New Year's Eve

I did a quick trip(24hrs.) down to St. George, with the boys, and we had a great time. Today was a glorious day on the beach- seventy degrees. Unfortunately, our sweet dog, Jack passed away, while we were gone. That is him on my main header- beloved, sweet and true. We could not have had a better dog to raise our boys. You were unconditional love, so thank you sweet friend, and yes, I might have to go have a good cry in the shower. Tonight with a heavy heart, appreciation, and peace, I will raise my glass to YOU!

P.S. That cute dog is George, and yes, it was bittersweet to watch him today...even though I didn't know Jack was gone. I just knew it was close. However, I love the cycle of life and watching this young dog whip up and down the beach chasing sea birds was comforting and it put me at peace. Adieu.

Awesome

Did y'all see the sunset the other night? I think the word "Awesome" is overused, but not in this case. I was driving back from the pet store with two new frogs and a beta fish, and just kept driving off into the sunset until the show ended. I was sad that I didn't have my camera, but glad that I was having one of those"One with God, One with Nature" moments. The next day my friend sent out an email about Glorious Thomasville Sunsets with a picture. Awesome!

Pixie Dust and Love Actually

Last night my son lost his second tooth. I, again, got the pleasure of pulling it out. Yes, I really enjoy pulling teeth and I am quite good at it too. My method of choice is dental floss, minty. Anyway, I had put them to bed and had sat down to my computer, when my son appeared and asked if he could write a note to the Tooth Fairy for some Pixie Dust. I thought for a nanosecond, realizing that there was not a speck of glitter in my house, and replied, "No, just go to BED." A moment later he appeared, "How do you spell -SOME?" Alright, lame ass mother of the year. Get your ass up and go compose a note to the Tooth Fairy with your cute son...Then go make some Pixie Dust HAPPEN. So I found some curling ribbon and divided into thirds and started cutting. I realized that our hole punch is heart shaped and starting punching. I heart punched our coffee bag because it was gold on the outside and silver on the other side. The new J.Crew was quite handy too- beautiful shades of red on both sides. I even used the glassine envelope from the Post Office and broke out the magic markers. I sprinkled it in his hair and bed. I put the rest in his little ziplock bag with his dollar bill. No, I don't believe in crazy amounts of money from the Tooth Fairy. Yes, I do believe in Pixie Dust and Love. Love is all you need.

Love at first sight

Love at first sight and the boy ain't bad either. My friend posted a link to this local talent that literally took my breathe away. His vessels are gorgeous. I majored in sculpture and to make wood do this is a trick. You should see the bedside table I made from a rough piece of cherry. Imagine four cherry legs, that look like wooden baseball bats from the Stone Age,with a top maybe an inch thick. Pathetic really, but it represents an amazing experience, that I had at Penland School of Crafts. As well as the realization, that furniture making was not my thing. It was way too much math and way too much work using way too many expensive machines, that I could never afford. I think I am going to have to take my boys down to see this guy. I think that a kayak hung down my hall would be great looking... Dreamy on all accounts.

The elves are back and they are bad... Check out my store's blog for Elves behaving badly.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Star Wars vs. Eiffel

I'm looking for some feedback people...Here is my question.  My boys have asked Santa for Star Wars Legos- MORE Star Wars Legos, because we have a plenty!  Would they be mortified, scarred, and emotionally wronged, if Santa brought them the Lego Eiffel Tower instead?   I'm thinking worldy instead of out of this world, and since my fine custom,bookcases have now become the Star Wars landing zone...Well, I much rather look at the Eiffel Tower.  Please don't get me wrong, I  heart Star Wars, but they asked Santa for the expensive sets, thinking they are doing me a favor.  It is hard to spend over $100 bucks ... really hard to spend over a $100 bucks on Legos.  So, if I am spending over a $100 bucks, then I would much rather spend it on the Lego Eiffel Tower.  Hell, I'll help them make the Eiffel Tower all day long.  Star Wars not so much.   I use to think the Eiffel Tower was SO CLICHE,(Eat more Crow), and then I saw it!  I couldn't stop looking at it.  I only took a thousand pictures of it.  I HEART THE EIFFEL TOWER.  Alright, already.   I know the answer, I just had to vent a little.  However, I do think Darth Vader and Luke could have a very effective battle scene on the Eiffel Tower...Oh Snap, who am I kidding? 

P.S. The picture of the Eiffel Tower was taken by my FB friend Carolyn.  Yes, I stole it off her page. The Yoda Mouse, along with Emperor Mouse, are handmade by a very clever artist in the Netherlands I believe.  They were a huge hit in my boy's stockings last year.  An Ewok and Chewbacca Mouse are on their way to add to their collection.    It's all relative right!?

Let the Maintenance Begin

I apologize for not posting in a while.  It is that time of year where I can't even see straight, so I certainly can't think straight.  I have a store for anyone who doesn't know me, which if you read this, you know me better than most.   Anyway, the other day I was getting ready to go to work and I realized that it is taking me a lot longer these days.   Who knew that to look "natural" could take so long!  I designed a greeting card in my head that morning.  "Happy 3_ ! "

 ( Whatever the year, you fill it in).   Then you open the card and it says "Let the maintenance begin!"  I think I am on to something... Then I started to get dressed.  Specifically putting on my bra, if you can call it that.  The brand name is Barely There and guess what!?  They are BARELY THERE!  Think training bra of an eleven year old.  Anyway, I came up with a million dollar ad campaign for a plastic surgeon.  We all have seen that DOVE commercial where the ladies sing the old camp song.  Well, if I was a plastic surgeon wanting to sell some boob jobs, my song would go something like this:

DO YOUR BOOBS HANG LOW?

DO THEY WOBBLE TO AND FRO?

CAN YOU TIE IN A KNOT ?

CAN YOU TIE THEM IN A BOW?!

CAN YOU THROW THEM OVER YOUR SHOULDER LIKE A CONTINENTAL SOLDIER?

DO YOUR BOOBS HANG LOW?

Can you imagine the business you would do!  If there is a great plastic surgeon out there, especially in Atlanta or New York City maybe we could barter boobs for the jiggle.  I got a sister too.  We could recover together in some swanky hotel...Hmmm. I think I'm on to something.  The fact that I would even half way consider BOOBS, that made me laugh too.  Well,  that leads to the last idea I had that morning-  A t-shirt design with a silhouette of a crow.  It would read, "EAT MORE CROW. "   Luckily, that is the upside of maturing, I am hopefully eating less Crow, but old/wise enough to know that I am still capuable of eating more.  Actually, I think CROW is good for your soul.  We all could eat more(CROW) and (soapbox) less.  Being humble and gracious is so much more attractive. Furthermore, the more successful you think you are or are, the more humble and gracious you need to be.  I really struggled with that notion growing up.  I was and can be very self-absorbed(EAT MORE CROW), and the reason for that self-absorption can come from many places. I know where mine stems from, but  I won't bother you with that dribble.   Life and living a good life is about personal checks and balances, and just not taking yourself so seriously.  When in doubt, EAT MORE CROW!  Hmmm, I think I am on to something.  Nan

The boys, including the Man Child, fished and fished  and fished.  Fishing, as we all know, requires lots and lots of patience.  I think Man Child raised his game, in the patience department that weekend, whether he knows it or not.  I think he only got hooked twice, by the boys, but probably had to duck a thousand, unhooked several trees, including the one's I caught, and replaced lures and bait all day long.  I know what he was thinking, "At least, I am still fishing..."  I know what I was thinking- gratitude for a great Dad whether he knows it or not.  I think he does. 

F.F.F.

This time last week we were driving to the mountains.  It was our fall break and I didn't know if it would be a long weekend of F.F.F.( Forced Family Fun) or F.F.F.(Fall Family Fun).  As hoped, it was the later.  It was actually the best weekend I have ever had with my darling family.  As an individual,  it was the most spiritual weekend I have ever experienced. Period.  One with Nature. One with God.  It just doesn't get any better than that.  Walking in the glorious woods, I paused for a moment and made this heart.  I can't wait to get back...

I just turned Fifty...

     I just celebrated FIFTY!  Fifty postings that is... Who knew I could ramble on and on and on! Thanks guys for reading my dribble and speaking of dribble droop.  I am posting a picture that my son took last night.  I was resting my laurels with a glass of red wine.  Imagine that.  The picture is OK.  The picture of my boobs, or lack there of, is not!  Before children,  I had nice perky little anthills.  Now I have ant bites.  If I  have a third child,  he will have to nurse on my backside.  Seriously!  Dribble Droop!

    While I am rambling on randomness, this book, CAKEWRECKS and blog makes me laugh.  I don't pretend to bake and honestly, have no desire.  So here is a picture of some more dribble droop.  I hope the bride got a good chuckle, I certainly would have.  

     If you read my blog then you know I like to use the word, SNAP!  Basically,  I use it as often as I do, because I really want to say S _ _ _ , and at the end of the day, my momma,(she prefers mother) ,raised me as a southern lady.  Yes, that makes me crazy, as I roll my eyes at her annoying effectiveness.  Last night on FB, I saw a picture my friend posted, it is a flow-chart on the word SNAP.  If you think I am amusing, then you would adore Doug.  I do. 

 

Any hooo, enough dribble droop, and again thank you for reading...Here is to the next Fifty!                                                                      Cheers! Nan

Musee de las Chasse et de la Nature

This is a great museum in Paris that appealed to me on so many strange and wonderful levels.  This picture depicts the ceiling of a tiny room, think cozy bedroom closet, that was covered in four different owl heads and all their feathers and glory.   So bizarre and fantastic all at the same time.  The other pictures were taken at a cemetery, in Crail, Scotland.  I wasn't looking for skull and crossbones, but the more I looked, the more they seemed to jump out at me.  Yes, I'm getting excited about Halloween...Enjoy!

Economics 101

Somewhere in my middle school career my economics's teacher emblazoned in my brain the difference between  a "want" and a "need". I'm still resentful about it.  I kind of  "need" a pair of black shoes.  I  "want" these black shoes.  Aren't they chic and fabulous looking.  The review was that they were "insanely beautiful" and "insanely uncomfortable".  If I were insanely young and insanely rich, I wouldn't have cared, but since I am on the cusp of officially old and poor, I do.  The complaint/review went on to say that it had zero arch support and that her lower back was killing her by the end of the day. They are so pretty though... Also, I didn't "want" to pay the insanely  high price tag. What is an almost old woman  to do?  Well, you guessed it.  She(me) buys shoe # TWO.  Boo, Hooo, Hooo, and POO on Mr. Grooms, my economics's teacher!

Creative Room

I need to make our spare room a.k.a JUNK room a bedroom for my eldest son, Reid.  Needless to say, I have been "researching", which means procrastination on cleaning the room and just doing it.  I came across this picture of a room and thought it was fun.  It is not me, but I do appreciate it, and envy the fact that it is DONE.  I particularly like the floor and it would be a great application for Reid's room.  Do I dare?  Do I dare paint a square?  Do I dare?  I am thinking a dark green black?!  I am so practical, I even impress myself!?  Do I dare even throw it out there to my husband?  Do I dare?  He could  very well go for my jugular!  Unfortunately, you can't hide a green square and unfortunately I would need his mathematical skills....SNAP!  I'll keep you posted on that one.  Perhaps, a little more procrastination is in order.

HE does answer prayers even petty ones...

HE does answer prayers, even petty ones that don't really matter in the big scheme of things... I was visibly sick when DOMINO magazine folded and then somewhat tortured every month when other magazines put out their dribble of visual mediocrity.  In fact, that is when the recession hit me.  If DOMINO can't make it then who the hell can.  I also think that with the economy, I have realized how important "Home" is and that it doesn't necessarily take money, although it helps, it takes time, creativity, and love.  I want my HOME to be my HAVEN, my children's NEST that inspires them and me.  DOMINO was my inspiration and an incredible resource especially when you live in South Georgia.  Now I am tickled pink over the new online publication LONNY Magazine,  www.lonnymag.com .  I sat at my computer yesterday and poured over it all day long.  It made me start picking up. It made me hang a mirror. It made me make eggplant parmigiana and home made bread!  It was the wind in my sails.  It is inspiring. It is brilliant! It is LONNY.  Thank you,Thank you, Thank you!

S.S.S.S.

If you know me, then you know I am not a fan of snakes, at ALL.  I don't like the good, the bad, and they are UGLY in my book.  In fact, I don't really even like DEAD snakes.  I don't like them here or there, I don't like them anywhere.  I have done my share of running over them growing up down my parent's long lane.  They seem to have a plethora of poisonous snakes; I still wear a rattlesnake belt that my brother(age 13 at the time) killed in our front yard.   Again I know that might be shallow of me and if I lived in Maine, or somewhere else North then I would probably brake for them and let them cross in peace.  I have even gardened a couple of years with a little garden snake and I knew approximately where he lived in my lush shade garden, but it never changed my reaction.  He always scared the livin' ---- out of me, as I immediately screamed  __ __  __ T !*@!  That seems to be my word of choice, when I'm scared ----less, or mad as hell.  We all have our "word" and that is mine.  It could worse. It could be better.  It is what it is.  Right, Carol!  Anyway,  I think gardening in peace and harmony went out with the bath water as I grabbed a hoe that day and took care of business.  No Mas.  Sorry dude, I tried. Then you have to remove the snake.  If you ever get to see me remove a snake, you might want to put on  some Depends.  My movement is somewhere between Elaine's dance from Seinfeld, a convulsion, a spasm, and a giant shiver.  My facial expression is just downright ugly, think Don Knotts.  My mouth is absolutely dreadful, think Tourette's  Syndrome.  I know when I meet my Maker he will probably want to have a conversation about this.  HE won't win. HE could probably change my mind, but not the heart.   Thankfully, HE is a loving and forgiving GOD... Besides, if HE had put me in the Garden of Eden then we might still be there, living in peace and harmony.   I would have had nothing to do with that SNAKE and certainly WOULDN'T be shooting the ---- with him, PERIOD.  Secondly, I love being Naked- very natural as GOD intended!  Anyway,  the point of all this explanation is to show y'all some pictures of what my friend Sally got to witness when she was in Alabama at a hunting lodge.  These "lovely" creatures were  living underground ,at the front steps, going into this lodge.  Apparently someone saw one come out and shot it.  Then another one came out.  BOOM.  Then some gasoline was involve.  I 'm sure some more shooting, and so on and so forth.  Needless to say, THANK GOD I wasn't there because I would have been SHOOTING, ----ING, SHIVERING and SOUNDING like a sailor.

P.S.  While we are on the subject of "lovely" creatures...this bad boy(13ft.+) was recently killed in a beautiful river less than an hour from my house.  I won't be going there anytime soon either.  

A Love Affair

I'm having a love affair.  A serious LOVE affair.  I just can't get enough of him...I even took him to work today, so that I could use and abuse him, between customers of course!  Man can he SUCK like no other!  Wow, that sounds a little dirty...BUT he is DIRTY, very, very DIRTY!  He's an ANIMAL.  His name is Dyson and I heart him very, very much.  

Owls

LOVE HOO YOU ARE !  This just makes me smile and then some.

Progress?!

Oh SNAP!  Painting the three rooms was a little unrealistic, actually a lot unrealistic.  Hence story of my life.  However, I did get one done by the hair of my chinny chin chin.  I think I was literally hanging curtains as HIMSELF was driving into The Ville.   It has literally taken six months to do one room.  Good Grief.  Really!  When we moved into this house, we lost about a 1,000 square feet and lots and lots of storage.  So I am trying to claim this space and make it work for us and  that requires a lot of organization, time, money, and being  realistic.  Unfortunately, I lack in all of those departments.  The Living Room still isn't done.  I am waiting on a chandelier, need two lamps for the sofa table, need an electrician to put floor plugs in and hang the chandelier, a beautiful orchid or something something to go on the sofa table, bamboo blinds for all the windows, a cushion made for the window seat,would love to paint the bead board ceiling blue and  a big ol' money tree in the backyard.  Progress?! Oh SNAP!  

Dating myself

I am either really wrong and dating myself or I am really right, and still dating myself, BUT R.E.M.'s Murmur has to be one of the best albums of all times.  Also, just an f.y.i. for all my three readers, I think I have a blister on the bottom of foot from YOGA(all two days in a row)...I'm thinking that is kind of sad and wrong and dating myself or great, yoga's kicking your generous ass and you're still DATING yourself.  What a conundrum this aging process is.  Something to think about on the mat tomorrow.  NAMASTE and then some, Nan