Daily Doily

Changing my blog!!!

2008-04-03T16:14:00.010-05:00

I have decided to *change my blog address*. It is still going to be the same blog, just on typepad. It's going to be prettier + fancier :] Hope everyone likes it!!! Let me know what you think!

Thanks! Here's the new blog.

Thursday Thirteen: 13 things I'm looking forward to...

2008-04-03T15:11:00.002-05:00

L's:
1. The return of the mail art book + getting to add more mail art.
2. Finishing the zipper bag I started + learning how to slip stitch???
3. Making more arsty clutches for my mom, kristen, and a few other special people (secret).
4. Sewing more zipper bags + pencil cases :]
5. Painting some more little watercolors from my grandpa's photo album.
6. Starting a new series of little paintings-watercolor, acrylic maybe, pencil, ink, crayon, you name it, very colorful, abstract, and full of little creature I love maybe. We'll have to see.
7. The possibility of maybe finally getting a show together with Mel + Michelle maybe :] cross ur fingers.
8. The Multiple Sclerosis Walk here this Sat. at Shelby Farms for my bestest friend Kristen's mom + bringing Vera + Kacey.
9. The possibility of my Grandmother finding her old big bag of buttons :] yay!
10. Going antiquing this weekend to look for buttons + other treasures.
11. Going biking + completing the tour de wolf trail again :]
12. Hanging out with my Danielson!
13. Some sunny weather + my tulips blooming!

D's:
1. getting out of debt someday
2. playing in different towns
3. finishing up our cd
4. hopefully getting a chance to go antiquing with lp
5. tigers game Saturday night with lp
6. sleeping
7. finishing up my monthly work
8. the possibility of seeing an lp show
9. going biking
10. warm weather
11. a reduced crime rate in Memphis
12. getting my motorcycle out of storage
13. just hanging with lp :)

Wish I had seen this Fabric yesterday...

2008-04-03T15:08:00.003-05:00

I heart Hedgehogs + Mushrooms!

2008-04-02T15:47:00.004-05:00

I just got these new notions + fabrics here.

2008-04-02T14:23:00.000-05:00

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons

2008-03-31T16:33:00.003-05:00

Vintage buttons make me happy :] These are really cute! I love the pink ones (of course). I will have a biding war on these on e-bay. We'll see who wins. I'm going to go antiquing this weekend too on Summer to see if I can find more buttons. I just got into sewing. I made an artsy clutch from the book Bend the Rules Sewing, and I need vintage buttons to close them. I've looked at new buttons, but they just aren't as great!

World's Largest Cupcake???

2008-03-31T13:51:00.003-05:00

Mmm...Hmm...(photo courtesy of standing still)

BLOOMINGTON – Bakers at the Mall of America were successful in making the world's largest cupcake Sunday .
The World's Largest Bake Sale was put on by the non-profit group Share Our Strength. The organization wants to encourage people from across America to end childhood hunger by raising money through bake sales.
Food Network's "Ace of Cakes" Duff Goldman and his crew undertook the challenge of making the world's largest cupcake.
"Just the frosting alone took 16 pounds of butter, 10 pounds of sugar, and 3 oz. of food coloring," Goldman said. -courtesy of MyFOX

I finished the whole trail!

2008-03-28T18:30:00.005-05:00

The Tour de Wolf Trail: Shelby Farms...6.7 miles!!!
I actually finished the trail! I am so proud of myself! If you would have asked me if I ever thought I would Mountain Bike 6.7 miles I would have said you're CRAZY!!! It was so hard! I cussed out Scott the whole time, haha! (Had to put that in there for you Scott if ur reading). He put up with my complaints, and waited on my slow ass. He said I'm going to have to get new brakes every time I ride because I ride the brakes the whole time. I am not fearless at all. Never really realized how fearful I am. Kinda sucks!!! Today I am so sore!!! I ran into a tree on my right shoulder-it's got a bunch of little bruised dots. Then I fell over on a bridge into a ditch-which scraped my leg up. I wanted to cry but didn't. It didn't hurt, I was just exhaused! I'm so outta shape! I can't wait to do it again though :]

Happy Easter Keaster!

2008-03-25T19:09:00.006-05:00

These are the Cupcakes i made for work on Good Friday: the icing was AMAZING!!!-YUM-O!This is me + my Easter basket on Easter morning. Never too old to get a basket :] haha It was filled with lots of goodies including an Eeyore dressed up as a bunny!i love my mommie!!! Us on Easter after church.
My sweetie-pie niece: Emerson Marie "Emmie" She's precious! She kept posing for me...I'll post more pics later :]Hope everyone had a great Easter filled with peace, love + cupcakes :]

Thursday Thirteen: 13 things I've always wondered...

2008-03-20T11:21:00.002-05:00

L's
1. How people can build huge things like the golden gate bridge, machu picchu, Notre Dame, Machu Picchu, Eiffel Tower, etc.
2. What makes the world go round.
3. Who I'm going to marry.
4. What if I was never born.
5. What I look like through other people's eyes + how I appear.
6. How my life is going to turn out.
7. How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?-haha, had to put that in here.
8. Why we don't make cats potty outside + why a litter box? -YUCK!
9. What makes things work + how we've invented so many things.
10. What it would be like to just LET GO!!!- I mean really LET GO!
11. What it would be like to live in the 50's.
12. Why you can't have your cake + eat it too + with icing on top! -pink icing! ha!
13. Many things, but can't think of any REALLY good ones?

D's
1. are there ufo’s and if so why don’t they contact us
2. can you survive if you jump right before an elevator lands
3. can you eat till you explode – I think I’ve gotten close
4. can people really just catch on fire? spontaneous combustion – I’m scared of that
5. I feel like I’ve seen a ghost. Do they exist
6. I once saw the very top of a tree burning in a cemetery at night. no lightning or anything out. how did that happen
7. how do computers and cell phones work.
8. what it was like to live in the 60”s and go to Woodstock
9. why do some people drive so damn slow in the passing lane
10. I wonder how people work in a cubicle their whole life cause it’s driving me crazy
11. what am I going to be like when I’m old and if I’ll ever amount to anything
12. how you keep a dummy in suspense
13. who thinks about me and why

Magnolia Bakery Cupcakes

2008-03-20T10:35:00.004-05:00

As Rachael Ray would say, YUM-O!!!

Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcakes Recipe

Makes about 2 dozen cupcakes (depending on the size of your cupcake papers and muffin tins)
CUPCAKES:
*1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
*1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
*1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
*2 cups sugar
*4 large eggs, at room temperature
*1 cup milk
*1 teaspoon vanilla extract
ICING:
Vanilla Buttercream (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake papers.
3. In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
5. Cool the cupcakes in the tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing. At the bakery we ice the cupcakes with either Vanilla Buttercream or Chocolate Buttercream.

Note: If you would like to make a layer cake instead of cupcakes, divide the batter between two 9-inch round cake pans and bake the layers for 30-40 minutes.

The vanilla buttercream we use at the bakery is technically not a buttercream but actually an old-fashioned confectioners’ sugar and butter frosting. Be sure to beat the icing for the amount of time called for in the recipe to achieve the desired creamy texture.
Makes enough for one 2-layer 9-inch cake or 2 dozen cupcakes
*1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
*6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
*1/2 cup milk
*2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

I've been to the Magnolia Bakery once, and oh is it good :] A little cupcake of heaven! I'm going to make some for the Good Friday party we are having at work. We'll see how they turn out!

click for cookbook

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2008-03-17T09:56:00.003-05:00

Three is Ireland's magic number. Hence the Shamrock.

Crone, Mother and Virgin.

Love, Valour and Wit.

Faith, Hope and Charity.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

*past, present and future*

*behind, before and here*
*sky, earth and underworld*

Thursday Thirteen: 13 things I’d like to be or do if I could do anything (in no particular order)

2008-03-13T15:25:00.005-05:00

Linny's:
1. Full time *Artist*
2. Mommy to a beautiful little girl w/ blonde hair :] like me.
3. Travel the united states in an airstream + see the 1,000 places to see before you die that are in the u.s. and explore the romance of the road
4. Be an environmentalist/peace-seeker
5. Own my own store that is successful selling artsy*crafty*doggy things
6. Open a Cupcake bakery!
7. An octopus floating around in the sea + playing w/ all my arms, haha- that's a silly one.
8. Tornado chaser- I dream about tornados coming to get me all the time; but there's something about them that interests me + excites me.
9. Start my own magazine about fashion, art, crafts, decorating, funky stuff.
10. Fashion Designer/ Designer
11. Model
12. Be Danny's love slave, haha!
13. Alice in Wonderland- a bored little girl who goes looking for adventure and ends up: following a white rabbit down a rabbit hole, swims through a pool of tears, hang out with a dodo bird (who are now extinct), find a blue catterpillar smoking a hookah on a mushroom, get advice from a cheshire cat, attend a mad tea party, + play croquet with pink flamingos as the mallet!

Danny's:
1. a full time traveling musician
2. a forensic investigator
3. an actor on Saturday night live (they have so much fun)
4. a bald headed eagle (I’d be endangered so people couldn’t shoot me and I could soar in the clouds without worrying of engine failure)
5. a professional dirt bike stunt man. I’d love to be able to do a backflip
6. spiderman or superman – either one would be cool
7. a mad scientist – I’d like to make clones
8. anything right now that would get me out of this cube
9. Lindsay’s love slave
10. a house dog or cat – sometimes I get so jealous of my dog. Especially in the morning when I’m going to work and he’s chilling out and napping
11. a mountain man – just living off the land
12. a magician
13. a ninja – I always wanted to be a ninja when I was a kid. Do they get paid to wear those cool clothes I wonder?

Spell With Flickr

2008-03-12T10:17:00.001-05:00

spell any word you want with flickr pictures, yay! click for link

World Food Programme

2008-03-11T15:18:00.002-05:00

Even a small donation will go a long way. Porridge, rice or beans—it takes just 25 cents to fill one of the red cups WFP uses to give hungry kids regular meals. This food will not only feed bodies and minds, it will transform lives. Join Drew Barrymore and help us "Fill the Cup." I AM!!! :]

Mail Art From Roger

2008-03-10T22:48:00.011-05:00

I had another fight with my mail box to get this package. I guess it makes the package that much more exciting; building anticipation! I opened the outer envelope to find a paper covered box w/ drawings. It says "Just Rip Me Apart". You should know I was not going to rip it, but find an exact spot to slice the paper open with my knife so that I did not cut the drawing :] Once opened a plain brown box with a book inside. I open the book and find a letter + drawings. This book is to be sent back and forth: filling with drawings, art, and words. And above all??? "ANYTHING GOES". Yay!!! You don't know how much this excites me. It's kinda like the sisterhood of the traveling pants...haha. You would probably have to look that one up. I can't wait to fill it + send it back + wait. Great idea Roger :] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Another New Painting

2008-03-08T20:39:00.004-06:00

Another painting from a pic in my grandfather's photo album.

Snowing in March!

2008-03-07T19:00:00.004-06:00

It has been snowing straight for 7 hours now!!! I've never seen it like this before! It's like a blizzard! And to think it was 70 degrees last Sunday and it's supposed to be 54 this Sunday! I got off work 3 hours early :) yay! I'm about to eat some chilli + drink a beer + get cozy!!!

Artist Studio

2008-03-06T16:32:00.002-06:00

I was looking at art studios today and came across this site. I love this place on the outside! so FUN :) She calls it her big treehouse in the woods. How happy would you be here? wow!
Click for link

My Grandfather's Photo Album

2008-03-04T22:42:00.006-06:00

New series of paintings i've started...there's only a few photos in this album, but i want to make about 25 paintings of these images.

2008-03-04T13:57:00.005-06:00

We're sending out 500 sketchbooks. You fill them and send them back. Then we throw a show with all of the books lining tables around our gallery, free for everyone to flip through and view.
Everyone has ideas on how they would save the world. Whether its something as small as planting a tree or as grand as beating up every boss at the end of each level on the old Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game, it's your solution to the world. Show it in your sketchbooks.

I just signed up for this project! Yay! I'm really excited. Sounds like so much fun!

Click here for full info + website!

The Darjeeling Limited

2008-03-03T15:41:00.007-06:00

"Three American brothers who have not spoken to each other in a year set off on a train voyage across India with a plan to find themselves and bond with each other -- to become brothers again like they used to be. Their "spiritual quest", however, veers rapidly off-course (due to events involving over-the-counter pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper spray), and they eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert with eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. At this moment, a new, unplanned journey suddenly begins."

I watched this movie this weekend. It seemed to go nowhere, but the colors + photography were amazing. "All of his movies are extremely stylized, with slow motion sequences, wide lenses that slightly distort the frame, and privileged, depressed characters with family issues all thrown together in a slightly artificial, timeless, carefully detailed environment."-imdb

Fuschias, Oranges, Yellows, Turquoises, Blues, Reds...Amazing Color!!!

Myka!

2008-03-02T13:13:00.003-06:00

Here I am on my new Myka! yay! This was the first night I got it. I just rode around my neighborhood. The next day I took it to Shelby Farms. I went about half of this trail:
1. Shelby Farms: Tour de Wolf Bike Trail

Point of Departure: Visitor Center, Shelby Farms Park

This 5.5-mile rolling off-road loop features beautiful sections of hardwood single track and wide open prairie grass. The trail is marked with signage and is well suited for the beginner or experienced mountain bike rider.
I chickened out on only one hill and it was at the very beginning + it was my first time. I'm going to get it next time though :)

Flickr Friday #1

2008-02-29T16:40:00.003-06:00

From now on I am going to post a favorite pic. from flickr.com...this is my first!
"Happy" by Elsie Flannigan i *love* this girl's photos, scrapbook stuff + blog :) yay!
click for flickr link
click for Elsie's blog

Thursday Thirteen: 13 things you look forward to in the spring*summer...when the weather gets so much better than right now

2008-02-28T16:14:00.004-06:00

D's

I’m ready to ride my mountain bike
I’m ready to run outside comfortably
I’m ready to ride my motorcycle
I’m ready to walk around downtown
I’m ready to swim
I’m looking forward to our Colorado tour (http://www.myspace.com/dovagroverocks or www.dovagrove.com) sorry I had to plug us :)
I’m looking forward to the beach and sand in my drawers
I’m looking forward to the sun being out when I get off work
I’m looking forward to short sleeve shirts and flip flops
Windows rolled down in my ride
Sitting on the porch or by the pool
Watching outside shows – maybe bonnaroo again – or something close to that
any of these I get to do with Lindsay

L's

1. Laying on a soft blanket in the park- drawing, picnic, soaking in the sun (with sunscreen of course)
2. Trying out my new mountain bike
3. Trying out my new running shoes + seeing if I can actually jog-ha!
4. Walking around Beale St. and South Main on Sundays.
5. South Main Trolley Tours the last friday of every month
6. Hopefully visiting my parents new beach house in Destin, FL.
7. Wearing shorts + flip-flops
8. Pool parties at my parents-when my dad's not drunk
9. Feeling sand + ocean under my feet + cold grass under my feet.
10. My trip to Europe- with my sis! to Athens, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Venice, Vienna, Munich, Lucerne, Rhineland, Amsterdam, Dover, and London + everywhere in between!11. Daylight savings time*
12. Planting *flowers* + fixing up my back porch + front flower bed.
13. Doing any of these with "D" + any of "D's" with him!

Don't Worry Baby

2008-02-28T15:26:00.002-06:00

This song came on my Pandora, and I had forgotten about it. I'm so oldschool. I love oldies music! This video is great!

Trek 4300 WSD vs. Myka HT

2008-02-28T14:28:00.006-06:00

I went to Peddler today at lunch and rode my bike. It is so pretty :) The guy tried to sell me on the Trek 4300 WSD which is $80 more, but I think I like the Myka HT still. I like the way it looks better for sure, haha. But that's not what matters I know.

Bike Bells + Baskets...bringing it back! oh yeah!

2008-02-27T14:37:00.008-06:00

I love these I heart MY BIKE bells! so cute + retro!!!
1. Top Left- Carrie Bicycle Basket click here 2. Top Right- I heart MY BIKE click here
3. Bottom- Mirrycle Incredibell Jellibell, Translucent Bicycle Bell click here

With Love: Artists' Letters and Illustrated Notes

2008-02-26T13:27:00.004-06:00

I saw this book recently at a bookstore and thought it looked interesting and romantic.

-Reading other peoples' love letters brings out the voyeur in most of us. These deeply personal communications have the power to make us blush or, at the very least, to let us observe a tender moment in the lives of others. With Love: Artists' Letters and Illustrated Notes, a selection of more than forty affectionate communiqués and rare photographs from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, provides a glimpse into the private affairs of some of our greatest creative minds, celebrating romantic and familial love, as well as friendship. This beautifully designed book is a treasury of love letters, illustrated poetry, collages, and drawings in various media from renowned talent such as Frida Kahlo, Ee ro Saarinen, Lee Krasner, and Gio Ponti. A separate section containing complete transcriptions of all the supplementary materials further enriches this fascinating, visually rich, and collectible volume.-book description

click for link

I can't wait for SPRING!!!

2008-02-25T15:24:00.004-06:00

Bike that I want...specialized Myka
I can't wait for spring so I can start doing things outside! I love cool/warm weather!!! Not too hot, not too cold! I'm saving my $$$ to get this bike, yay!

click for link

and I got some running shoes...Mizuno Wave Rider 10

Expressions Game with Camera

2008-02-21T18:09:00.011-06:00

Thursday Thirteen: Thirteen Things I Love About You

2008-02-21T16:43:00.001-06:00

L's...
I love the way you look at me, like you love me and want to be with me forever.
I love your scar on your (your right/my left) eyebrow and the one on ur tummy where you had ur appendix taken out!
I love your birthmark in ur hair, your blonde spot :)
I love your pretty lips, that kiss me so perfectly.
I love how you always know that right thing to say to make me smile.
I love your facial expressions.
I love how tight you hold me, and how you make me feel so safe.
I do admit I think it's kinda sexy that you have a motorcycle, even though I've always hated them, and hate the fact that you could hurt yourself on it.
I love your voice and the way you say certian things.
I love doing everyday things with you and having our routine- like going to Beale Street on Sunday (even though we've only done it once-but it will become tradition, haha) and our Thursday Thirteens!
I love that I can tell you anything and know you will love me still (or I think you will).
I love getting an e-mail from you every morning and throughout the day!
I love that I feel I could love you forever if you let me.
D's...
I love your smile
I love your style
l love your soft pale skin and blonde hair
I love your eyes – especially when I’m looking directly into them
I love your laugh
I love it that you’re artistic
I love it that you can play the piano
I love it when you sing along with songs
I love our routines too
I love it that you don’t just take but you also give back
I love going to games with you
I love it when you talk in your high pitch voice
l love you for loving me.

Capsule Letters

2008-02-21T16:21:00.001-06:00

Message in a bottle? How about a message in a capsule. Write a secret love note and slip it in a coat pocket, in a lunch bag or underneath a pillow. Small but potent, a definite cure for sure!
click for link

I love letters, snail mail, and mail art :) This is a cute + different idea.

Bottle Tree

2008-02-19T22:43:00.003-06:00

DID YOU KNOW? Bottle Trees are also a Mississippi favorite, not actually a bottle tree, but literally a tree covered in bottles to catch evil spirits before they could reach your home. It is believed this practice originated in the Caribbean on the island of Haiti and was brought to the mainland by slaves practicing voodoo.

Actually, further research will show that bottle trees can be found in people's yards all over the world.

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottle_tree"

I have always been fascinated with these since I heard of them. They have been in a few movies I know of: Winn-Dixie and The Skeleton Key. I love traditions, especially ones that rely on the spirit. I've also always been interested in voodoo. You might just find a bottle tree in my yard one of these days. I don't think my condo would like it, so I may have to wait til I get a house.

bottletree.com

My Valentine...sorry to keep you waiting...

2008-02-19T22:18:00.007-06:00

we never change do we? no, no,no...

i wanna live in a wooden house...

when the truth is, i miss you...yeah the truth is, that i miss you, so

My Valentine??? The sweetest man ever...D. Yep that's you. I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Cheesy? Yep-but we like cheese. Thanks for making me so happy! And for making my heart drop sweetie-pie. Can't wait to be made fun of for this post, haha. You wanted it! Mwah!
xoxo

Gelaskins

2008-02-18T10:46:00.006-06:00

GelaSkins /Protection with Style. Not Bulk. Removeable Art Prints for your I-pods and Laptops...
Very Cute! I just ordered one for my I-pod Video. I got one by my *fav* Audrey Kawasaki (she's on both my blogs). You can order these for your ipod touch, ipod, iphone, macbook, laptop, etc.!!! Yay!

Click for link

Valentine's Day Mail Art

2008-02-16T02:33:00.004-06:00

Yay!!! I got mail art from Roger Allan Cleaves on Valentine's Day! So exciting. It's been a while. I promise to mail art you back soon! I love the dolls, they are awesome!!! and of course the drawings too!

Valentine's Day Loves...

2008-02-16T02:22:00.004-06:00

D's Thursday Thirteen

2008-02-14T11:05:00.002-06:00

1. to have someone to hold
2. to have someone to think about when you listen to a beautiful song
3. to know someone is thinking of you
4. to enjoy youth with
5. to get wrinkly and old with
6. to share dreams and disappointments with
7. to help you find something to do when you’re bored
8. to bring someone into the world with
9. to eat countless meals with
10. to sleep countless nights with
11. to help keep track of how old you are
12. to share valentine’s day with
13. to lay beside you when you’re both gone

Thursday Thirteen

2008-02-14T10:29:00.002-06:00

13 Reasons to love someone:
1. They make your life better than it's ever been.
2. You can be yourself around them, and not care because you know they will love you that much more.
3. You could spend all day and night just looking into their eyes.
4. Their kiss takes your breath away and makes your heart sink to your stomach.
5. The love you share is patient, kind, never boastful, never conceited, never rude, never selfish or quick to take offense, able to face anything, no limit to its faith, hopeful, enduring, and not envious.
6. They look perfect no matter what way you look at them.
7. You miss them whenever you're apart, but feel warm inside because you're close in heart.
8. They're happiness is essential to your own happiness.
9. You can be stupid together.
10. You can't imagine spending a day without them.
11. You feel that meeting them was fate, becoming their friend was choice, but falling in love with them was out of your control.
12. You're life did not feel complete until you met them.
13. If they live to be a hundred, you want to live to be a hundred minus one day so you never have to live without them. -A.A. Milne Quote (creator of winnie-the-pooh)

Love Sonnet XVIIby Pablo Neruda
I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving
but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T10:22:00.005-06:00

One More Day 'Til Valentines Day

2008-02-13T14:36:00.006-06:00

Doily Envelopes:
I was looking at MarthaStewart.com yesterday and found these sweet Valentine's. Great idea since I love doilies!!! I love the patterning on all the different ones.

(Paper doilies make delightful, lacy sleeves for hand-delivered valentines. Fold different kinds of doilies to show off particular elements of their patterns -- a starry mandala, a ring of wheeling snowflakes, a fragile open heart. With the embossed side of the doily face up, fold in the sides, then fold up the bottom. Cut a piece of tinted art paper to fit neatly inside. Write something flattering and true, and seal the envelope with the tap of a glue stick. The contrasting color dramatizes the lace pattern and hints at the tender message within. -Martha)

Heart-Kun

2008-02-11T13:26:00.001-06:00

My sister-in-law just sent me this e-mail...so CUTE!!! Happy Early Valentine's Day!

A PUPPY has been born in Japan with a large, clear, love-heart-shaped pattern in his coat. The Chihuahua was born in May as one of a litter to a breeder. Shop owner Emiko Sakurada said it was the first time a puppy with the marks had been born out of a thousand she had bred. She had no plans to sell the puppy, which has been named 'Heart-kun'. The long-coated male Chihuahua puppy was born in Odate, northern Japan

Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and 2 Days in Paris

2008-02-11T11:16:00.001-06:00

Click for Soundtrack Info
I loved Before Sunrise, then fell in love with Before Sunset too...now, 2 Days in Paris: I really liked this movie, but Before Sunrise and Before Sunset are still my favorites! I watched 2 Days in Paris last night with my sweetie. We both liked it :) It makes me want to watch Before Sunrise and Before Sunset again. Maybe we will watch them together, since he has not seen either of them.

Julie Delpy, having spent the entirety of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise and Before Sunset walking around European cities and talking, decides to take hold of the reins herself in Two Days in Paris. For this somewhat similar gabfest, Delpy writes, directs, and casts herself as one half of a neurotically fun couple, who stop over to visit her parents for a couple of days in (duh) Paris. Adam Goldberg brings his shaggy worrywart persona as Delpy's better half--and why shouldn't he worry? Her parents seem happy to play pranks on him, and Delpy's ex-boyfriends materialize in every arrondissement. Despite their differences in style, these two have enjoyable chemistry together, and Goldberg is gifted with razor-sharp timing. Good to see Delpy, who has often been tapped for ethereal types, playing a feistier character than usual. It doesn't hurt anything at all that they are walking and talking through Paris, a city with an inexhaustible number of attractive angles. At some point you may begin to realize that the movie doesn't seem to be about very much, and without Linklater's ingenious fixed-time structure, there's little urgency to the ongoing conversation. If you haven't seen the Linklater films, absolutely check those out first, and consider this a photogenic side dish. --Robert Horton

2008-02-09T18:18:00.000-06:00

Postsecret: A Valentine Video

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Love Letters

2008-02-06T16:40:00.000-06:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day... I just saw this book on Amazon.com. Description: Fevered notes scribbled on napkins after first dates. Titillating text messages. It's-not-you-it's-me relationship-enders. In Other People’s Love Letters, Bill Shapiro has searched America’s attics, closets, and cigar boxes and found actual letters–unflinchingly honest missives full of lust, provocation, guilt, and vulnerability–written only for a lover’s eyes. Modern love, of course, is not all bliss, and in these pages you’ll find the full range of a relationship, with its whispered promises as well as its heartache. But what at first appears to be a deliciously voyeuristic peek into other people’s most passionate moments, will ultimately reawaken your own desires and tenderness…because when you read these letters, you’ll find the heart you’re looking into is actually your own.

I can't wait to get this book. I am excited :) I hope it's good! This book reminds me of Post Secret (which I love). If you haven't checked those books out either, you should.

the first one: Post Secret (I have this one, the original might be the best?)

My Secret (I have this one too)
The Secret Lives of Men and Women (I have not looked at this one)
A Lifetime of Secrets (I think this one is pretty new, I haven't seen it)

D's Thursday Thirteen

2008-01-31T13:25:00.001-06:00

In response to mine: What makes like super sweet???
1. dreams that you don’t want to wake up from
2. my dog getting up with me every morning and stretching
3. the smell of the country – especially when honeysuckle is in the air
4. warm clothes from the dryer on a cold day
5. getting money you didn’t expect
6. getting together with my two best buddies
7. playing the guitar – especially when it’s in public and everyone claps after a solo
8. sweet tea – hotwings – bbq
9. seeing my favorite bands / guitar players – especially when I can meet them
10. same as your # 10
11. sneakers – I love getting new sneakers
12. having the feeling that God is looking out for me
13. motorcycles
bonus # 14 – seeing Lindsay Palmore’s name pop up in my inbox

Thursday Thirteen

2008-01-31T11:42:00.001-06:00

What makes life SUPER sweet???
1. Seeing your art hung in a show + people looking at it
2. Unexpected handwritten mail
3. Cupcakes + Sprinkles
4. Glitter + anything that sparkles
5. Kissing in the rain
6. Cold grass on your feet
7. Fluffy pink cotton candy
8. Ferris wheels
9. Gerber daisys + wildflowers
10. Candle-lit bubble bath
11. When the new magazines come out that I love- RachaelRay, Lucky, New American Paintings (I applied to get in this one/haven't heard back yet), Adorn
12. Being at the beach- salty ocean, sand on ur body, not too hot though, seashells, morning walks on the beach, surfing, sunsets on the beach, terry cloth cover ups that feel super soft + cold
13. Being in Colorado in the winter- Ski lifts (scary + high, but fun), snowboarding + snow, chili, hot tub, long johns (haha), tubing at night, hot cocoa, fires

Hill of Crosses

2008-01-29T15:17:00.000-06:00

This is one of the most beautiful things I have seen:

I just saw this on Aesthetic Outburst's blog, and I think it is so amazing. I would love to visit here. Can you imagine how you would feel? I will add it to my places to visit one day.

Find out more...click here

If I Marry

2008-01-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

An old friend wrote me about how hard a breakup is and if she will ever find the right man. This quote came to mind:
by Ruth Bell Graham
If I marry: He must be so tall that when he is on his knees, as one has said, he reaches all the way to Heaven. His shoulders must be broad enough to bear the burden of a family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss. Love must be so deep that it takes its stand in Christ and so wide that it takes the whole lost world in. He must be active enough to save souls. He must be big enough to be gentle and great enough to be thoughtful. His arms must be strong enough to carry a little child. You have to believe that there are men out there that have the qualities you desire and deserve. He will come. I think you just have to be patient, not settle, and keep your mind open.

New Music

2008-01-25T20:28:00.000-06:00

well this might just be new to me, but tonight my brother told me about this website, pandora. You type your favorite artist, and it plays a radio stream of music by that artist and others like it. I am so excited. Now I will have something else to listen to at work other than the radio stations on i-tunes, and the woman who works across from me playing a country radio station.

Help me, help me, help me

2008-01-25T16:14:00.000-06:00

I am so bored at work. This is the slowest day ever!!! I have gotten all my work done. It was sleeting earlier, and the thought of being able to get out early made the day seem that much longer i think. Ugh.

Playing Dumb

2008-01-24T16:04:00.000-06:00

Ok...this is something I do all the time. It happened today at work, so I started thinking about it. Have you ever had people ask you a quesion or what a word/thing means but you say "I don't know" when you really do??? I did this today. I just don't want to make the other person feel bad/stupid. I love learning + knowing things...so why don't I act like it?

Rest in Peace

2008-01-24T14:25:00.000-06:00

*Heath Ledger*

April 4th, 1979 - January 22nd, 2008

Tuesday night on the way to pilates, my mom said to me did you know Heath Ledger died? My first thought was in a movie? She said no in real life. I just kept saying seriously, are you sure??? My stomach sank. It made me sick. I just can't beleive it, he was so young. 28! And just had a daughter-Matilda Rose (so pretty)! It's crazy that you can feel that way about someone you don't even know. The first movie I saw him in was 10 Things I Hate About You. I used to watch that movie over and over again. I also loved him in Brokeback Mountain with Michelle Williams (his ex-girlfriend, and the movie where they met). I wonder what she's feeling. It must be so hard.

As the investigation into the death of HEATH LEDGER continues, more definitive information has been released. Police sources say, in a timeline put out on Wednesday, that the 28-year-old actor likely died Tuesday some time between 1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. in his New York City apartment.
At 1 p.m., Ledger's housekeeper, TERESA SOLOMON, entered the actor's bedroom to change a light bulb and witnessed him asleep and could hear him snoring. At 2:45 p.m., a massage therapist, DIANA WOLOZIN, knocked on Ledger's door, but there was no answer. She then tried to contact him on his cell phone, but to no avail. Upon entering the bedroom and setting up the massage table, Wolozin then tried to wake a lifeless Ledger.
Police say that Wolozin proceeded to call Ledger's friend, "Full House" star MARY-KATE OLSEN, whose number was programmed in his phone. Wolozin asked Olsen what she should do and the actress told the masseuse she would send over her private security. Moments later, worried that Ledger may have passed, she called Olsen again before calling 911.
The 911 operator gave Wolozin CPR instructions, but it was too late. Minutes later, the paramedics arrived, along with Olsen's security guards.
Meanwhile, two law enforcement officials tell the Associated Press that authorities found six prescription drugs in Ledger's apartment, including medication to treat insomnia and anxiety. Three of the drugs were reportedly prescribed in Europe, where Ledger had been working recently.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-18T23:09:00.001-06:00

I am Virgo

2008-01-10T09:28:00.000-06:00

VIRGO - The Perfectionist Dominant ( Aug 23 - Sept 22)in relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word.Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager.Hardworking. Lo yal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please.Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.

Michelle Wilson Middleton + My Staircase

2008-01-09T10:31:00.001-06:00

The view up my staircase...This very talented watercolorist + painter used to be my studio partner. I love her work. My *fav* is the little blue boy on the bottom. The moment I saw him, I knew I wanted it. We traded watercolors. She now lives in Birmingham, AL. I miss her very much!!!

Let's Hope a Tornado Doesn't Sweep Me Off My Feet!

2008-01-08T15:26:00.000-06:00

Wind Advisory, Tornado Watch, and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings. Oh boy! Storms make me nervous, but kinda in an excited way. I used to be so afraid of them. Once the sirens went off it was over, I would be crying. You can add flash flood to the list now too.

New Years Resolutions 2008

2008-01-05T20:22:00.000-06:00

We'll see how long some of these last...

Painting Progress Again

2007-12-30T23:21:00.001-06:00

Might be done??? I don't know.

Santa's Kisses

2007-12-30T00:08:00.001-06:00

My Nannie used to make these Hershey's Kisses holder ornaments. They were so cute! We have one left. I decided to try + make one this year. It's not as good; it was hard to figure out! My eyes are a lil close + the nose is black + I decided to add a jingle bell.

Sewing Machine

2007-12-29T21:27:00.000-06:00

For Christmas I got a Singer Prelude sewing machine. It was on sale at Target, and I have always wanted one. Hopefully I learn how to sew :) First project- sewing decorative ribbon to my camera strap. Art quilts are really cool too! Hmm...we'll see!

Merry Christmas to All + to All a Good Night xoxo

2007-12-25T21:38:00.000-06:00

me, grandma + mom
Merry Christmas!

Santa's Hat Inn

2007-12-23T23:54:00.000-06:00

Today I got my second house to my North Pole Series by Department 56. I am going to start collecting these and getting one every Christmas.
Santa's Hat Inn

P.S. I Love You

2007-12-23T23:11:00.000-06:00

I saw this movie too the other night...It was so good. I cried through the whole thing. I guess I'm just a hopeless romantic who loves sad love stories.
P.S. I Love You Y

Serendipity

2007-12-23T22:50:00.000-06:00

Last night I watched Serendipity. I love, love that movie. It is so romantic + sweet. I would love to believe in that magic. Serendipity is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely; an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident. I love that word.

The soundtrack is awesome too!
1. Wood - "Never a Day"
2. Bap Kennedy - "Moonlight Kiss"
3. David Gray - "January Rain"
4. Annie Lennox - "Waiting in Vain"
5. evan and jaron - "The Distance"
6. Heather Nova - "Like Lovers Do"
7. Shawn Colvin - "When You Know"
8. Nick Drake - "Northern Sky"
9. Louis Armstrong - "Cool Yule"
10. Chantal Kreviazuk - "This Year"
11. Brian Whitman - "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me"
12. John Mayer - "83"
13. Alan Silvestri - "Fast Forward"

Nutmeg Logs

2007-12-23T15:01:00.001-06:00

Twinings Christmas Tea +
Nutmeg Logs
*TYPE Shaped Cookie
*DESCRIPTION These log-shaped cookies are redolent with freshly grated nutmeg and spiked with a hint of rum. The silky dough is very easy to work with and you don't even have to chill it before forming the logs. Instead of rolling these cookies on a floured surface, you sprinkle the surface with sugar, which gives the cookies a little crunch and a tad more sweetness.
*LIFESPAN 1 week at room temperature in airtight container
Yield: 40 logs
*INGREDIENTS

Cookies + Frosting:

3 cups all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter,

1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, 2 tablespoons heavy cream

3/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for 2 teaspoons light or drak rum (I used dark)

sprinkling 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon light or dark rum (I used dark)

1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons freashly grated nutmeg

1 large egg

*DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk flour and salt together in a small bowl.

3. In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add granulated sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes; beat in run, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat in egg. Add about one-third of flour mixture and mix on low speed. Gradually add remaining flour, mixing just until blended. Take a handful of dough at a time and shape into a log by rolling it under your palms on a sugared surface into 1/2-inch diameter ropes. Cut ropes into 3-inch lengths. Place logs 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake until light golden brown on bottom and around edges, about 13 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, make frosting. In a medium bowl with mixer on medium high speed, beat the butter until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add confectioners sugar, heavy cream, rum, and vanilla and beat until creamy, about 2 minutes.

5. Place cookie sheets on racks to begin cooling. Immediately, whilte cookies are still warm, spread them with icing, using a small offset spatula. The icing will melt and adhere to cookie (it will harden upon cooling, allowing you to layer these cookies in a tin or mail them, if desired.) (I layered the icing a few times til it was all gone-I like lots of icing + sweetness.) Sprinkle with nutmeg while icing is still wet. Allow cookies to cool and icing to harden before serving.

*FIELD NOTES

Recipe from Alice Ross Bennett Remy

Lois Kathyrn Anderson Morford

2007-12-20T14:14:00.001-06:00

Thirteen Things about My Grandmother

1...She has strong moral values 2...She's a fighter and a lover all at the same time 3...She thinks of others before herself 3...She's delicate, soft-spoken, and tender 4...She makes some kick ass sweet potatoes + creamed corn 5...She'll probably never see me get married or meet my children + that makes me sad 6...She loves to read inspiring books + the bible + Nicolas Sparks books 7...She's great at giving the best gifts 8...She's hip for a grandmother 9...She's very beautiful 10...She's fought cancer for almost a decade 11...She goes to church every Sunday 12...Her first name is Lois, but she goes by Kathyrn 13...I love her very much!!!

Today I found out my Grandmother had more places taken off her that turned out to be cancer again. This might be her last Christmas my mom said. I hope not, but I am going to be sure to enjoy her this Christmas and never take anything for granted.

New Template

2007-12-18T13:02:00.000-06:00

Do you like it??? I think it's cleaner. I want to change my header too when I get some time. Not sure exactly what I want for sure...we'll see.

It's a Yumm Yummy World made for Sweet Hearts

2007-12-16T21:45:00.001-06:00

Lori, Kim, and I made a Gingerbread House...very cute!
Merry Christmas!!!

In the Arms of the Ever-Green-Trees

2007-12-15T17:43:00.000-06:00

We went to the optimist club to get a Christmas tree! -we got a 6'5 $35 dollar scotch pine *what a deal*
Kacey and Vera Lynn went too!
Vera and I

After we decorated...they liked the tree! Vera keeps stealing ornaments off the tree.
The Girls...

Friday 5: Sing of Happy

2007-12-14T10:45:00.001-06:00

What’s your favorite song about growing up? "Remember When"-Alan Jackson (My dad + I's song) + "Gracie"-Ben Folds Five (about his daughter) + "If Tommorrow Never Comes"-Garth Brooks (My dad + I's song) + "In My Life"-The Beatles
What’s your favorite song about cars or driving? "Drive My Car"-The Beatles
What’s your favorite song whose title is a person’s name? "Eleanor Rigby"-The Beatles + "Kate"-Ben Folds Five + "Michelle"-The Beatles + "Anna"-The Beatles + "Bennie and The Jets"-Elton John
What’s your favorite get-up-and-dance song? "Headlock"-Imogen Heap + "All These Things That I've Done"-The Killers
What’s your favorite novelty song? I don't really like novelty songs, unless they are from the 50's or 60's..."Alley Oop"-Dallas Frazier + "Love Potion No.9"-The Clovers

It's a Marshmallow World in the Winter

2007-12-10T21:52:00.000-06:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Def wrapping paper, unless the bad is super cute!
2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Real of course, except my white tree and the old fashioned tinsel/aluminum trees
3. When do you put Christmas tree up? day after thanksgiving, if it's up to me
4. When do you take the tree down? hmm...if it's my tree whenever i get to it. Def after new years.
5. Like eggnog? Nope but I luv boiled custard
6. Do you have a nativity scene? yes-my sis-in-law gave me the willow tree set
7. Favorite gift received as a child? oh gosh! prob. a barbie van and dreamhouse I wanted so bad...every gift was GREAT!
8. Hardest person to buy for? nobody. i'm good at thinking of gifts + like to do it.
9. Easiest person to buy for? myself...haha j/k. Kristen-we don't get each other gifts, that's pretty easy. j/k again.
10. Worst Christmas gift? anything junky that had no thought just to fulfill the purpose of giving a gift : (
11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Mail
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Vacation (family tradition) + Untaimed Heart (took place at Christmastime) + Serendipity
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? whenever i see something...usually early november
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? don't think so...i need to start haha
15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? my grandma's creamed corn + sweet potatoes
16. Clear or colored tree lights? big bulb old fashioned colored lights + bubble lights
17. Favorite Christmas Song? All I want for Christmas-Vince Vance, Same Old Lang Syne-Dan Fogelburg, Baby It's Cold Outside-Jessica Simpson (all b/c they are romantic)
8. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? go to Jackson Christmas day, last year we went to the beach before which was awesome! I like to travel during Christmas.
19. Can you name Santa's reindeer's? you know dasher and dancer and donner and cupid and comet and blicksent(?) rudolf...there out of order mispelled and i'm missing one.
20. Angel or Star on Tree top? old fashioned blinking star...very kitsch
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? from my parents on christmas eve, stocking in the morning, then the rest of the family on christmas day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? the 12 days of christmas songs and when they change it to try to be funny!!! + traffic + annoying people that want to run you down

Kristen and I made Christmas cookies...

We Regret to Inform You...

2007-12-05T11:29:00.000-06:00

Well, for those of you that don't already know, I didn't get the job. 4,000 applicants, 30 positions. Oh well. I would have missed my friends, family, Kacey and Vera SO MUCH!!!

Lighting of the Great Tree at Macy's 2007-Atlanta

2007-12-02T17:46:00.000-06:00

Atlanta Finds @ Lenox Square

2007-12-02T16:05:00.000-06:00

Bloomingdales

Marc By Marc Jacobs Lovely A-Line Satchel (My Splurge)

Little Brown Bag Mini Teddy Bear Waterglobe Ornament (One for me + One for friend)

Juicy Couture Charms

Bloomingdales link

Urban Outfitters

Diana+ (Already Blogged About)

Authentic Whoville Tree

Deery Lou Ornament (I got the one on the top right)

Classic Bubble Light Snowman

Classic Red Nose Santa

Linus Blanket

Hello Kitty Series 1 (I plan on getting these)

Skeleton Key Covers (I got these too)

Urban Outfitters link

Anthropologie

Sunbeam Cardigan (I got this sweater)

Cold Front Shawl + Dreamcoat Cardigan + Petal Montage Poncho (Hmm...I like all of these, can't decide)

Anthropologie link

Diana+

2007-12-02T15:25:00.000-06:00

Diana+
While in Atlanta, I stopped by Urban Outfitters and picked up this awesome camera!!! I love the images it makes. I just hope I can recreate some of the cool pics. I've seen. I am having a lil trouble finding the film. I just ordered some from Calumet, but who knows how long it will take to get here? I love this description:

A blurry-soft and dreamy-toned Diana image is more an interpretation of reality than a correct representation of it. In a way, it’s somehow more accurate to compare the Diana to an oily vintage typewriter than to a megapixel machine of today. With each click of the shutter, a moment is captured in a unique and fairly unpredictable way—and a small narrative begins to reveal itself. As the viewer, you’re invited to read into it and interpret it in your own way. On top of that, you can count yourself as an individual note in the Diana’s illustrious history - which dates back to the better part of 40 years.

Here are a few sample pics...

Diana Camera History

Diana+ Now

New Camera

2007-11-30T20:29:00.001-06:00

Today I picked up my NEW Canon G9. I got the G7 for my birthday, 3mo. ago, and heard there was a new one out so...I talked Wolf Camera (GREAT to buy cameras) into letting me switch them out. THANK YOU!!! I haven't gotten to use it yet b/c the battery is still charging. I love the retro design + look.
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 20 August, 2007 - Canon today launches its new flagship compact for advanced photographers – the 12.1 Megapixel PowerShot G9. The successor to the PowerShot G7 – recently named EISA European Advanced Compact Camera 2007-2008 – the PowerShot G9 incorporates improvements driven by market feedback with a range of user-oriented enhancements, including RAW image capture* and a redesigned grip and thumb rest for improved handling. Other advancements include a high resolution 3.0” PureColor LCD II, enhanced Face Detection Technology and Red-Eye Correction in playback². A wide range of accessories – including optional lenses and Speedlite flash units – now also features Canon’s Speedlite ST-E2 wireless flash transmitter.

“A combination of advanced features, precision Canon optics and user-centric design made the PowerShot G7 our most successful G-series camera yet,” explained Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “By incorporating user requests and adding further enhancements, our engineers have made a great camera even better.”

The PowerShot G9 features:

12.1 Megapixels (1/1.7” sensor) with RAW mode for maximum image control
6x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer and SR coating*
DIGIC III and iSAPS for lightning fast response, superb image quality and advanced Noise Reduction*
Face Detection AF/AE/FE and Red-Eye Correction in playback
3.0” high-resolution, PureColor LCD II with extra wide viewing angle
ISO 1600 and Auto ISO Shift
Compact body with dedicated ISO and Multi Control dials
25 shooting modes including full manual control and 2 custom settings
Extra telephoto reach with Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom*
Hot shoe support for Canon Speedlite flashes and optional lens accessories

Vera's First Birthday

2007-11-30T20:09:00.000-06:00

November 20th: My baby Vera's FIRST Birthday! She is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, and is the BEST dog in the world. She is so sweet and loving. She has a big heart and no brain, haha. She's not the brightest but that's what makes her funny! She loves balls! She likes to play soccer by holding one toy in her mouth, and moving a ball around with her feet. She is the best sleeping partner. She likes to snuggle right up against me, and is the sweetest in the morning. She likes to give lots of kisses and hold hands. She has a pony-tail and bell-bottom feet. I call her vee-vee for short. Her full name is "Eringlo's Firepink Wildfire". She is fiery + wild. She has the prettiest eyes and the softest coat. She is laid back, but loves to play + fight with her Aunt Kacey--also a Wheaten Terrier. They really are related. Kacey is so sweet too! I LOVE them both! I got Vera a cake from Three Dog Bakery...Peanut Butter. And a reindeer stuffed animal. She had a GREAT b-day!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T12:20:00.000-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving. I am at my parents house. My Grandparents, Brother, Sis-in-law, nephews, niece, Uncle, Sister, and Brother-in-law come from Jackson,TN and East Prairie,MO. Right now the kids are upstairs playing with toys. Grandpa is sitting by the fire freezing petting Kacey. My Grandmother and Mom are frantically cooking in the kitchen. Everyone else is watching football on t.v. Last night a storm came in and it is very cold outside today for Memphis,TN. I am videoing and taking pictures.
What's on the menu???

Turkey of course, this year cooked in a bag in the over for four hours on 350F.
Grandma's Dressing (the best!!! I can't wait).
Grandma's Giblet Gravy.
Grandma's Creamed Corn.
Grandma's Sweet Potatoes and I mean sweet-almost a whole bag of sugar.
Grandma's Lime Pineapple Congealed Salad that my mom made.
Pea Casserole.
Brusselsprouts.
Jellied Cranberry Sauce.
Rolls and Biscuits.

Dark Fairy Swap

2007-11-21T07:41:00.000-06:00

These are some pic.s of what I sent my swap partner...

Rain

2007-11-21T07:33:00.000-06:00

I just woke up. It's 7:30 raining + storming outside. I can hear it without even looking. It sounds hard. I'm not looking forward to going to work + fighting the traffic + it's the day before Thanksgiving, can you image the crazy people out there? These are the days where I want to curl up + watch a movie, paint for a while, and do nothing. Unfortunately it's opening mail, typing, filing, and who knows what else. Now I can hear the sound of sirens. How come when it's storming there are always sirens- is it people getting into wrecks, houses struck by lightening, or ???

Daily Aesthetic

2007-11-19T17:23:00.000-06:00

NEW BLOG...this will be my blog just about art + artists I love.
Please visit: http://dailyaesthetic.blogspot.com/

$23,000 Frrozen Haute Chocolate

2007-11-17T09:51:00.001-06:00

This sounded good to me until mice + cockroaches! Gross! And I love Serendipity. What a shame. : ( A Manhattan restaurant that unveiled a record-breaking $25,000 dessert last week has been forced to shut its doors temporarily due to an infestation of mice and cockroaches.

Serendipity 3 on the Upper East Side failed its second consecutive health inspection in a month on Wednesday night after health officials found a live mouse, mouse droppings in multiple places, flies and dozens of live cockroaches, the Heath Department said.

"We're rectifying it as quickly as we can," said owner Steven Bruce, adding the restaurant would then be allowed to reopen.

Serendipity 3 set a Guinness world record on November 7 for the most expensive dessert when it partnered with luxury jeweler Euphoria New York to create "Frrozen Haute Chocolate," a blend of 28 cocoas fused with 0.2 ounces of edible 23-karat gold.

It comes with an 18-karat gold bracelet with 1 carat of white diamonds at the base of the goblet. The sundae is topped with whipped cream covered with more gold and a side of La Madeline au Truffle from Knipschildt Chocolatier, which sells for $2,600 a pound.

The desert is a more decadent take on Serendipity's $8.50 "Frrrozen Hot Chocolate," which the talk show host Oprah Winfrey once endorsed by saying it made her want to "dance on the chandeliers." Bruce also has a $1,000 ice cream sundae on the menu called Golden Opulence.

(Reporting by Edith Honan; Editing by Daniel Trotta and Sandra Maler)

Second Interview

2007-11-15T12:54:00.000-06:00

Well I just got back from Atlanta. It wasn't that bad. I found the hotel. It was a lil creepy + nasty. I don't like hotels :) Unless they are really nice (lil spoiled, sorry). Then I went shopping at the North Point Mall in Alpharetta. I had a few hours til the interview. I got to the Lexas Southern Region: looked at cars, had dinner, presentation, panel discussion, and informal discussions. After the interview I went to the Cheesecake Factory to celebrate that it was over, and got a Vanilla Bean Cheesecake that was awesome! Then later I checked my mail + heard that I had made it to the second interview which is at the same place on Nov. 29th. I think my mom may come too so we can spend a few days in Atl and go shopping. I am nervous. I would be moving to Cali!!! What do you think??? Can I do it??? Do I want to???

New Hair + New Me + Maybe New Job

2007-11-13T21:08:00.001-06:00

Today I got my hair cut + colored. The color was supposed to look like this...but since I have my interview tomorrow we decided to tone it down a lil'. Next time. The cut was a surprise. Short! It feels so weird. It barely fits into a pony-tail. And the new me part- Tomorrow I fly alone to Atlanta, rent a car, + stay in a hotel. ALL ALONE. This is big for me + a first. I am becoming independent. :) who knew? Plans: Toyota Dinner, Presentation + Panel Discussion, + Informal Discussion. Hmm... We'll see if I make it to the third round. Wish me Luck! I won't be able to blog til Thurs.

Toyota

2007-11-12T13:01:00.001-06:00

This is my NEW car!!! A 2008 Hybrid Highlander. I love it! This is the exact color and everything.
More news...I am interviewing with Toyota also. I passed the phone interview and made it to the second round; They are flying me to Alpharetta, GA where their Lexus Southern Region is. I get a rental car + staying in a hotel all by myself- this is a first! Little scary, Little exciting. Lots of Nervous :)

Dark Fairy Swap

2007-11-11T10:45:00.000-06:00

I signed up for Free People's Dark Fairy Swap + Original Post. My partner was Kathy L. Maxwell + this is what she sent me: A Vintage Hanky Box lined in Velvet, Framed Note Card, Handmade Book, + note. Very sweet! I loved it. Here is the link for the Flickr Dark Fairy Group.

Official Blog Month

2007-11-11T10:40:00.000-06:00

Did you know that November is national Blog Posting Month??? Guess I'm a lil late, but you are supposed to post every day (30 days) in the month of November. I will try to do it for the rest of the month. Nablopomo is the site.

Flu Shot

2007-11-07T13:57:00.000-06:00

I got the flu shot yesterday. Now I feel like crap! I feel like a ton of bricks are on my head and shoulders. My arm is killing me!

Quotes for the Day

2007-11-05T13:56:00.000-06:00

"Creativity demands nothing less than all you have. Talent alone is never enough." -Erica Jong

"Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you." -T.A. Barron

These quotes were on my new Nutcracker Sweet Holiday Tea box.

Pumpkin Carving

2007-11-04T22:30:00.000-06:00

Vera was a Mermaid for Halloween and Kacey was a Pumpkin...so cute! I love my babies!!!

This is the pumpkin I carved. It is a jellyfish and some circles. It matched Vera's costume!

My parents Halloween Decorations...

Painting Progress

2007-11-04T22:21:00.001-06:00

In progress painting...still bothers me...
This is my favorite part!!!

Halloween Decorations + Fall Planting

2007-10-21T14:55:00.000-05:00

Somewhere to Paint + New Painting

2007-10-21T14:46:00.000-05:00

This room is getting smaller and smaller. I'm beginning to think the guest bed was a bad idea. I set up an area to paint again finally. I've just been painting small on the table. This is the biggest painting I've done- 30X30. I'm trying to just get into it again and not worry so much. I feel kinda lost like I don't know what to paint or how. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully Great!

Pumpkins

2007-10-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

We went to the Showcase of Dogs at the Agricenter for St. Jude. Then we got pumpkins at the nursery next to the Farmers Market. They had all kinds of different pumpkins. I got a Jarrahdale pumpkin (the grey one next to Vera) and a Cinderella pumpkin.

Mail Art

2007-10-13T16:28:00.000-05:00

Roger FINALLY got my mail art!!! It took forever. First it got sent back because I used see through velum as the envelope, and put the stamps on the inside. Stamps cannot be covered up. Noted. This is the story of Thumbelina, or Little Tiny by Hans Christian Anderson. I used to love this story when I was a little girl. The things that stood out were the cradle made of a walnut shell and rose petals as blankets. She made a boat out of a petal. She was held hostage on a lily pad. In the real story she was named Maia in the very end. I just might name my daughter Maia one day. I think it is very pretty!

Thursday Thirteen

2007-10-04T11:54:00.001-05:00

Read Craft, Inc. I want my own business!!! so I can paint and make money!
Do Laundry-clothes are piling up & sheets need to be washed!
Clean the house!- which I HATE to do!!! Hire housekeeper-haha
Lock myself up and make myself paint on Saturday!!!
Set up & prepare for phone interview for Toyota-in California!!!
Prepare myself for moving to CA!!!
Go to grocery!
Clean out old stuff in refridgerator.
Order Halloween costume- think I've decided on a character from Alice in Wonderland.
DLG-Opening Hamlett Dobbins @ 6-8
Make appt. for Tropical Island Retreat Spa Day at Gould's
Do Illustration Friday.
Sketch & Blog.

New Palette, New Watercolors

2007-10-01T17:45:00.001-05:00

This is my new porcelain palette and my new Winsor + Newton Artist Grade Watercolors. I tested out new color combinations on my watercolor moleskine.

Halloween Costume

2007-10-01T17:43:00.001-05:00

My first idea for Halloween, now I am thinking of going as Alice in Wonderland???