

It never dawned on me to "object" and say "NOOOO WAYYY!"

My siser Rita hand made the whole costume! Sure.. SHE didn't have to wear the damned thing! LOL..

So, have a good laugh, be THANKFUL it wasn't you.

I am up wayyy too late as always....... I was in bed, till Jamie called.. and now I'm wide awake.

She and I will be making the stuffing Wednesday night. It's "our" tradition! and we've been doing it together for about the past 10 years.

So... I have a lot to be thankful for. Family, friends, health a job.. (even though I hate it)..... I am blessed in so many ways.

I hope you have a wonderful day, with the ones you love, wear "stretchy" pants, and enjoy your leftovers!.. Bless you!

LEGAL AGAIN... :)

2009-11-10T23:38:00.005-05:00

Hello out there!

Hope all is well.
I've just been doing my usual nothing. Work, sit, eat, sleep.

My friend Teri, turned me on to ZENTANGLES.
What's a Zentangle?... I think they're little doodles, with repetitive patterns. I've been doing this kind of doodle art my whole life, never knew they had a name. There's a cool Zentangle group on Flickr, and a whole Zentangle.com website.
They're fun to do, and relaxing too.
I guess most, are kept in a small format like a tile size?.. but I think you can do any size you want!

The top one, I did yesterday at work. No.. I don't get to just draw at work.. I wish!... but I usually have paper around, and while my dear.. sweet... kindly.. elderly phone customers are busy finding credit cards, catalog numbers, and eye glasses... I doodle while I wait. Keeps me from shouting "HEYYYYYYY!!!!! can we move this along????"lol..
So... I've done a few, but I like the top one the best.

Here I am.... A CAT. Our company Halloween "party"... not really a party party... like we dressed up, brought stuff for a potluck.. then worked like always. God forbid, if they actually let us off the phones for 10 minutes!! Anyway, it was fun dressing up. I haven't worn a costume in awhile. I made my ears, and tail, Safety pinned on some fake fur, made Goldfish earrings, and painted the cat eyeballs on my lids. Always a big hit. Harder to do now, that I can't see without my glasses, and had to paint them on at 8 a.m. still sleepy and bleary eyed. I had looked at lots of pictures online, mostly of the cat makeup from the CATS play. I wanted to do more details, but decided not to bother. RRRrrrrowwrr!

So that's about it.
I can't believe the Holidays are almost here! I'm thinking about my Thanksgiving dinner, and how I'm looking forward to Giblet gravy ahhhh mmmmmm!

I'm thrilled to say, we haven't had any snow 'round these parts...................yet.
Yes.. I know it's coming.. but everyday without snow is fine by me!

My BFF Gloria, has been in Las Vegas, visiting her sister, for the past 3 weeks. She'll be back tomorrow.

Oh! the BIG news... I'm LEGAL again.. lol..
Yes.. I finally got my drivers license renewed.
For the 3 of you who read my Blog, you may recall, that I forgot to renew it last year, causing me to have to get a temporary license.. and worse.. have to take a road test and maneuverability test!!!!!! I did get the temp. last December, then dreaded taking the test. I put it off and put it off.. (how typical of me!).. then knew I'd better get it over with, before the snow flew. Reluctantly, I made the appointment.
I almost overslept, because I was stressing the night before, and couldn't fall asleep.
Oh the horror, of sitting in the room with the moms & dads and their brace-faced teenagers. One by one, out the door they went to "line up" for the maneuverability test...each Teeny bopper was told "You can take your licensed driver, and get in line.."... WHAT???? LICENSED DRIVER?? I didn't bring one!!!!!! OMG... I in visioned myself offering money to one of these already stressed parents, to be MY licensed driver. Gloria had offered to go, but because of my procrastination.. she was now in Vegas. Oh man... I'm not leaving.. I'm not rescheduling... Finally, it was my turn, "Okay, you can get in line."... huh?... no licensed driver needed???.. feewhhh!! AGE has it's rewards! It was such a beautiful morning.. what a way to waste it.
I watched as the cute, young (35 years old...he told me...) uniform wearing Examiner, put on his best serious face, and put the first two victims through the maneuverability test. How could 5 innocent looking poles be so frightening!!! I couldn't think about it. I would just wait till it was my turn, then freak out. The car infront of me, made it through, and was off for the road test. Now it was my turn to pull up and wait.......... How could something I've been doing for 35 years terrify me??? I lit a cigarette, took a few puffs, then tried to clear the smoke out. Popped 7 Tic Tacs.... and with safety belt on.. waited .. for the "EXAMINATOR" to return. I was breathing hard now. He was going to be back soon, And I was going to have to go through the "Poles of Torture" next! He came out the door, looked at me across the parking lot... and his whole demeanor changed. He smiled, and through up his arms. "It's too nice to have to work! I should be home in my back yard right now!".. "I'm with you!" I laughed.. omg.. he's gonna go easy on the old lady!!!! Kewl! After checking my blinkers and horn he got in the car. He explained what was about to happen, then asked if I had any questions. "ya... how much do I have to pay you, not to take this test??".. "whoahhh.. don't say that!.. that's the kind of stuff that will land us on Karl Munday! (local investigative reporter)
Okay.. he's laughing.. this is good. I'm not used to parking while wearing my seat belt, and asked if I could take it off. "NO ma'am.. sorry, you have to wear it."... DAMN!... Okay.. I entered the poles of terror... pulled out... now what..?... "okay, back up".... .. omg.. Ok.. Ok.. I can do this..... AND I DID! FEWWWHHHHH!... "Okay, ma'am, you passed the maneuverability test. "I DID??"... YESSS!!".. He started talking like the EXAMINATOR again, telling me we were about to begin my road test. "the test begins now, I will tell you shortly before, when to turn. If I don't give you instruction, just continue to drive. Do you have any questions?"...... "nope."... I was thrilled to know we weren't going on the main road. Traffic is busy, and I wasn't very familiar with the area. Instead, we.. I snaked through an alleyway, and side streets. My road test had barely begun, when he asked what I did for a living. Huhhh??... chit-chat during my road test??... reallly?????? KEWL! I asked him how long he had been an examiner, and how many times he was told he looked like Tom Cruise. I got his whole work history during my test. He said I had taken my hand off the wheel, "Well your old, and old habits die hard..... I'm not going to take any points off for it..... eh.. uh.. I don't mean your old.. I just mean it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.. eh.. no.. I mean...... "... We were both laughing.. "I know what you meant, and it's fine!" Anyway..... we were back to the parking lot. "YOU PASSED".... "Ahhhhhhh Thank you!!! you will NEVER, EVER see me again!"..... "ha ha ha ha...you have a nice day Ma'am."..."I will now!" So "OLD" has it's rewards. I'm sure those brace-faced kids weren't engaged in a friendly conversation with the "Examinator"... ha!!! They were busy gripping the wheel, in the "10 & 2" position, sweating bullets, and fearing the scary "Old" guy in the uniform, that held their fate in his hands.
.... So let this be a lesson to you.... (mostly to me) NEVER FORGET TO RENEW!...... You're going to go check your license expiration dates now aren't you... :D

YA YA! 2009

2009-10-23T00:36:00.012-05:00

We held our 7Th. annual Mothers & Daughters Celebration!...AKA: YA YA! October 18Th.

It was a great time as always!

This years host Debbie, Rita and I, went up on Friday as always, to set things up. The weather was windy and wild, and the lake was mean and gorgeous!

My nieces Roni and Becky had to work and couldn't be there, and poor little Isabella was home sick. We missed them all, but they were with us in spirit.

It was so much fun!

We inducted my new Niece-in-law Alma, she made the most gorgeous hand felted hat!

Deb set up for the kids to do face painting..... painting the faces of their Aunts! THAT was hysterically funny!

Rita taught us how to make our own bath salts.

Of course.. their was so much food!

I love our celebrations, and look forward to next year!

MY PORCHLESS PARTY

2009-10-05T02:15:00.005-05:00

And a good time was had by all!

I had a little "porchless' party, this past Saturday, and had such a great time, hanging out with some of my favorite Buds!

What's a porchless party you ask?... lol
Well. I had a porch party back in 2005, at my "old" house. We crammed 12 people on that porch! It was so fun! just sitting around and doing what we do best..... laughing and talking our heads off on a Warm Summer evening.
I miss not having a porch, but still wanted to have friends over, I called it a "Porchless party"
I sent out invitations, that looked like the old notes we used to pass in school. They were folded in that "special" way, that once that little pointy corner was tucked, NOBODY could open except the recipient.... right? LOL

Present were: Melony, Gloria, Laure, Patti, Pie, Ruth & Bev.
I missed seeing Nancy M., Winnie & Sheila I wish they could have joined us. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY "S"

I served Tostadas & Tacos made with fresh, home cooked shells. I also made my family recipe "Hot Sauce" mmmm!

Melony was the first to arrive, and brought the delicious "Hanky Pankies!" (Look! I remembered the name, I couldn't stop eating them either!)

Gloria arrived just moments later, with a giant box of Cinnamon rolls.. sooo good warmed ahhh! (thanks for the M & M's and Ice too!)
Chips and dips and even Mexican Wedding cookies! (Thanks Laure!)

We had such fun just hanging out around the table. Eating and eating, drinking Margarita's... which was later replaced by lots of Coffee.
Melony brought her scrapbook of memories from "the good old days" ahh so fun!
Pie (Nancy V.) brought her scrapbook too. It was so cool to see these "antiques." Pie also brought me the most gorgeous Mums, in a deep beautiful Maroon.

It was just the best seeing everyone.
I can never say it enough.... how blessed I am to have the most amazing group of friends anyone ever had.
Melony & Ruth... I will keep you in my prayers, as well as all of you.
Love you all!

ADDICTIONS...

2009-09-29T00:25:00.004-05:00

Hi Twyla!
... I had a busy, fun weekend! I hope you did too!

Work was hell! it was just one of those weeks where the customers really, really got on my nerves, and I had to check the calendar to see if there was a full moon! OMG.. they were obnoxious! Friday alone, was like another week all in itself. 6p.m. couldn't come fast enough! I snapped the cool cloud picture, before leaving "hell"... LOL....
I was even more happy to leave, because I was meeting my PSMWG buddies for dinner! A first for all of us, meeting on a work day! it was fun and just what I needed. We all headed back to W's (Winnie) for coffee.

I spent Saturday blissfully enjoying the Grey skies, chilly temperature and all day rain. It was a steady rain and I was able to keep the windows open and enjoy the sounds. I jumped between art projects and for lunch, I got a big steaming bowl of my homemade Navy Bean & Bacon soup! Ahhh it was pure heaven! Nothing tastes better on a Rainy Saturday afternoon.
I still wonder when and how I started enjoying rainy days almost more.. (almost!) than sunny ones.
I don't know for sure. But I do know it puts me in a cozy mood, and also in a creative one!

Besides the work week from Hell, I was also pre-occupied with my kids Eddie and Jamie.
They both decided to take a mini trip to New York City...but not together!
The funny thing was, one didn't know the other was planning a trip and they both chose the same weekend!
Jamie went with her friend and took a plane, Eddie went with his girlfriend Danielle, and drove... gulp..
Okay.. yes. I'm a self proclaimed worry wart! And not only did I have to worry about one.. but 2! The flying, the driving, the New York City reputation... man!
Well, the all got there safe and sound.. (Thanks God)... and another coincidence, their hotels were only 1 block apart! (neither had any idea!) They all had a great time too! back home safe and sound. fewhhh!

Sunday, I worked on my art projects. I wanna know, how some paintings take on a life of their own. How (what was supposed to be) an abstract painting, turns into a painting of giant daisies??? really.

Oh.. and I finally had one of my favorite Halloween paintings, put on a T-shirt!
I love the way it came out! Check out ZAZZLE.COM
it's such a cool site, perfect for designing your own T-shirts, and the quality, and delivery time is awesome!

Oh... and the title?.. addictions??.. well...
Okay, I am a confessed Facebook junkie now. And I am addicted to YoVille... it's crazy.. and a total waste of time.. and I love it. I was a former Farmville addict, then a few friends got on YoVille, and well, just call it peer pressure! LOL. I'm sure my addiction will pass, but it's probably the biggest reason I haven't been blogging! Man... yes. yes .. I KNOW!.. I need to get a life! As I type, I am watching the clock. It's almost time to go to the "Sweet Shop" and get my (cyber) "Cupcakes" out of the ovens.. and get coins... LOL LOL LOL ...
DING!.... I think I heard (not really) the timer!
Gotta run before they "cyber-burn"...
Later ya'll!
xo

A PACKAGE FOR MOI !!!!

2009-09-11T00:43:00.004-05:00

ooOOOOOOoooooOOHHH!
A package!... in MY mailbox.. for MEEEEEEEE!

I've been like a kid before Christmas, ever since I learned I had won the Wizard of Oz Gala give-a-way, hosted by Twyla & Lindsey, at
TWO CRAZY CRAFTERS.

And I got my goodies today! Ohhh Man!
What fun!

I opened the box and inside, were little wrapped packages! Stickers and papers and Puzzles!
OH MY!!!!
There was even a handmade greeting card, that was so well done, I didn't even realize it was handmade! A funny little tag, that I promptly place on my fridge.

A giant puzzle, and the most adorable little lunch/trinket box designed like a little TV.
I am in OZ heaven!!!!

I had such fun participating in the Gala, and this wonderful package was the Rainbow at the end.

THANK YOU, MY SWEET FRIENDS!!!!
I am sooo lucky!

I can't wait for the next amazing event!

THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!

THE WIZARD OF OZ GALA!

2009-08-22T02:30:00.015-05:00

It's the WIZARD OF OZ GALA!

I've been looking forward to this for weeks!

I have to admit, the project I planned, didn't quite turn out the way I had hoped. So... I ended up with a simple collage below. I'm still having so much fun!

Thank you to Twyla & Lindsey at "TWO CRAZY CRAFTERS" for coming up with this awesome idea!

BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE "WIZARD OF OZ GALA" BUTTON on the right, to go to the "TWO CRAZY CRAFTERS" Blogsite... and find the list of other GALA Blog participants

I can't wait to visit the other Blogs!

It was great finding pictures, and reminiscing about this awesome movie.

I love this movie so much, that I dress my own kids up as "the Scarecrow, Dorothy & Glenda" for Halloween in 1988! I made their costumes with mostly thrift store finds, bits of fabric.. and stitch witchery!

They had lots of fun!...(see photo below)

Over the years, I've received many Wizard of Oz related gifts. I've posted a few.

I just love the Bank heads! They and the collector plate (with music box) along with the 50Th Anniversary Book, was a gift from Co-workers.How lucky am I!!

Like you, I cherish this movie! What great memories!

I adore this movie, & I still watch it every year and still get excited, like I'm seeing it for the first time!

If forced to choose, I would say that "Glinda" was my favorite character. Arriving in a bubble.. and that amazing dress!!!!! I love her voice. Did you know Billie Burke was in her 50's when she played Glinda??? amazing!

Years ago, when my kids were small, we even had a "Toto" dog... !

And.. My grandfather Vernon, bore a strong resemblance to "The Cowardly Lion" Bert Lahr! ...really!

Here's a little W.O.O. quiz, to test your W.O.O. knowledge!

(scroll to the bottom of this post, for the answers)

-What were the farm hands names?

-What was the name of the Castle guards?

-What year did the movie debut?

-Who wrote "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?"

-Where did the idea for the name "OZ" come from?

-How old was Judy Garland, when she made the movie?

-What was Professor Marvel's Horses name?

-What was Auntie Em & Uncle Henry counting?

Okay.. I just have to go and check out the other Blogs!!!... yippeee! I just can't wait!

I hope you enjoyed visiting my blog.....Please feel free to leave a comment,

so I know you stopped by!

And remember..

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

ANSWERS:

Hickory, Hunk & Zeke

The "Winkie Guards

1939

L. Frank Baum

Mr. Baum saw the letters "O-Z" on the label of the drawer of

his file cabinet.

Judy Garland, was 16 when the movie was made & 17 when it debuted.

Professor Marvel's horse was named: "Sylvester"

They were counting Chics

.....HOW MANY DID YOU GET RIGHT???...... :)

THE RAIN, THE ART AND OTHER THINGS...

2009-08-08T10:31:00.006-05:00

It's been a little while, since I've posted last!
TWYLA.... thanks for the messages and thinking 'bout me!

Here's just a few images from the past few days.
I loved the "Polka dot" sky, from yesterday morning! (see below)

So.... now I'm off to work on my Witch painting!
I've been doodling Witches at work, a sure sign I've got Halloween on my mind. So I thought I would try and turn one of my sketches into a painting. Harder than I thought.. and wrinkles are also harder than I thought!

This is as far as I got ... see the progression pictures below.

I am vowing NOT to spend the better part of my Saturday, sitting on the computer.. and ACTUALLY do some art today... while enjoying the cool breezes and light rain.. and.. maybe a little Thunderstorm!

So... I'm gonna listen to IL DIVO.. and other favorites...and get to painting!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend... I pray that it goes SSSSLOOOWWW!

Catch ya later!

PASSING THE TIME

2009-07-21T23:58:00.003-05:00

It's 1:00a.m... and I'm watching Wil and Grace.
It's almost time to get to bed!

We had a nice little Thunderstorm pass through, and the clouds cleared just in time for a gorgeous sunset... just lovely.

My sis Deb was over on Sunday, and we started working on our Prim Dolls.
She brought her sewing machine over.. and guess what?... hers wouldn't work either!!! so BOTH of are machines are Ka-puttt! damn! We had to sew the bodies by hand. I managed to get mine finished quicker than the first one, still a machine would have been such a time saver! So, Deb's coming over tomorrow evening to work on her doll. I love that we live so close.. (just a mile apart).. and can hang out more spontaneously!
I made us Fresh Chicken salad, and she brought the wine. So fun!

I got out 1 hr and 15 minutes early today!... ahhhhh.
and went to my favorite store, Marc's. I ran into my ex-sister-in-law and her husband.. literally.. I rammed my cart into theirs.. on purpose lol. So we chatted for awhile and that was it.

I loved the rain and thunder on the ride home. More rain on the way for the rest of the week and weekend.. yay.
We're now in the running for one of the Coolest July's in Cleveland. ... and yes... I do love it!

So... I just realized I also have to work this Sunday too.. damn!
eh.... I really need to stop whining about it, it's not like I didn't know my job entailed working one Saturday & one Sunday a month. Reminder to self:.. next job.. NO WEEKENDS!

Yawwwwningggg now...
must go to bed. IT'S HUMP DAY!
.....later!

UP EARLY

2009-07-18T05:54:00.006-05:00

I'm up early!!!

This is rare.. for me... to be up so early on a Saturday morning. I like to indulge myself, and sleep in on the weekends, but also hate losing the morning... I know.. I can't have both!

I've actually been up since 5:30 a.m. Could not wait to get a cup of Coffee! Now I'm just chillin'... really... it's pretty chilly outside! It's only about 57 degrees.. and a breeze is gently blowing through my art room window... I had to get a sweatshirt. Close the window you say?... nooo wayyy! I love it!

I have to work 3-9 P.M... today.. the worst hours. The day is shot. Wait to go to work... then come home.. almost time for bed.. grrrrrrhhh!
Oh well.. I better make the most of this chilly morning then.
The Summer is really flying by. It feels like it just stopped snowing a few weeks ago.... and now It's almost August!

The weather has been mild.. no extremely hot days... YET.. I love it, but I know there are those who wish it was hotter.

As much as I love Autumn... I'm in no hurry. I want the the Summer to stick around!

I'm thinkin' about making a trip up the street to McDonalds.. for a breakfast sandwich.. ohhh I shouldn't!!!! I can't!... but I just might.

There was a reason I decided to blog this morning.. but now.. I can't remember why. Typical me. Oh well.

I'm anxiously awaiting my latest indulgence.... a new necklace, I purchased on Etsy, from
"Lilly Ellen designs"..
It's personalized!...
Here's a picture of what it will look like:
Mine will be in Block Caps. and will say:
GOD
FAMILY
FRIENDS
ART
(one word on each of the 4 sides of the Silver bar)
with a "Garnet" colored Crystal.
I can't wait to get it.

What a special gift this would make!
Your kids names, grandchildren etc.
so, use the link above, and check out her other wonderful styles.. and just try and resist buying one!

The collage, is just something I made last week, trying to get my "juices" flowing. And the Glittery collage, was the front of a funky graduation card, I made for my friend Winnie's daughter Tricia.

I am looking around the artroom, trying to think of something to do.
Or should I just take out the trash.. and go to McDonald's?... or back to bed? NOO!
art..art...art...art... art...

Okay.. Now I'm just babbling... better stop.
I'll remember what it was I was going to blog about, just after I publish this post. : D

later then...

ANOTHER WEDNESDAY

2009-07-15T19:26:00.004-05:00

First... I'm so excited about the party going on at
"TWO CRAZY CRAFTERS"...

It's a "Wizard of Oz Gala!...
click on the pic RUBY SLIPPERS button,
to find out how you can participate!!!!!!!

Just a few pictures from my weekend.

The big Thunderstorm Saturday morning was awesome! It passed, just in time for my sister's Deb Susan and friend Diane, to go to the awesome St. John's West Shore art show. It was great!
We hung out at Susan's the rest of the evening and had so much fun sitting on her porch reminiscing.

I'm glad the week is flying by. My sister Deb and I, are planning on making Prim dolls this weekend. It will be my 2nd.. and Deb's 1st... so I have to show her how.. I hope I remember!
So it will be so much fun!
I'm going to make us Tostada's.. and she's bringing the McDonald's Cafe Mocha's .. YESSSS!

So.. this is gonna be a short one. Gonna go take a nice relaxing bubble bath! ahhhhhh.
The weekend is almost here again!

SUMMER TIME

2009-07-06T23:37:00.005-05:00

Monday is over!..... ahhhhh.
It was hard going back to work after the long weekend, but the day went fast, and now it's done.

Just a some photos from my Summer so far.
First, The 4th. of July cook out, at my Friend Bev & Marks.
A great day of Fun, friends and food!
Bev is the Blond below, with Laure and Gloria. Bev is a Breast Cancer survivor.... and one of the feistiest Women I know! She's got the best sense of humor and she's just a great friend!
Her sister Barb died of Breast Cancer in 2001. They were very close sisters, and I miss Barb a lot!
Anyway... Bev, Barb and brother Bob all have sons.. no girls!
And they are the nicest bunch of boys.

We stayed late, eating, laughing and listening to music. It was a great time.

The other pics are from my sister Deb's birthday/sister day in June.
We always tell our kids that "SISTERS ROCK".. and one of the kids made a comment like "ya.. in Rockers".. so we couldn't pass up the opportunity to pose in these rockers outside of "CRACKER BARREL" restaurant, after breakfast. We're just that kind of nutty!
We headed to Crocker Park's outdoor art show. It was just a perfect day!

This weekend, we'll be going to the St. Johns Westshore art show. Its supposed to be hot and humid.. .. yikes.. and maybe rain. geee.. I hope not! Then we'll head to my sister Susan's house for dinner and a porch party.. Yayy! I love our sister days.

So I'll muttle through the week, and look forward to the weekend with my sistahh's!

Have a good one.

LA LA LA

2009-07-03T14:28:00.005-05:00

LA LA LA...
That's just what kind of day it is today, here in Brunswick, Ohio.
The photos were taken (carefully) on my way to work yesterday morning. I love the clouds!
We're having a little taste of Autumn in the middle of the Summer!... and I'm loving it!
The skies look more like Fall.. and it's only about 65 degrees! A cool breeze is blowing through all my windows.......ahhhhhhh..
I slept like a baby last night.. the room was cool with a fresh breeze and the gentle sound of rain. I know this weather is not making a lot of people very happy.. but me, I'm loving it!
I was called "Bob Ross" by my daughter Allison yesterday.. after commenting on her Facebook post. She was complaining about the "crappy weather".. and I told her that it was just a different kind of beauty, with the big Steel-Grey clouds.... lol.. Well.. she said I sounded like ol' Bob when he painted his "happy little trees".. I agreed.

I'm in the first day of my 3 day long weekend. I wanted to get up bright and early and enjoy the day by doing art. I was inspired by a cool book Teri had, called "MIXED MEDIA MOSAICS" and I bought my own copy. I had even had some clay pieces rolled and ready.. but I just couldn't "get into it".... I'm watching the clock tick by... and my day! I even tried looking at other art blogs for some inspiration... but still.... nothing. So.. I decided that maybe if I had lunch, I might get my inspiration back. I treated myself to McDonalds.. and yes.. a Cafe Mocha.... FREE... because I had one of those punch cards. I also tried their new "Angus" burger.. and it was very tasty I must say!

So.. I'm just looking around for something to do.. something that I'm in the mood to do..... I usually leave Blogging for late evening, when it's too late to do anything else.
I'm tempted to lay across my bed and just enjoy the cool day.. but I won't give in and waste the day like that!

I'll be going to my friend Bev's tomorrow for a cook out. I haven't seen her in quite awhile!

So... I'm stalling... I gotta go do some art.. A!NYTHING...
Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!

.....OH.. and help your self to the free 4th. of JULY image!

I DID IT!!!!

2009-06-27T18:31:00.003-05:00

I made my first Prim Doll!
I started it last weekend when Teri was here.. and..I FINISHED IT!.. That's a big deal since I don't finish a lot of things I start.

I was so drawn to this project. Maybe because I was making my Doll with a Halloween theme. Or maybe just because it was a such interesting project. Either way, I finished it!

It wasn't easy. My sewing machine wouldn't work when Teri and I tried to sew the bodies. So... we had to do all the sewing by hand!.... Even more impressive that I actually finished it!... just being truthful! lol.
I' pretty happy with the way she turned out. I even hand stamped the Orange fabric.
I learned a lot about creating the faces.... and even though she was meant to look a little scary... I have a better idea how to tone things down next time.

I believe all Witches should have a Black pointy hat.. so I'm going to make or buy one. And I would love to have her holding something. Maybe a Star or Pumpkin (if that's not too much Orange) Anywayyyy... I'm so happy with it, and want to make another one soon! I think I should do one for Christmas and Valentines day next!

I'm just enjoying my weekend and even though I have to work Sunday (tomorrow) I got out of work early....1:30 a.m.!... so it was like having a 2 day weekend anyway.

I have to mention the passing of Michael Jackson.
It's very surreal and very hard to accept. Like him or not, his talent was undeniable. And I will always be a fan. His legend will live along side Elvis, John Lennon and other amazing talents.
I'm trying to avoid the media overload... repeating the same things over and over, but I did watch his videos on VH1 classic, as they pay tribute to him all weekend. I grew up watching the Jackson 5, and me kids grew up watching Michael Jackson. My son is wearing a small MJ button in his Kindergarten photo, and he had the "Thriller" poster hanging on his wall.
I will always be amazed everytime I see the clip of him on the Motown 25 anniversary special, when he did the Moonwalk for the very first time. I think we all said: "how'd he just do that???!!"
Anyway, I'm betting it will be revealed that his death was drug related, which is so sad!

Ok.. that's my commentary.

On a brighter note, I hope the rest of the evening goes slow. I hope you all are enjoying your weekend too!

BUT....IT CAN'T BE OVER ALREADY!

2009-06-21T15:08:00.021-05:00

She just got here... and she's gone!
My Art buddy, and now REAL flesh and Blood friend Teri!

What a great, long weekend I had! I hope she had as much fun as I did!

She brought me a wonderful book called "The Nine Modern Day Muses... by Jill Baldwin Badonsky.
I can't wait to start reading it.

The weather....well.. it was hot and very humid! It had stormed in the morning (which I loved) Then cleared up by early afternoon, but the humidity was even worse.

Teri arrived around 1:30 on Friday. It was almost strange, finally seeing her in "person" after 6 years!
After a big ol' hug, I helped her bring in her art stuff and things, and we sat awhile, catching up.

We went to "The Winking Lizard" for a bite to eat, and I made the mistake, of suggesting we sit on the patio.. ughhh... it was pretty hot out there!

I just had to take her to "Hollo's"... a local craft and paper store, then back home to get started on our Prim Doll project.

We had cut out the fabric, and was about to start sewing. Well... my (seldom used) sewing machine was not working.. grrh.. so, we had to improvise and hand sew them. It was just so fun hanging out, laughing and being so silly!

Gloria and Laure came for a quick visit in the evening. I can't really say what the "thing" is on Teri's chin.. but you might have figured it out..... It was kind of a joke "thing"... and I was 'demonstrating" how "it" worked... and...we were just laughing hysterically! Then.... Gloria noticed a bruise on Teri's chin.. OMG.. "it" had left a "hickey" OMG!!!! now we were really laughing sooo hard!!!!

Well... we went back to my art room... and had a few more glasses of wine.. and did some art.

Saturday morning, I made breakfast, then we worked on the dolls and when we got bored, we switched to Polymer Clay.

We went on a "wine run"... then back for more art!

It was just lots of fun talking, laughing.. eating Chocolate, drinking Wine and the occasional outburst of spontaneous dancing! All while doing art.

Anyway...
We weren't able to finish the dolls, but I'm having so much fun working on mine. I can't wait to see it when its all done. Oh and FYI... mine is going to be a Witch.. thus the "nose".. and for now, as Teri said, is looking a bit Like Robin Williams! LOL.

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun doing art. It was just great having my ART buddy/friend around.

To my "yittle friend Larry"..... come back soon!... lol

...Hope you all enjoy the Pictures!

... Check out my new section!

"MY ADDICTIONS"
....What' s yours?

ONE WEEK AND COUNTING!

2009-06-12T01:06:00.008-05:00

One more week, and my friend Teri will be here! YAY!

I don't have any recent pics of her, but I've posted her adorable "PRIM" doll, she created. This is what we're going to be making. I just can't wait!
I'm still trying to get my apartment "guest ready" And time is running out!

This Saturday, I'll be hanging out with my sisters, celebrating sister Deb's birthday. Leaving me most of Sunday to do any "BIG" stuff. I'm a admitted procrastinator, and while I've had plenty of time to get things done... I "prefer" to wait till the last minute.... how would I be stressed otherwise??? lol. Nawhh.. actually I've got everything under control. I'm just trying to keep it all tidy till Teri get's here

Last weekend, I tackled the art room walk in closet... OMG.... what was I thinking????
When I moved in a year ago, I thought I had it pretty well organized... till the holiday's came, and I actually had to try and get to things.
I ended up taking off the closet door.. it opened "in".. and made impossible to get to anything behind it. So... anyway.. the mess was amazing.. but I did it! Just look! you can see the art room floor again! Still, I have a lot of organizing to do, but I managed to empty about 9 boxes, and fill up 5 with "stuff" that I didn't want anymore... man.. thought I took care of that when I left my last place! so I packed it all up & will make a pit stop to the Salvation Army tomorrow. I have ROOM in the walk-in now.. and actually have a few empty shelves!!!!

And for the second Sunday in a row, I was treated to another Steak dinner, cooked by my daughter Jamie!! ahhh.. I just love Steak.
Jamie LOVES to cook. The first Steak dinner, came about after Jamies power went out, just shortly after she got home from work. She was just about to make herself some dinner, and blackout! So.. she brought all the "fixins" to my house... ha! then she came over again last Sunday.. and this time not only did I get a Steak dinner.. but she made us the tastiest Bloody Marys I've EVER had.. omg.. she rimmed the glass with some kind of Creole spice.. man it was awesome!
I decided to return the favor, and invite her over this Sunday, and I'll make the steaks.. (just like she taught me LOL)

Okay.. I'm up wayyyy too late.. and will regret this in about 5 hours... ahh what's new right?
It's FRIDAY.. AND PAYDAY TOO!.. loving it!
Hope you all have a great slow moving weekend!

FRIDAY!!!

2009-06-05T01:42:00.011-05:00

It's really June!... and all the snow and cold is just
chilly memory. I just love my drive to work, lots of trees, and wonderful morning shadows.

Memorial day weekend, friends Gloria and Laure came over for a "cook -in". Gloria brought the (already cooked) Ribs, I supplied the sides.. and Laure brought the snacks.
All I can say is.. YUUUUUUU-UMMM! The ribs came from GFS... so if you have one near you, try em! Baby Backs.. they were really, really saucy and good!

Gloria's birthday was May 21st... (and the date "was" also my wedding anniversary.. as my daughter Allison loves to remind me every year lol.. ).. and yikes.. I "would have been" married for 32 years!!! Instead, I have been happily, blissfully divorced for 24 years yahh!
... Sooooo... Anyyywayyyyy.
Gloria is not big on sweets, so I decided to present her with a Birthday Watermelon! LOL... she loved it.
when it came time to cut, ....eeewhhh! it smelled
musty, and it was so dry... garbage.. dammit.
Oh well, it made for a good laugh.

Monday, Memorial day, I was invited to my sister and bro-in-laws for a cook out.
Wow! the cooked enough to feed an army!
Everything was sooo good, and I got soo stuffed,
but did regret not taking home a plate... dammit.

Since then, I've just been trying to get my house in order. My friend Teri will be here in just 2 weeks!!! I am soo excited!! HEYAYYAYY!
I can't wait to meet IN PERSON, and do art together!!!! But, we really are old friends.
We've been talking on the phone, IM's and emails
for 6 years! I'll just get to meet the 3D version!

I still haven't done any ART in months!
and right now, my art room is going through a major re-organizing! But, I'll finally be able to get back to what I love soon!

Hope you "ALL" lol.. have a great weekend. I have to work Saturday 3-9.. the crappiest hours.. ugh! but I'll still have Sunday. then the next 2 weekends are mine!
First, hanging out with my sisters for Deb's birthday, then Teri will be here the following weekend! yay!

I am blessed and so are you! xo

MONDAY, MOSELY AND ME

2009-05-18T21:43:00.005-05:00

Hi Twyla, Lindsey and Marsha.. my loyal blog followers.. xoxo Thanks for all the comments! xoxo

Mosely, the little Maple tree, (on the right) has finally awoke from his Winter slumber. He has some catching up to do, but I'm happy to announce he's back and bloomin'!.... I need to get a life lol

The "Striped Abstracts" above, are actually photographs of my bedroom curtains, with the sun coming through the blinds!... I like them so much, I think I'll frame them and hang them in my bedroom.

I'm glad Monday is behind me. No reason, just because it's the beginning of the work week, ugh.
I'm always thinking ahead to the weekend.
I'm looking forward to this one, it's going to be 3 days yayyy! A couple of friends are coming over, and we're gonna feast on some BBQ Ribs, Potato salad, and other goodies!.. YUU UUM! I'll still have 2 days to play!
I haven't done ANY art since February! First I just wasn't in the mood, then my weekends were filled with other things, and I just never had the time.
For some reason, I don't like to do art in the evenings during the week. My mind just isn't in to it. I'm always thinking about the day to day stuff ya know, pay bills, laundry, TV etc... and winding down from work. On the weekends, I can clear my mind of all that, and just relax and create.
I decided to go into the ARTkissed "Archives" and post some ART that I sold on Ebay.
I used to have fun there, till their fees got to be so ridiculous. I think I posted about this before, and may have posted a few of these same pieces.. sorry..... blame it on Menopausal memory loss. lol..
Now, I'm in the mood to do painting. I love doing Collage, but Always find myself spending hours just finding, printing and cutting images. So, it will be fun just playin' with the paints this weekend.

I talked to my friend Teri yesterday. She coming to visit in just 4 weeks!!
I'm so excited! As I said before, she and I met on Ebay, and we've been "E-friends" since about 2002.. and never met! This is sooo cool!
I do wish I could meet my other arty E-friends too one day... (ya here that Twyla, Lindsey and Marsha?... if you're ever in Cleveland, let me know!)
Teri will come on Friday and leave on Sunday. We're gonna do an art project together and I'm really excited about it. Then, I think we'll just hang out FUN!!! FUN!!! FUN!!! I just wish we lived closer, and could hang out more.

So.. here it is, 11:30 p.m. time to wind down.. and get ready for another work day.
I just have to keep reminding myself that I'm lucky to have a job.. and forget that I hate it.
I am blessed.
Have a good rest of the week

FRIENDS & FAMILY

2009-05-11T23:56:00.004-05:00

What a great weekend I had!
Saturday, I met up with old friends, Nancy, Melony, Ruth and Gloria, at one of my favorite restaurants Fiesta Jalapeno. Let's just say, we made very "merry'...and leave it at that!
We haven't had that much "fun" in a longgg time lol..

Sunday, Mother's Day, Allison & Andy, Eddie and I all met at Jamie's house, then headed over to Don's Pomeroy House restaurant, just 2 minutes away. I had been waiting to eat there for a whole year! Last Mother's day, all the kids had to work, and weren't able to come over. I had just moved in my apartment, so I was preoccupied with unpacking. I told them that I wanted to go to a nice restaurant "next year" So that's just what we did.
Don's Pomeroy house, is the oldest building in Strongsville. Built in 1847. A beautiful old house, with lots of personality. All the wood doors and window frames are original. And yes.. there's even a local ghost that walks the creaky halls. The house has a wonderful history, including the fact that "The Pomeroy's" were Abolitionists, and gave safe harbor to many slaves, you can read more, by clicking the link above.
My Steak was so.. MMmmmmmm! and the kids enjoyed their meals too.
It was just so nice being with my all my babies, I love them so much!

So, the weekend went fast, but it was full of lots of fun.
My bestest friends, and my kids. What could be better than that

Hope you all had a great weekend.. and wonderful Mother's day too!
xoxo

JUST A LITTLE BIT OF FUN...

2009-05-07T01:05:00.003-05:00

Just a little bit of fun.

A digital collage of.. ME..

And... my apartment Leasing agent Joyce... who, is also an old elementary school classmate... found our old 5th. grade class photo!

from 1967!

That's me front center left.. and ironically Joyce is next to me on the right! Cool huh?

I have no recollection of that day.. or that outfit.

I loved my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Gooch.

Between Joyce and I, we managed to name most of the kids in the picture. Funny I spent 5 days a week with these kids.. and...POOF.. their names elude me.. Well, ok... it has been about 42 years. But I really thought that their names would just pop in my head.... ehh... not so much. Still, the more I studied the photo.. things did start coming back. But there are still those that I don't recall knowing at all.

I still want to remember all the (good) things I've forgotten. I was hoping that somone would make a memory pill. How cool would that be huh?

I'm ALWAYS telling my kids to take pictures of EVERYTHING. First cars, apartments, jobs, favorite clothing etc, Because one day they'll all be gone, and one day you'll want to see them again. and remember.

(click for a better view)

HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY!